e-Tips
Online Networking – The Generational Perspective
- Social networking is the perfect tool for getting young professionals to do what marketing professionals have been asking of them for years: keep in touch with classmates and other peers.
- Boomers are flocking to Linkedin and Twitter trying to catch up with the social networking trends and tools. Many still use Linkedin passively, fearing the time commitment or unsure of how to take advantage of the capabilities, but they are eager to learn how to use the features for business development/marketing.
- Boomers’ participation on Facebook is steadily growing but not primarily with a business purpose unless they have a young target market or are using it for recruiting.
- Many or most Linkedin groups appear to be cross-generational – a good opportunity for dialogue without stereotyping.
- With web 2.0 tools and activities, the user is in control. Employers are not in control of what employees do online when using their own technology. Freedom requires responsibility.
- Professionalism issues can arise. Firm leaders are leery of leaving Gen Y/Millennials unmonitored with access to web 2.0 sites. Some block access, but this tends to be counter-productive (and may even cause problems when trying to make business presentations involving use of the internet.
- Firms can channel Gen Y enthusiasm by harnessing creativity and social networking and tech skills for firm business development/ marketing and recruiting. Make a junior professional the relevant committee co-chair.
- Take the online contacts offline when feasible to develop deeper relationships.
- Web 2.0 tips and techniques are a great reciprocal mentoring and reverse mentoring topic.
- Boomers worry about the online social networking time commitment taking away from work, live relationships and personal life. To Gen Y, social networking is integral to life.
Phyllis
© Phyllis Weiss Haserot, 2010. All rights reserved.
* The generational chronology for easy reference: Generations are defined by the similar formative influences – social, cultural, political, economic – that existed as the individuals of particular birth cohorts were growing up. Given that premise, the age breakdowns for each of the four generations currently in the workplace are approximately:
Traditionalists: born 1925-1942
Baby Boomers born 1943-1962
Generation X born 1963-1978
Generation Y/Millennials born 1979-1998
For coaching, training and special programs on inter-generational relations and maximizing the potential of young professionals, call Phyllis for an exploratory talk or complimentary coaching session at 212-593-1549. We also provide *Next Generation, Next Destination* succession and transitioning planning programs and services for baby boomer senior professionals and their firms.