If you own a business, strive to own one in the future, or are working for someone else, as the year comes to an end, we often think about change.  If you were born before 1980, you might want to take some lessons from the Millennial Generation, these youngsters were born after 1980 and have a totally different world.  So, here are some tips to help me (and maybe you, too) think younger in 2013.

  • Focus on the Experience not the job:  Many employees will not be at a career long enough to climb the corporate ladder.   As an employer, helping your employees grow may keep them from going away.  Julie Giulioni’s book Help Them Grow or Watch Them Go has some sage advice on this topic.
  • Consult Your Elders: In spite of the classic child/parent conflicts, millennials like and seek out their parents’ advice.  Think mentor of the moment and remember that some elders are elders in their experience not necessarily their years of life.
  • More Training:  Learning is key to a happy brain.   Brains like to play and learning and practicing new things are play.  Look at where you want your business to go and learn what you can to get there.
  • Don’t be an Eeyore:  In case you forgot, Eeyore was the donkey in Winnie the Pooh who was the perpetually whining.   Millennials often have huge debts from their education and still they see the future as optimist.  If I don’t see a silver lining in a situation, whining usually only turns others away from my ideas.  Laughter is good medicine.

Change is good, embrace it, keep learning and be willing to start over and find what you really want to do for your next business adventure.  Oh yes, if your parents are still living, spend time with them and ask questions.