In a world where young people suffer from FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) on social media, somehow that doesn’t apply to in-person events. Event planners frequently tell me how hard it is to get millennials to show up for events like conferences or resume workshops.While I hear this complaint about Millennials, the truth is it’s a multigenerational audience issue: It’s amazing how many people now sign up for something but don’t...
On Halloween, you get permission to be something that you’re not, surprising the world with a big reveal.I’ve found something similar in my work with millennials: Many people have specific, often negative stereotypes about this generation. They’re surprised when they find someone behind the “millennial mask” with traits they weren’t expecting: hardworking, humble, inquisitive, to name a few.When I talk to people about my wo...
I’ll admit it — I am a sucker for “secret hack” posts. Although typically they build the anticipation up to the big reveal at the end, I’m going to give you the good stuff right away in this post, because it’s so simple and easy.Here’s the “secret” hack to marketing to millennials: Include a millennial in every meeting about marketing to millennials. If you’re not doing this, you’re missing out on the easiest, most effectiv...
The world changes fast, and people often ask how I stay on top of millennial workplace trends. The short answer is I that read and talk to people. A lot.While I try to take a really broad approach to my subject area, I definitely have some go-to sources that I rely on regularly. If you’re interested in keeping your finger on the pulse of the next generation of employees and leaders, check out these top picks:YPulseWho it’s...
According to a report by Deloitte and The Manufacturing Institute, two million manufacturing positions are likely to go unfilled in the next decade due to a lack of skilled workers. Another study, this one from the Brookings Institution, named manufacturing as one of four “promising” industries that has not yet tapped into the potential of the younger workforce.Where are all the millennials in manufacturing? We talked with...
“Oh yay! A meeting!” said no one, ever. Your typical meeting brings typical complaints: It’s long. Boring. Useless.But make no mistake – your meeting style matters to your career success and becoming a master of meetings will bolster your brand as a leader.I revisit this topic a lot: In fact, when I talked with MSNBC’s The Cycle about Gen Y “becoming the boss” in the workplace, they asked about meeting style.My belief is th...
Sports metaphors have always invaded the business world: We “throw Hail Marys” and “make game-day decisions.” And, as a new football season kicks off, the connection between business and sports is everywhere.I’ve taken particular notice this year because football teams have started to talk about the ways they’re adapting their tactics for a new generation of millennial players. No matter which team you’re cheering for this...
Hoping to capture the buying power of the parents of all the little Avas and Liams being born these days?Then make sure you’re addressing millennials – who comprise the majority of today’s new moms and dads. I’ve been immersed in this topic lately as I’ve worked on research for The Hartford’s survey of millennial parents. And recently, millennial parents have influenced employers such as Microsoft and Netflix to announce si...
By now I hope it’s no secret that millennials are looking for more from their work than just a paycheck and a place to spend their days. The perfect fit is all about culture.New York University and Harvard Business School graduate Phil Strazzulla (yes, he’s also a millennial) noticed there was a lack of detailed employer information available for young job seekers — and also no clear way for companies to showcase their empl...
Deliver a speech. Give a presentation. Share a few thoughts. No matter what you call it, speaking in front of a group — even a small one — tops most people’s dread list.In fact, you may have heard public speaking is Americans’ No. 1 fear. (Hence the old joke that most people would rather be in the casket than delivering the eulogy.)Still, learning to speak well is key to building business relationships, especially if you’re...