Gen Y: Add Value, Grow Fast

One of the greatest gifts our generation has been given is our ambition and the unlimited potential for success. One of the lessons I feel some of us have missed is that you need to add value first before you can reap the rewards. Here's an example.  

In my past, I went to work for a start-up theme park. I was hired as a sales guy, but knew that I really wanted to do marketing for the park. I hate sales. Truly hate it but I did it until I could show the CEO a little something I could do in the marketing world. I knew with this certain CEO that the only way for me to become the marketing director would be for me to produce big sales numbers while offering marketing input when I could. I added value to the company first and eventually was given the responsibilities of marketing at the park. 

If I would have just tried to become the marketing director from the get-go, I wouldn't have made it to my goal. I learned that if one creates value for an organization, growth occurs on two levels. First, the person grows personally adding all the valuable lessons obtained creating value. Second, employers reward those that make positive changes to the organization. This may mean more money in your pocket or a greater position in time. 

What I'm saying is that you must add value to the company for you to grow. The more value you add to the company, the faster you grow. It's really that simple. Put your company first and you will be destined to grow. 

If not, get out. The place isn't progressive enough for you. It happens. Don't let it. Different topic all together. 

Generation Y are not "Brats!"

Generation Y has been called a lot of things in the past. Sometimes we are called ambitious, self-confident, mentor-driven, open, and contradictory. However, in a presentation on Generation Y that I gave today, we were called something completely different and unique. "Brats" was the word I believed he used. 

Now, of course I defended Generation Y and came up with all the different ways how as an awesome generation we are in fact effective and productive. The gentleman (a Boomer) was not having it. He protested that all the traits I was describing made us Brats and would not let it go.

Generation Y are not "Brats." 

Listen. Ambition is amazing anyway you look at it. I feel that Generation Y is more open, honest and willing to learn than any other generation out there. As a matter of fact, many feel that way. What we do get a bad rap for are a few areas in which we differ. 

Hard Work

It's funny to me that older generations don't think we work hard. The bottom line is that we are all trying to bust our butt to be productive and make a mark on this world. Whereas Boomers and Xers want to work hard within the certain businesses that they call a job, Yers want to help out their business, but also be involved elsewhere in the community. Work to us is all things within and outside or our profession. Do you think that I am involved with all the extra organization and clubs because I want to fill up free time? No. I'm interested in growing and helping. I'm interested in causes. I'm interested in more than just my job. 

Communication

We've been handed a lot of opportunity as Generation Y. That's a great thing. Due to our ambition, we need guidance to start projects and find out how we are being evaluated. We need to open the communication lines with our supervisors. One thing that reverbed in my brain from today's discussion is that Boomers and Xers don't want to talk to us. They have been told to figure it out and they fully expect us to. What fun is that? I want to figure out a problem all right, but what good is it for me to figure out the wrong way to do something that's already been don't wrong? One gentleman asked if Generation Y had to invent the light bulb like Edison, could we do it. I told him absolutely, and we'd probably do it faster due to the fact that we'd team up, but also ask for help. Not to discredit Edison, we didn't hang, but the point I am trying to make is that if I am asked to solve something, I want to know all the previous approaches to trying to make it work FIRST. Then I'll bust it to figure it out. 

I told the gentleman that no, Generation Y are not "Brats." We are not challenged enough at times and that makes us uneasy and unproductive. My kindergarden teacher tried to start this doubt in me. She wanted to put me on some A.D.D. meds because I was disruptive and being a "Brat" in class. Once she challenged me, gave me some clear goals (now I decide them myself of course) I was back on track. I was applied. I was doing something. 

I encourage Generation Y to begin talking to your managers more. Open those lines of communication. You don't know if you can take on more if you don't ask. They won't know if you need more help if you don't tell them.  

An incredible message in an unusual place.

A few days ago, one of my roommates received the new Patagonia Fall 2008 Catalog. As an outdoor enthusiast, I was thumbing through the pages and came across a bit of unexpected motivational advice. 

Steve House wrote:

Motivation is the ultimate clean energy. So fueled we try, and usually fail, to reach our summit goal. Bargaining for better conditions, a stronger self or a bluer sky. Trading success to live another day. But success, when achieved, is empty. by attaining the goal we lose it, and then we are lost again. Goals are the plot lines to our lives.

Many say that success is a journey and not a destination. Think about it. When have you been successful? I know some of the largest successes in my life usually come in the blink of an eye. While they are incredibly important to relish in these moments, they are usually brief. An incredible business presentation, winning an important game and even the act of getting married all happen within a few hours time. But the lasting euphoria left behind carries us forever. 

