[Fredslist] Response to Cross-Generational Networking question aspromised

Fri Feb 5 11:23:13 EST 2010

Hi, Phyllis:

Thanks for the thoughtful response to this question.  I think it validated
that I am doing the right thing despite certain gaps in pop cultural
references!  I think your idea of posting the question and response will be
helpful to other Gotham members facing similar situations.

Lynda Feld

Aavis Resources

Main No:  (212) 753-4272

Direct Line:  (212) 572-6204

  _____  

From: fredslist-bounces at gothamnetworking.com
[mailto:fredslist-bounces at gothamnetworking.com] On Behalf Of Phyllis Weiss
Haserot
Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2010 11:54 PM
To: fredslist at gothamnetworking.com
Subject: [Fredslist] Response to Cross-Generational Networking question
aspromised

My question is how to break the ice when networking with a much younger
group.  I have recently been attending events with professionals much
younger than myself and would love some tips about feeling comfortable when
there is a very obvious age difference.--Lynda Feld

In response to Lynda Feld's very good and not uncommon  question (above) to
me, about how she, a Boomer, can feel more comfortable networking with the
younger generations X and Y/Millennials (same thing), how to approach them
and talk with them at an event:, here are my thoughts:

I don't really have that problem (which is one reason I have been dubbed
"the cross-generational voice'), so I've reflected on why that is, besides
the fact that over the last dozen years or so I have become steeped in
generational attributes, relationships, challenges and benefiting from age
diversity. Clearly acquiring that knowledge and awareness helps.

But fundamentally, networking and dealing with people of different
generations from our own is similar to the recipe for any kind of successful
networking with a few twists.

*	Have a sincere interest in the other person.
*	If you really want to learn about their interests, how you can help
them, what makes them tick, it will show. (If you are bored and
uncomfortable, that will show too.)  Ask questions about them with
enthusiasm.

Here's what Generations X and Y/Millennials want basically:

*	To feel important
*	To be heard
*	To have their ideas sought out
*	To feel respected and valued
*	To feel you enjoyed the conversation
*	To sense your authenticity

When you are networking if there are people you know in the room, introduce
the young people to them and make those people feel comfortable by giving a
snippet about them to lay a foundation for common ground or a conversation
starter.

Also offer to introduce your new young acquaintance to people outside the
event you know. They are hungry to build their networks and learn from
experienced people, and your offer shows you respect them and the value they
might bring to an older person.

Don't worry about having to be an expert in their music, sports or other
interests if you don't really care to be. That's inauthentic and they will
pick up on it.

Does this make sense?

One of the keys is to get outside yourself and feel excited by what you can
learn about and from each new person you meet. It's a state of mind that you
can adopt if it doesn't come naturally. I am lucky that it does come
naturally to me. I feel fortunate to have many good friends who are much
younger than I am and love their company and hanging out with their friends.
We energize each other, and it's a great feeling.

Thanks again for the question. I hope this has been helpful. If you need
more help, there's coaching.

I encourage all of you to approach me with your inter-generational relations
challenges (workplace or business-focused ones). I am happy to address them.
I love this stuff! And I would be happy to speak at more of the Gotham
groups (I have spoken at 2 of them) if you are interested.

Onward optimistically,

Phyllis

Phyllis Weiss Haserot
President, Practice Development Counsel
Consulting/Coach to the Next Generation
Author of "The Rainmaking Machine:" and "The Marketer's Handbook of Tips &
Checklists" (both West 2009)

Voice:: 212-593-1549
pwhaserot at pdcounsel.com  
please visit: www.pdcounsel.com  
and blog http://www.nextgeneration-nextdestination.com
Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/pwhaserot
http://www.linkedin.com/companies/practice-development-counsel

----- Original Message ----- 

From: Lynda <mailto:l.feld at aavisresources.com>  Feld 

To: fredslist at gothamnetworking.com 

Sent: Thursday, February 04, 2010 11:49 AM

Subject: FW: [Fredslist] 7 Secrets of Collaborative Dialogue

Based on Phyllis' specialty of intergenerational communication, I had a
question for her which other Gothamites might also have an interest in.
Phyllis graciously agreed to answer my question on FredsList so that we
might all benefit from her expertise.

My question is how to break the ice when networking with a much younger
group.  I have recently been attending events with professionals much
younger than myself and would love some tips about feeling comfortable when
there is a very obvious age difference.

Lynda Feld

Aavis Resources

Main No:  (212) 753-4272

Direct Line:  (212) 572-6204

  _____  

From: fredslist-bounces at gothamnetworking.com
[mailto:fredslist-bounces at gothamnetworking.com] On Behalf Of Phyllis Weiss
Haserot
Sent: Wednesday, February 03, 2010 11:42 PM
To: fredslist at gothamnetworking.com
Subject: [Fredslist] 7 Secrets of Collaborative Dialogue

Dear Gothamites,    

I invite you to a free teleseminar/webcast I will be doing live on February
9th, 2010 at 12:30-1:15pm EST on Bright Talk.

GETTING MULTI-GENERATIONAL WORK TEAMS TO SHINE

7 Secrets of Collaborative Dialogue

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