It’s been predicted that 78 million baby boomers will retire over the next 25 years, and the devastating effects will be felt around the world. If you’ve not heard about the baby boom crisis here’s what people have been saying and experiencing since 2003.

A group of researchers in Finland produced a report back in 2003 called, “Preparing for the Labour Market Change, Caused by the Baby Boom Generation”. It says that from 2010, the population will start to decrease, and by 2030 will have decreased by about 400,000 people, and that labour capacity will continue it’s downward trend through the 2010s, with 30,000 people walking out the door every year. And to make matters worse, we don’t have the young people to replace them.

However, Kevin Coyne from Coyne Partnership Inc. disagrees with this theory. He thinks that there is no loss to be had from boomers leaving the marketplace. As their slow departure will give the economy time to adjust itself.

David Walker, US Chief Accountant, would say otherwise. He’s noted as saying, that the US will see a major crisis in the near future, with the walk out of baby boomers, which will put the US economy on red alert.

You won’t be surprised when I tell you that, with so much hype comes a kind of apathy, and few companies are doing anything right now to get ready for the looming crisis and think business will be the same as before.

Hiding ones head under the duvet, and thinking this won’t happen to you is crazy thinking. And even if it doesn’t happen to you, it will certainly affect the companies you serve, which means it will effect you, one way or another.

If the figures are correct, this is a quick peak at what could happen in the next two years.

Buyers will stop purchasing your services in an effort to cut costs in an effort to slow down the threat of closure. And your once healthy list, slowly grows thiner as more and more of your clients face closure.

Fulfillment agencies, will feel the heat the most. As finding the right person for the job will become even harder than it is now. It’s estimated that things will certainly grow worse in this area, before it improves.

We can’t stop baby boomers retiring in their droves, but there are three key marketing tactics smart, forward thinking companies can put into place to protect themselves against the looming storm, and they are to:

– Get a grip on how the mass exodus could affect you — Design a powerful client profile — Create a focused marketing campaign to build strong relationships

Forward thinking companies who want to survive and thrive in 2008 and beyond, have no choice but to start preparing right now, and these three marketing tactics are the way to go.