When I first was introduced to the business world, I quickly learned a few things:
- Networking norms are different depending on where you are and who you’re with.
- Activities, even as simple as eating, make it more enjoyable.
- Millennials are rarely found.
With these things in mind I began brainstorming a spin off from, MotorCity Connect. I shared the idea with a few others calling it “MotorCity Millennials.” Thanks to these rockstars, we’ve put together multiple events such as dinners, bar nights, and-the latest-SKYDIVING!
From these experiences I’ve learned a few things about my OWN generation. Here are those thoughts:
1. We’re open source. We share ideas and continuously ask for the input of others. We’re constantly researching and helping others with their projects, regardless of an immediate benefit. Why? Passion. We love what we do and don’t feel bogged down by mainstream expectations.
2. We would rather build friendships than build our Rolodex. With that said, we love working with our friends. This means loyalty. This also means meetings with a lot of laughing.
3. We love working in new environments–whether that means a beanbag chair in our office or a coffee shop across town.
4. To us, flexibility is as valuable as cash. When offered jobs, we weigh the flexibilities right next to the benefits packages. We like to be trusted to manage our own time, meaning we appreciate the flexibility of working from home or bringing the dog to work.
5. We have mad d-bag radar. There are just some people we identify as a d-bag. There’s really no nice way around that. It’s not as if we hold meetings to establish who these people are, but it’s clear once a certain d-bag stops getting invited out, s/he’s been identified. Granted, it’s hard to get d-bag status. Characteristics generally include annoying “selling” vibes, the guy with no social skills and a business card in your face, the chronic drunk…
6. We don’t mind explaining our terms as long as you stop getting frustrated when we use our terms. “WTF?” “BTW” and “lollerskates” might occasionally slip out. Not a reason to halt conversation to discuss or slow progress to Google.
I think this is good for now. Please add to this list and/or tell me what I have right and wrong.
___________
For your amusement:
The inaugural video:
MCC Millennials Discuss Networking from Shauna Nicholson on Vimeo.