So while having a successful event is important, don't lose site of the internal lessons and gain happening within your own soul along the way. It's incredibly hard to do, especially the more pressure one places on the successful event. It's like climbing an incredible mountain and only seeing the rocks under your feet. Stop, take a deep breath of that crisp mountain air and bask in the incredible scenery. Then. Keep. Going. One. Slow. Step. At. A. Time. 

Photo credit: Mark Prezel

Whoever you are, wherever you go, you are being watched

When I decided to be an entrepreneur, I thought it was really cool to wear shorts all day, not shower and all that other college-y crap that was cool. It was the best of both worlds; be comfortable and creative or dress-up for meetings with another. 

A short time after, (like 2 weeks) I needed to make a change. My attitude and work ethic was representative of my wardrobe. If I dressed like a slob, my work suffered. So I changed. 

But what about your day off? I went to lunch today with a good friend of mine and ran into an old business acquaintance and friend. Now, this old friend was actully somebody that I tremendously respect and was excited to see him. I hadn't gotten a chance to reach out to him since moving back to town. He was excited to hear about The R Companies and all the great things I am doing and we agreed to meet for drinks later. 

When I sat down at lunch and it registered what I was wearing. A t-shirt, torn jeans, and bright green shoes.  I found myself in a state of disappointment. I portrayed the part of a slob instead of a successful entrepreneur. Great work self. 

Have you ever been caught off-guard at the grocery store by running into somebody and wish you would have looked better? I remember one time that I was at a department store with a new girl a few weeks after breaking-up with a girlfriend. While I mentally had given up on the relationship a while ago, it made me look really bad and I felt awful. (Don't analyze me, its in the past.) The important thing to remember is that regardless of who you are, no matter what size town you live in, you can and will run into someone, anywhere. Keep yourself in check at all times. I'm not saying don't have fun, but know when and where to let your total guard down. 

So while my friend may have left without a thought in his brain about me or what I was wearing, he surely didn't leave being impressed at who I have worked so hard to become. To me that's failure. I want every encounter with another to dictate more than just words. I want there to be an immediate sense of trust, respect, admiration and a certain degree of success oozing from my persona. I want my brand to carry through not only during the hours that I am working, but after as well. 

Bloggin outside the Blog

A person starts to live when he can live outside himself. -Albert Einstein

In my attempt to live according to The R Companies motto Helping Reach the Highest, I have decided to become a blogger for the Young Professionals of Wichita. This is an organization in which I am a huge believer and a committee member. Regardless of the city you live in, there is a young professional organization near to you. They are great places to network and an even better place to create lasting friendships with people going through the same stuff you may be going through in your career. 

If you are interested in the Young Professionals of Wichita, check out ypwichita.org. Check out their blog at ypwichita.org/ypwblog/blog.html. I just posted a new blog on their site about why I chose to live in Wichita. 

Happy reading!

Ryan

"Every interaction with another is potential networking opportunity."

However profound it may sound, the fact of the matter is that in the professional world, every encounter with another is in fact a networking opportunity. Let me explain. 

Imagine you walk into your first day at your first job. Everybody there only has to learn one new name, yours. You, however have to learn several new names in the first five minutes. If you treat each time you meet somebody new as an opportunity for them to help you, you'll automatically feel better about the pressure of learning their name, and you'll actually listen to what they have to say, what they do in the company, and how they can help you. It will intensify your interconnection to them so you so you can remember. If you make the interaction positive, that person will then spread the word about this new person to others in the company (networking) and you'll meet more people faster. 

If however, you come into your first job scared and intimidated (which is totally natural, trust me) and are unsure of yourself, this will be displayed to each you encounter. They will not spread positive words about the new person and you'll have to spend six months fixing it. Make sense?

Now, networking isn't purely an internal component of business. As a matter of fact, most would say that networking is an external business tool. True, but don't displace the internal networking. The more people in more positions you know, the better your adjustment and career may be. 

I've talked to thousands of young professionals across the country about why networking is so important. Here's what they had to say:

"Build a network of individuals. Go to social events and work related after-hours. Get to know competitors as well as other business people. The more people you know, the more opportunities you will have."

- 27 Male Assistant Bank Vice-President

"Make connections with anyone you can while networking, even if you think someone is on the bottom of the totem pole, chances are they may actually have the foot in the door you may need -- often receptionists, secretaries and administrative assistants are your ket to meeting with that executive you've spend months trying to get on your calendar."

