What I’ve learned from the “next generation.”
“A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives.”- Jackie Robinson
Throughout my life, I’ve always tried to keep on my toes whether it be in television and radio, sports, or public relations. Last year, I felt I was becoming obsolete. So, I began reading more about social media and how it could benefit my work. I stumbled upon Brazen Careerist and it really changed how I looked at social media and my career. The folks that launched it are all in their 20′s and created a community for learning, collaborating and searching for work.
It was a watershed moment because it help re-light the fire inside me. From that point forward, I reinvented who I was and how my career would play out .
Thanks to the “next generation,” I am a better PR practitioner and person because of the quality out there. My question to you is: Are you listening to that college intern or freelancer? What about the many 20-somethings that offer up valuable knowledge on their blogs? Take a moment and get inspired! Here are five things I have learned in the last year from the “next generation.”
1. Enthusiasm- If you don’t have a lot of this in what you do, why are you doing it?
2. You are in control of your career- It doesn’t matter whether you work for a PR firm or are self-employed, it’s up to you to make the most of what you do!
3. Take risks- Be scared, it’s good. Matt Cheuvront’s must-read blog, Life Without Pants, addresses this perfectly. ”Don’t walk… RUN out of your comfort zone.” (Thanks as always, Matt!)
4. Engage- Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Google Wave…. talk to the people. A lot. It’s called social media for a reason.
5. Bright ideas- There are so many fresh thinkers, it’s hard not to be inspired. Take a lesson from what you read and make a change.
What have you learned? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
Posted on January 19, 2010, in Inspiration, Public Relations and tagged Brazen Careerist, career, Facebook, Google Wave, ideas, Jackie Robinson, Jason Mollica, LinkedIn, Next Generation, Public Relations, risk, television, Twitter. Bookmark the permalink. 4 Comments.
Great post, Jason! It’s really great that you look for inspiration from people of various backgrounds and experience levels. And I’d like to say that as a 20-something PR pro-to-be, it’s wonderful to meet people like you, who take the time to share your wisdom, even when you’ve already “made it.” You’re a great friend and mentor! Thanks!
Lauren
Thanks Lauren! It is great to be able to chat about the things you are working on. There are times when people stop accumulating wisdom and that is sad. I am happy that I can look to new pros like yourself and gain knowledge AND camaraderie.
Keep up the GREAT work!
Jason
I couldn’t agree with you more Jason. Believe it or not I’m (gulp) in my 30s who just so happened to graduate college a little “later in life”. Taking a queue from all the fabulous GenYers out there, I’ve been heavily inspired by their spirit of collaboration, open-minded passion to learn and share ideas. It’s a totally different way of thinking then peers and co-workers of my age. The next generation really facilitates a healthier, happier way of life. Thanks for a great post! =)
Andrea,
Awesome of you to visit! We are both 30-somethings and I’d like to think we are unique in that we’ve had to “re-adapt” to the changing world. Scary thought for those that choose not to adapt and learn from others.
Thanks again. I’ll drink a latte to our getting wiser in our “old” age!
Best,
Jason