By Maria Elena Duron
Multicultural Networking Editor
It used to be that when you spoke about diversity, you were referring to nationality, ethnic background, religion and even the number of males or females, yet now when you say “diversity” it can also me diversity in generations.
According to Carolyn Coleman-Arnold, Director of the Permian Basin Board of Realtors, connecting to and being able to communicate with different generations is one of the biggest challenges in the real estate business. After all, you buyers and sellers and agents can be a whole host of different generations.
It’s important to understanding the values and vision of each generation to make a great connection! And, unfortunately, assumptions abound. Over the next few articles, here in the National NetWorker, I’ll focus on some assumptions that are obstacles in your networking with a particular generation and some best practices that will further you efforts in creating relationships with each generation.
Generation Y: A product of the self esteem movement and heightened parental involvement – they are used to be told their special and important; highly skilled in digital communication; and appreciative of group projects. While there are workaholics in any age group, Generation Y tends to be “done” when they’re done at work. That makes it a uniquely challenging to find opportunities to network with Gen Y.
Social networking online like Ning.com, Twitter, and Blitz events provide more of an online connection and opportunities for virtual conversations that deepen relationships without physically having to go anywhere.
When you can “tweet” a need on Twitter from any mobile phone, you can literally be in line at the bank and sharing your thoughts on someone’s post or a book they’ve recommended via their Twitter feed.
Often, in meetings, Generation Y is reprimanded for being preoccupied with their technology – emailing and texting during meetings. In actuality, they might be polling their contacts for information or recommendation on the subject/problem of the meeting. They might be combing their database for contact information for some resources that could provide answers to the topic. Or, they could be making a task note to do more research on the subject. And, they could even be surfing the net for relevant information. It’s important to know that Generation Y sees all of their digital resources available on their cell phones (mini-computers) to be viable resources at anytime. Often, there’s a huge disconnect with baby boomers and traditionalists who may see that kind of activity in a meeting and consider it rude.
Generation Y will even text people they’re in the room with. It’s much like passing notes – it’s faster (to them) and they don’t have to worry about anyone overhearing their conversation. So, just because a Gen Yer is texting when you are talking to them, don’t discount that they’ve blown you off – they could be connecting you to someone in that very same room!
Equally as challenging, is understanding the language. Text language is much different than what we would say in an email. You must be extremely creative and to the point when you only have 140 characters to express yourself.
An anonymous Gen Yer shared recently at a meeting, “I don’t like all the flowery talk of the older generations – just give me the facts and info I need and I’ll run with it.”
Many conversations focus on the health of our planet and the resources we utilize. It’s a topic that’s been prevalent for most of Gen Y’s life.
To network with Gen Y:
· Learn the language
· Learn the causes and focus
· Check in and check back often providing consistent feedback and conversation
· Get Techie
· Create group activities/opportunities
Next month, we’ll focus on Generation X. I know I’ll have even loads to share with you then since I am a Gen Xer!
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Posted to THE NATIONAL NETWORKER. To subscribe for your free newletter, go to www.TheNationalNetworker.com. For the complete National Networker Relationship Capital Toolkit and a free RSS feed, go to: http://thenationalnetworkerweblog.blogspot.com.
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