-28 Female Communications Director

"Network and make as many connections with as many 'positive' people in your industry as possible." 

-28 Female Sales and Training Expert

"Do not burn bridges. You never know when you might have to work with that person again."

-34 Female Director of Development

Networking is an essential part of business that should never go overlooked. Remember the quote about the secretary or the people on the bottom? If you are in that position, you shouldn't feel as if there isn't an necessary need to network, go out and network for your boss or your company. Imagine the praise you'd get if you brought your boss some new business prospects or great project ideas after networking! That's one of the easiest ways to get noticed and get ahead! Isn't that what we're all here for anyway?

The Personal Principle- How to Keep You Life Yours!

If you work forty-years in the workplace, you will have logged over 80,000 hours at your desk. That's a long time to be with people you may or may not like!

So how do you keep your personal life out of your professional life (and not tick-off your spouse?!?)

I've asked thousands of young professionals throughout the country their thoughts. Here are some of the tips they are giving you about keeping your life yours. 

1. "Do not post anything on your blog, Myspace, Facebook or other social networking site you wouldn't want your boss to see. There are ways for them to see what you have on there and that could spell trouble." -27 Male, Entrepreneur

While social networking sites are fun places to post pictures of yourself, fun facts about your past weekend and who you hang around with, an employer may see the same site and be concerned about the way you are portraying yourself and ultimately the company. Remember, each time you meet a new person, whether intoxicated or not, usually one of the first five questions is "what do you do" and "where?" If you are backing up your behavior by displaying it to the world on a social networking site, your employer may be a bit concerned. 

2. "Do not engage in gossip because you may find out that those you trusted are not trustworthy." -32 Female, School Councilor

One of the first things to consider in a new position is that you are new and people are looking for reasons to love you or hate you. Give 'em reasons to love you! Don't gossip. Ever. There are so many risks to gossip that people don't consider when doing so. You may have overheard a person venting or your boss thinking out loud, but telling the entire office about it will only cause you and your fellow employees problems. It could literally ruin a person's entire day because of one act of gossip. Not to mention you could be fired for it!

3. "Do not forward cute jokes, or other non-work related email. Better yet, if you receive such garbage, simply reply to the sender and request that your name be eliminated from that distribution list. It will make your life easier and your time at work more productive." -24 Male, Television Reporter

One of the world's stupidest inventions is the forward. I understand the business implications, but like most technological advancements, the "Forward" button is misused. If you get a funny joke from your personal friend, laugh and throw it away. Work is not a place for funny crap. It can offend people quickly, it's not productive and it makes you look REALLY BAD! Seriously. If I receive a forward, I immediately cringe. I hate them. That means that anytime the subject line reads: "FW: anything", my immediate response is cringing and then delete. Is that really how you want me to feel if you send me an email? What if you work under me? Sending forwards could actually stunt your promotion opportunities. Just don't forward. 

4. "Do not create personal relationships at work. For example, keep your sex life out of the workplace." -34 Female Company Founder

If you haven't heard the mantra "don't dip your pen in the company ink," then go back and reread this sentence again. Engrain it into you head. Been there, done that and it was by far one of the most detrimental actions that stunted my career growth. It may seem like a great idea at the time, but guess what? What happens if you break up? What happens if you get divorced and one works for another? Yep, disaster. As much as you may like to, or as much as it may seem as if the person is your soul mate, DON'T DATE AT WORK. It will make you feel and look like an idiot faster than you can imagine. You'll lose respect and you may even lose your job. 

5. "Do not make friends with others that are considered 'unprofessional.'" -28 Female Sales and Training Expert

Finally, if the guy in the mail room is a "really cool" or if that other sales guy is "so fun to be around," look at how your boss perceives them before you get attached to them. Ever heard of "guilty by association?" My mom used to teach me that concept when I was young. If your boss thinks that you are associating with someone unprofessional, you may as well be. Perception is reality in the workplace, especially when it comes to your bosses point of view. Make sure whomever you hang around and network with is someone you could do so in front of your boss. If you can't, then don't. You'll be looking for trouble. 

The workplace is a great place to network with people. I always say that "Friends come and go, but networking contacts grow." You want to establish workplace relationships out of trust and need. If you need certain pieces of information, establish a long-term relationship with the appropriate person. 

Hanging around with the wrong people and gossip won't get you ahead. It will only slow down your growth and even get you fired. Do you job and keep all interactions with another as professional and on a need basis. This will make it difficult for your personal life to enter the workplace and create more networking contacts. They will them promote you even when you are not around. It's the easiest way to spread you name in a positive light.