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Opportunities to Network can be viewed much like the half full or half empty glass. While results do vary widely, the approach taken can have a huge impact on whether or not the take away is a success. There is a lot of confusion about what networking really is all about. There are a few professions that may not emphasize soft skills, but it’s a shrinking group. Networking is about soft skills.

Add to the mix that there are now four generations of people still in the workforce and number five is entering now. Soft skills are needed to network well within a like generation to yourself, but when you mix it up a little, it becomes imperative that you are very aware. That won’t change as you move to most working environments, so consider networking with various generations to be time well spent. Here are some dos and don’ts that come to my mind.

Do remember that first impressions matter. If you are unsure, ask your friends to practice networking with you and invite them tell it like it is with the way you look, the expression on your face, and how you act.

Don’t get fake with it. Let your self improvement from your networking practice be a help, but don’t get so stressed about it that you come off like you are unsure of why you are there.

Do some research on multiple generations in the work place. There’s lots of deep information available but you really only need to Google a few charts of the different values of various generations. It’s for your awareness, not to share at the event!

Don’t evangelize on your generation compared to others! Under no circumstances let words come out of your mouth like, “I bet you are one of those Millennials that doesn’t want to work…” or “You are probably one of those Baby Boomers with a flip phone…”  Just Don’t.

Do be genuinely interested in others’ accomplishments. Listen for the way they think.

Don’t be desperate, even if you are. This goes back to your practice sessions with friends. I think this is the hardest part for the job seeker who has been at it for a while… and has bills.

Do spend some time assembling a shortlist of ways you might be able to contribute to the concerns of other people in other generations. This is for your mind only. It can help you engage in conversations.

Don’t read the list when networking. Don’t get the list out of your pocket. Don’t view it as a checklist. It’s a resource for your mind only.

Do keep your business cards with you. After meaningful conversation, ask if you can connect with them on LinkedIn and share a card with them. It’s ok to ask if you can have their card… but be reasonable. And yes, business cards are still in – the app is great, but keep business cards with you.

Don’t shove cards in peoples face like a speed date! It’s obnoxious!  Don’t bring your resume to pass out, unless specifically asked to do so. Have those in car, just in case someone asks – but they probably will not. That’s for later, maybe.

Do be a learner and look for opportunities to ask questions. Look to learn more about other people and interact like you would over a cup of coffee.

Don’t become pressuring in the conversation. Don’t bring the 45 lb planner, leave that in the car or at home. And don’t ask the main speaker what he or she does for a living… speaking from experience – just avoid that. Pay attention to what’s going on.

This isn’t an exhaustive list but just some of the things I’ve learned in my networking experiences. If I view networking as a necessary evil, I will in some way communicate that message and it won’t end well. However, I must say that I have come to really enjoy networking opportunities.

Never pass up the opportunity to network even if the opportunity isn’t about what you want to do. There’s a lot to say about being seen. There are a host of professional networking groups to take advantage of.  As my friend Chris Waymire has taught many times, don’t miss an opportunity to network, take a friend with you, and ditch them. You will both be glad you did.

I welcome your thoughts!

Is technology a barrier for seasoned professionals?

YES! The answer is yes.

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I don’t want it to be so, because I am a seasoned professional. I want to be able to say that tech isn’t a problem – just get trained on it. But that’s the trouble… no one’s going to train you any more… you have to do that for yourself. No one owes you that anymore. “Come on board and we’ll train you” doesn’t exist anymore. Get over it!

If I’m interviewing someone, I’m looking for aptitude. I don’t need to build a program to train someone, I need to walk them through a few screens and have them producing. I don’t really like this position because the tables are easily turned on me. But it’s where I find myself.

So, how does this happen – the turning of the tables? It’s when I find myself across the table from an interviewer… and the skin crawls on my neck when I sense they will take one look at me and assume I can’t deal with tech. They are incorrect, but that doesn’t matter. It’s on me to cleverly prove otherwise. Is it right? I don’t think so. But do a few interviews or talk to a few recruiters when in midlife and you’ll figure it out quickly. Get ready for those canned automated rejection letters.

There are solutions for this issue, but they are not easy. It takes a continual openness to redefining what work looks like. Need a shortcut? Good luck. Need a quick list so you can get back to the way things “used to be?” I don’t think you’ll find it.  Want to know the best tech to get educated on?  As long you are buying, you can learn a lot of different tech packages. Everyone and their uncles and aunts have websites, books, and seminars on such for purchase. But which one? You won’t know till you apply for a Job! And then it’s too late. Oh by the way, the best tech list changes all the time.

Aspiring professionals were reared with technology at their fingertips – it’s woven into who they are. Will they someday become seasoned professionals about whom these types of conversations are had? Most likely – so if you find yourself with the upper hand in quickly integrating tech into your life, be KIND, you will probably reach a point in your life when the tables will get turned on you.

Does that mean seasoned professionals can’t be in the tech game? Absolutely NOT!  Here are a few suggestions I think are helpful.

Change your mindset. Dump the criticizing of other generations. Dump the dream of having “earned the right” not to be in learning mode. Be open minded. Be in learner mode. The best teachers are those who continue to also be a student.

Find a Mentor – swallow your pride and get one younger than yourself – maybe considerably younger. You can help them gain Training Experience by allowing them to train YOU. It’s a win-win. Is it going to work for everyone? No, but look for opportunities… you’ll find them.

Use LinkedIn Jobs whether or not you are looking for a job. Set searches for Jobs you might be interested in and note the technology that is noted in most of the descriptions. Make a to-do list accordingly.

Subscribe to a Course Offering. Turn off the news – it’s not hard to catch up on and you probably won’t really miss anything you can do anything about anyway. Spend that time auditing online course offerings. I maintain a subscription to CareerAcademy.com.  Very reasonable in cost and rich in content.

Network. This is not just talking with people like yourself, but connect with people of all ages. You’ll learn stuff and you may encounter your next opportunity.

I’m a strong believer in connecting generations to create value. I’d love to have your thoughts.