Quality Connections and High Standards

Yesterday I caught up with my good friend and colleague Lynette Simmons, North American Design Standards Manager for Starwood Hotels—a la W, Westin, St. Regis, Sheraton. As an ace graphic designer/brand steward, Lynette helps the corporation establish continuity in the look, feel and visual environment of the properties’ advertising, sales and collateral materials.

A consummate professional, Lynette is no-nonsense like me. That’s why we get along and have kept in touch over the years! As most of you who are reading this blog know, you cannot and should not keep up with everyone. No time; no need.

Why? Because everyone in your professional/social network isn’t a “quality connection with high standards.”

Lynette and I have known each other 10 years and always take solace in our Bryant Park catch up sessions; perhaps the best outdoor café in the city! Yesterday, we shared moments of joy regarding our son’s respective graduations, hers from kindergarten, mine from college. And, we talked about much we’ve evolved over the past decade. Basically, we’re new people, and it feels great!

Growth. That’s what life’s about.

Lynette shared a powerful statement from a 40-something copywriter friend of hers who lives in Jersey. “We’ve reached the age of intolerance.” Is that quote deep or what? It takes a while to realize that wisdom and maturity are a mindset, and not determined by age. While we still have much to learn, there’s a lot we do know.

This list sums up behavior that is “less than best practice”:

> Overall inability to communicate;

> Lack of professional standards or integrity;

> Inability to champion important issues or speak out/speak up;

> Inability to devise solutions/action plans;

> Not knowing strengths or weaknesses—and inability to spot them in others;

> Not being proactive;

> Lack of inertia;

> Not meeting deadlines;

> Overall disregard for time;

> Non-critical use of cell phones/Blackberry’s (poor etiquette);

> Lack of basic project management and leadership skills;

> Not realizing that being a “real” adult is hard work;

> Not understanding what’s important to some does not create a crisis for others.

We have grown; handle our responsibilities and businesses—and, manage to optimize opportunities. Anything less is not tolerated.

Moral of this blog entry—set and keep high standards. You’ll continue to excel and others will take notice!

>> MI

Thank You and Brand You!

Thank you. Perhaps the two most powerful words on the planet, thank you can take you a long way toward achieving your goals.

Never underestimate the power of a sincere “thank you” for:

> Gifts (graduation, birthdays, anniversaries)

> A job well done

> Taking the time to provide resources or assistance

Verbal is “uber cool” and email/ecards are “chillingly correct,” but a thank you card or handwritten note “ices” your standing as poised and polished professional. Yes, when I say handwritten, I mean the kind you put a stamp on (not the date/time stamp). Your personal image, career and business expansion are worth at least 41 cents for a USPS stamp, right?

Right! Whew—Thank You … I knew you’d get the point!

Why a handwritten note? In today’s digital world, you must figure out a way to separate yourself from the pack. Handwritten notes do that. And, you get a chance to practice your penmanship. Yes, I said it. We all know someone whose signature line needs work!

In addition to business/personal matters, learn to say thanks … just because. Thanks for hiring me as an intern … thanks for being a great mentor … thanks for your insight regarding our recent team project … thanks for being a great volunteer … thanks for lending your special talents to the task at hand … thanks for lunch … thanks for your time and expertise … thanks for organizing that fundraiser … thanks for nominating our organization for an industry award … thanks for being a good friend … thanks for picking me up when my car died … thanks for listening … thanks for just being there!

The thank you doesn’t have to be long, just sincere. Recipients appreciate your thoughtfulness and the thank you will spiral to a promotion, new business, industry recognition and other untold rewards. As I said, these two words are very powerful!

Most importantly, it builds a positive image of Brand You.

For top-of-the line thank you notes and stationery, check out Dempsey and Carroll, high quality engravers since 1878; http://dempseyandcarroll.com. While pricey, you make a stellar impression that’s worth its weight in gold! Remember, you get what you pay for. Quality counts—particularly in the image business.

While budget conscious options abound, consider your corporate identity and image. Work to consistently build Brand You and make a lasting, positive impression.

Thank you for reading this post. Now thank someone in your network for all they’ve done for you!

>> MI

BE BOLD! & The Power of Planning

In a few weeks, it will be July 1—the bright start to a new fiscal year. I don’t know about you, but I’m excited about the outstanding possibilities! Since it’s the dog days of summer, why not turn up the heat on your own business and life planning? Put You Inc. on the front burner!

