Can Baby Boomers Learn From The Younger Networkers?

Can Baby Boomers Learn From The Younger Networkers?

I don’t believe there is an age preference for effective networking!

The basic elements are the same no matter how old you are! There is a multitude of digital marketing tools that are available to all generations. Even though the younger folk are more comfortable using digital devices and marketing tools, it takes effort to learn how to use them properly and effectively.

Whether it is social media, mobile marketing. Internet-related, apps, or other, there is a learning curve involved. Just because one plays video games does not mean they can effectively use digital tools to promote, market or advertise their business!

I find that just as many younger people, as older, struggle in deciding what digital platform to use and how to use it?

Not only does it take time to learn each system but you must use them wisely and not try to use too many different ones. Many marketers and business owners try to use too many, such as Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, Linkedin and more! The real trick is to focus on a few platforms and learn how to use them effectively instead of trying the “shotgun” approach and use as many as possible!

The digital world has been created for human beings and not for certain age groups! For the older generation, it boils down to a lack of awareness about modern technology because they have not been brought up using it as much as the younger generation.  Whether young or old it involves open-mindedness in thought — it’s all a matter of educating oneself about things you don’t know about.

If you choose to do that, at any age, you will be up to date! One thing to mention is that age brings a heightened sense of worry and concern about doing and trying new things; in other words, sticking to what you are familiar with. Younger people tend to be more adventurous and respond to new things much quicker!

When you are older it becomes a mindset thing to change and be willing to gamble and experiment!

Another issue with the older generation is the fear of technology. Whether bumbling through the myriad functions on a smartphone or a disheartened person feeling they’ll never be able to navigate the Internet on their own. Again, this is a mindset thing to overcome, There are more opportunities than ever to gain the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to use technology.

Another problem is not only the overwhelming amount of products but also the skills needed to work them. New technology places demands on cognitive abilities and that is compounded when products, software, and websites don’t take into account the limitations of people as they age. When using digital devices and online systems, older folk are forced to remember where things are, attentional demands, and unclear navigational components demand spatial ability.

Then there are visual challenges to older eyes (small type and lack of contrast make it harder to read text onscreen), not to mention the motor skills required to work a mouse. Unfortunately, when older users — many of whom have physical limitations, they get frustrated and often give up.

Another significant roadblock relates to the “use it or lose it” phenomenon. When part of the workforce employees are forced to keep up with and adopt new technologies. When they retire, scale back hours or start working from home, they tend to stop learning and using new technologies and fall behind. These whole worlds can change in six months.

Another issue not using new technologies because your peers are not using them. Once you remove the necessity of technology, it becomes dispensable or even a burden.

Networking, besides using new technology as discussed above, requires developing skills to do the following basics …………

• Build a database
• Build a referral network
• Follow-up and follow-through with new prospects
• Assess your skill level and decide what you need to do to become a better networker
• Educate yourself in methods and techniques
• Get proper training to become the most effective and efficient networker as possible
• Prepare a checklist, before you go networking, to make sure you have everything you need, including the right attitude
• Go to work! Networking is part of your job and not meant to be entertainment

The basic elements above are not age-specific! Everyone must follow the same path to become an “Ultimate Networker!”