Gain insight into Virtual Networking from a Gen Y writer. Read 3 tips on sourcing the right contacts.
Look through the Gen Y Lens
The definition of networking has changed dramatically over the past 20 years, quickly changing from face-to-face event hopping, to mastering your presence in social media. Thanks to technology, professionals and ambitious teens have many more opportunities to build relationships. This gives us access to find almost every individual we want to. The challenge is the same: to identify the right contacts and build real relationships.
From a Gen Y perspective… For older corporate leaders it might be intimidating connecting with cyber-centric Millennials. Unlike Baby Boomers or Generation X, Gen Yers have grown up in a technological and egocentric world. Whether you are reaching out to Gen Y as a way to recruit new leaders or to incorporate young members into your organization, I highly recommend that you form appropriate connections with them to ensure optimum engagement. Here are three tips for networking with Gen Y:
1. What’s in it for the Trophy Kids?
Millennials tend to be more egocentric than their forerunners simply because of the way they were raised. Gen Y, also referred to as “Trophy Kids”, have been rewarded for success over and over again, but many times for the mere fact that they just took part in something, such as playing the tree in the school play. Thus, this generation can be hesitant to leave the comfort of an adoring family home.
Therefore, I suggest that when you try to engage with them, you should stress how your offering will benefit them. If you can offer them a competitive salary, laid back work environment, fast progression, an easier life, and personal and professional growth, then I recommend you mention these benefits early on in your relationship. It will get their attention and decrease the chances of them becoming disengaged later on. Show Gen Y that they are the focus and you will appeal to their determined nature.
2. Write Cleverly
No one responds well to uncertainty or imprecision, right? Enticing Generation Y with your clever writing could do wonders for your business by showing this pool of new thought leaders exactly what they are committing to when engaging with your company. Here are some ideas for writing to attract suitable and sustainable Gen Y employees:
- Give them the numbers! Include facts and figures rather than imprecise declarations; for example, instead of ‘we have an impressive client database’ say ‘our database boasts over 20,000 customers…’
- Be clear and brief, make your call to action easily understandable
- End on a high level of enthusiasm; Gen Yers are positive and big dreamers and so should you!
3. Be Modern
When networking with Gen Yers, I urge you to sell yourself and connect with Millennials through the latest digital spheres and digital marketing techniques. We will feel that you “get” us and that our relationship could be virtual as well as real. Here are some more ideas:
- Create an infographic with all your significant points instead of writing a paragraph on it.
- Add some humor with fun pictures or videos.
- Delete typical stock images and share personal ones.
- Make something that’s unique; anything weird and wonderful will be loved by Gen Y’s.
Remember, we grew up with social media and technology, so we will naturally be expecting you to be on top of your tech game.