First, I’d like to share a tip jointly coined by my good friend and colleague Colette Ellis, Principal, InStep Consulting, “BE BOLD!” The name of her business sums up what her company is about: Integrating Strategies To Enhance Performance. Visit InStepConsulting.com to learn about Colette’s Competent Advantage™ personal development, communications workshops and online community.

During our highly energized brainstorming and business-building sessions, Colette and I share tips offered by other professionals; techniques they might have implemented earlier in their careers to get to the “next level” quicker. We made a pact to keep each other accountable as we implemented ideas—ways to expand our consultancies, generate additional revenue and visibility—over the next 12 months.

Good news! It’s working—big time!

It helps to have great mentors and colleagues you can trust. Colette is one of those people; a true friend and business partner; someone you can always count on for in-depth, on target insight. She turned me on to the world of teaching—what a tremendous gift! We originally met at a business event hosted by KBR: Kip Business Report; if you haven’t signed up for Cynthia Franklin and Lloyd Grant’s “Eventline” newsletter, you should! And, if you “really connect” with someone at an industry function like Colette and I did, BE BOLD and follow-up. You never know where that relationship can lead.

Here’s my July 1, new fiscal year “plan of attack”:

> Develop “Millynneum: The Next 20 years” business building and financial plan in tandem with trusted financial gurus, including my husband, Roland Jackson

> Asian businesses have 50-100 year plans in effect. Don’t think short term, plan for the long-term. The worst that can happen is that you’ll realize 50% of your financial and business goals!

> Seek advice from my long-time accountant, Ed Torres CPA Tax and Accounting Services. If you don’t have a good CPA, get one; Ed and his team are the best and have kept me on track since I started my consulting firm 10 years ago.

> Follow investment tips offered by Wealthtrack.com’s Consuelo Mack (as friends know, this is one of my favorite shows, 7:30 PM EST, Fridays, WLIW, Ch. 21).

> Read The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham and Jason Zweig (WOW – just remembered I ordered this book a few weeks ago, immediately after it was mentioned on Wealthtrack.

> Make regular deposits to my IngDirect.com online savings account.

Your fiscal plan doesn’t have to be extensive or difficult—but it has to get done. Take it one step at a time. BE BOLD! Believe you can expand your business, generate new clients, enjoy what you do and REDUCE your stress level. It takes work and perseverance, but it will happen. Don’t worry about what you haven’t done, just get started. Trust me!

And, to Andrew Morrison of Small Business Camp and 90 Day Plan fame, Colette and Lynne are expanding their brands, writing books and taking things to the next level. Many of you know Andrew is a big believer in defining your unique talents, personal growth and entrepreneurial vision.

BE BOLD and act; “fast-track” your ideas!

>> MI

“M” Word Moratorium

M _ n _ r _ t _ . Fill in the blanks: smaller, opposition, different, under, less than full responsibility.

Huh?

Tip: when communicating with me or other Expertati (MarComm execs with 20+ years experience), consider extolling a broader worldview. Aim to be more specific when describing fellow Americans, colleagues, neighbors and your child’s classmates. Let’s get real: the “M” word denotes multi-talented professionals with unique perspectives, big dreams, loving families and hard-working millionaires!

According to Dictionary.com, mi-nor-i-ty; spelled pronunciation [mi-nawr-i-tee, -nor, -mahy-]

--noun

1. the smaller part or number; a number, part or amount forming less than half of the whole.

2. a smaller party or group opposed to a majority, as in voting or other action.

3. a group differing, esp. in race, religion, or ethnic background, from the majority of a population: legislation aimed at providing equal rights for minorities.

4. a member of such a group.

5. the state or period of being under the legal age of full responsibility.

--adjective

6. of or pertaining to a minority.

The Dictonary.com meaning does not communicate or effectively provide context for the bright mosaic that is America! Consider your reaction if the media, politicians and business leaders referred to your cultural heritage in “less than” spectacular terms.

You might get used to it, but you don’t have to like it.

I don’t.

Remember: communications is all about persuasion and getting your message across to select audiences, via unique “hyper local” channels. It’s the information age; words, phrasing, tone and manner count big. Why risk tuning out important audiences—audiences that can positively impact your bottom line? According to the US Census, of our total population of 288 million Americans:

> More than 114 million are Black or African American, American Indian and Alaska native, Asian, Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders, Hispanic or Latino, or of two or more races

> More than 35 million Americans are foreign born

Does either figure sound like a “M” to you? It all how you crunch the numbers (we know this) and it’s up to MarComm pros to deepen the dialogue. Be descriptive and succinct, but don’t minimize the discussion. Optional phrasing:

> Describe country or ethnic heritage (African Americans, Mexican Americans, American Indian tribe)

> Describe group you’re speaking about (Women? Gays/Lesbians? Latinos? People with physical challenges?)

