I was speaking last week with a realtor who was frustrated with some of his Gen Y potential home buyers. I asked him how he was communicating with them. He went into a story about how they have to call him, set up an appointment to come into the office for a “needs assessment”, and they then look at as many houses as they can that fit those “needs.” I asked him about the possibility of using a Blackberry to shoot pics over to them, the thought of eliminating the “needs assessement” meeting, and he seemed to be put out with that idea. Duh! No wonder he’s frustrated.

A great article appeared in the Seattle Times yesterday on this very topic. It discusses Gen Y’s lifestyle, what they want in a home, and so on. The only thing I would add to this is that as a seller, it is important to be able to communicate with Gen Y based on their communication preferences. Text messaging, a Blackberry/i-phone/your digital phone of choice can make this whole process so much easier, would reduce frustration and would probably sell more homes (of course this is just the world according to Bea, so you can decide.) And, just remember…Gen Y’s have already done a great deal of research on homes before they call you, so the whole “come to my office for a meeting” may sound like drudgery and a waste of time. A great first question would be “What homes have you researched that you are interested in?” By taking a twentysomething buyer to that home first, you can probably do a quick needs assessment just by listening and asking questions.

I recently had coffee with four Gen Y’s at Starbucks in Aberdeen, NC. to find out why they love Starbucks:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ncj7wookjl0[/youtube]

Baby Boomers are beginning to retire. In the next 10 years, the number of 55 and older retired workers are expected to increase by 50%.  Therefore, Gen Y will be needed to pinch it and / or replace the ‘Boomers.’ This is why recruiting and retaining programs are so important. It is important to note that these are not one time events. That companies need to partner with their Gen Y hirees throughout their time with the company. Training is not a one shot deal. Unfortunately, many companies do not look at it that way. At Intuit (where I work), we definitely see training as ‘ongoing, continuous engagement.’ Some of the things we do include: 

•  Assigning each Gen Yer with a mentor/coach during their first year (and in some cases even beyond that).
• Having monthly and quarterly meetings with Gen Yers and mentors.
• Creating a wiki for Gen Yers to share learnings, case studies, profile leaders.
• Organizing social events outside the office 

   … and more. Post your questions.. and we can provide additional info. Bea and I are here to help you! 

http://www.newsobserver.com/105/story/1094083.html

Monica O’Brien has a great post today on BrazenCareerist on what Gen Y is actually creating in our world, and here is my comment back:

As a Baby Boomer, I have watched my parents (Veterans) work their fingers to the bone, and I have now watched as Gen X went through the Dot Com Boom and Bust. I am the parent of 3 Gen Y’s, and here is what I think.

I believe that Gen Y is here to show us that the complexity we have been so wound up in over the last 20 years is ridiculous. We create death in careers through endless meetings, we stifle creativity, and we have this belief that was worn out ages ago that says “Thou must work your fingers to the bone in order to get ahead.” That is ridiculous, and it’s killing us.

Gen Y knows how to get the job done and get it done efficiently and effectively so that we have time to do what we all want to do…have free time to play and as my son says “chill.” So, let’s start looking at the lessons we can learn from this. There’s a time to work (and yes, this does mean sweating at times), and there’s a time to play…and remember…play time is productive time. We can’t do great work if our brains are fried.  So, from my perspective, Gen Y is showing us a much healthier perspective on how to work, when to work and what’s important in life…which is living!

A little Gen Y history…[/youtube]

Listen in to this special interview with Mr. Youth’s Managing Partner, Brandon Evans

Mr. Youth has been trumpeted by Inc. Magazine as being one of the fastest growing private businesses in the USA, and rightfully so. The company believes that marketing to a young audience should be fun, innovative and pursued with excellence. During this special Y-Talk interview, we will be talking with Mr. Youth’s Managing Partner, Brandon Evans about the new Consumer 2.0 study which explores The Five Rules To Engage a New Breed of Customer.

http://MrYouth.com
Listen to the show

Join Y-Talk Radio tonight at 7:00 p.m. for this special interview with Mr. Youth’s Managing Partner, Brandon Evans

Mr. Youth has been trumpeted by Inc. Magazine as being one of the fastest growing private businesses in the USA, and rightfully so. The company believes that marketing to a young audience should be fun, innovative and pursued with excellence. During this special Y-Talk interview, we will be talking with Mr. Youth’s Managing Partner, Brandon Evans about the new Consumer 2.0 study which explores The Five Rules To Engage a New Breed of Customer.

http://MrYouth.com
Listen to the show

Threadless is on the cover of Inc. for June 2008 as being the most innovative small company in America.  The t-shirt company generates ideas for their clothing via design contests on the web…such a great Gen Y approach.  The company is a great example of using online social networks to drive innovation.  Congrats guys!