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Net Geners communicate differently than previous generations and are today’s parents. They don’t use phones and television the way we used to. Get with “The Program”!
The Net Generation
Did you know that there are now more Net Geners than Baby Boomers? The Net Geners, Grown Up Digital generation, have never experienced dial up internet or black and white TV. They speak a different language. LOL!
If you need to communicate with this generation, learn to speak their language in a way they understand.
Parents
Net Geners are typically under 35 and have Grown Up Digital. These are today’s parents of the elementary level children and understand the technology being used today. If you want to engage this generation, you better be in the social media sphere. They don’t typically take phone calls and are not as likely to return them. It takes far too long.
There is still some of the Gen Xers out there who are parents of teenagers in high school. They may or may not understand this digital world. If you are in the teaching profession and want to engage these parents, you certainly have your work cut out for you. Some will speak Net Gen and most will barely understand how to use social media effectively.
Make sure you understand who your audience is in business and in society.
Clients and Prospects
“Back in the day”, we were used to discovering the world and opportunities through television and we phoned our buddies when we wanted to arrange an outing or gathering. Net Geners don’t work that way. They arrange “flash mobs” in minutes through Twitter, Instagram and other social media tools. They and their children learn more through Youtube than they will ever learn in the classroom or at a business briefing.
You are no longer an authority just because you are in a position. You need to earn their respect and, only then, might they follow you. Learn the language of today.
21st Century
Far too many organizations are stuck in the 19th and 20th centuries. We are trying to push our ideas out to people expecting them to be awed by our knowledge and willing to take our word at face value. There was a day when the teacher stood at the front of the classroom and we were expected to memorize the stuff that gushed from their mouths.
With Google and other web browsers, they can find out far more than we know in seconds. Net Geners don’t take your word for it, they check the facts before you finish your presentation. Today’s generation learn and buy from people they know, like and trust.
Simon Sinek: If You Don’t Understand People, You Don’t Understand Business from 99U on Vimeo.
Welcome to the new millenium. I would highly recommend reading Don Tapscott’s Grown Up Digital to get a handle on how to navigate this brave new world.
Make it a great day,
Barry
P.S. What am I thankful for today? I’m thankful for my life experience. I’m thankful for an open mind. I’m thankful for Google et al!
What are you thankful for today?
Please share ...
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