> Recent Immigrants, New Americans

> People of Color

Yes, I’m on my personal soap box, but that’s the beauty of the blogosphere! Why not expand your thinking and broaden your vocabulary while educating your colleagues and clients? Maximize the impact of your message. Eliminate the “M” word.

Take the “Millynneum Challenge” – refrain from using the “M” word for a solid week. I know you can do it and trust you can develop a Colorblind Mind.

>> MI

Become a “One Page Wonder”

Tired of scrolling through meaningless, hard-to-read documents and attachments? Want to create meaningful proposals that make it EASY for people to take action?

Become a “one page wonder” – a knowledge worker who can crystallize an idea from concept to completion on 1 page or less! Be someone people want to work with, because what you want or need is so clear and concise. I try to always share this with my writing and communications students; it’s a pleasure to share my thoughts with Millynneum Insight readers.

Take heed of the following from one of my writing students, whose senior managers commented, “If it has to be collated, then I don’t need it.” Good advice! Yes, always have full backup docs available, but always try to be brief and succinct. Think of the one pager as an “executive summary,” always useful to busy professionals. Time is money. Brevity wins friends and keeps projects progressing and on point. Managers appreciate your ability to “cut to the chase.”

Over the past 24 hours, I’ve developed these one pagers:

> Men’s Health Advocacy Award - global in scope; based on “tweaked” template; word to the wise … don’t make writing assignments hard; use drafts, revise & edit

> Prostate Net (PN) / Barbers International (BI) Team Meeting Proposal – coincides with global BI conference AUG 4-6 in Chicago; Lynne is founding director

> Phoebus High School – 30^th Reunion Scholarship Fundraiser - yes friends, as an Experati (MarComm pro with 20+ years experience), I proudly graduated from HS in ’77!

> Black Public Relations Society-New York - board of directors planning recap Co-Presidents, LSJ and Gordon Balkcom; Vice Presidents Renee Foster, Michael Millis

> Client Action Plan & Billing Estimate – details services & fee structure

All docs are one page (or less) and include resources and action points, guiding reader through the fundraising, meeting or event management process. Bonus: once you get the hang of it, you become a fantastic “self editor” deleting extra words to make your ideas fit onto one page!

Each doc shares what I’ve learned over the years as a marketing/PR consultant and attempts to make my colleagues’ or clients’ jobs easier. Plus, my “Millynneum Insight – Big Picture” ideas might also assist in their “stretch” leadership efforts. It’s amazing what resources evolve once you put your ideas out there! When writing or guiding the communications process, I aim to:

> SOS - Simplify Objectives & Standardize Procedures (HELP reader)

> KISS - Keep it Simple & Succinct (use short sentences, eliminate jargon)

> IIAI - Inform, Interact, Advise & Inspire readers to take action

Yes, friends, you can easily upgrade your business expertise via MyDesktopMBA.com, a.k.a. Millynneum Business Acumen! Keep reading this blog and featured links to refine your writing, editing, communications, presentation and management skills. Learn to tightly edit and revise while attaining the achievable, yet elusive goal of becoming a “one page wonder”. Here’s to developing your unique vision and voice as you sell your ideas!

>> MI

Coach and Be "Coachable"

Following are tips for your business “survival backpack” from Jamie B. Telegadis of JTA. Jamie led a recent Coaching Skills seminar I attended at New York University, where I’m an adjunct instructor. Warm and approachable with a “flair for fair feedback,” Jamie is an excellent presenter! Her easy-to-implement suggestions sharpened my ability to be firm, fair and direct when approaching challenging students or human resource and management situations in my consulting practice. When coaching, Jamie suggests:

> Begin Supportively

> Discuss Performance

> Assess Impact (of actions, discussion, decisions)

> Commit to a Plan

> Follow up Now and Later

And, remember to watch your tone and manner, leave emotion out of the equation, avoid being too nice and don’t accept excuses for poor performance. Another key point: there’s a difference between an excuse and a valid reason. If you reach the end of your rope, recommend a time for action and discuss disciplinary action. Of course, remember to follow-up face-to-face meetings with written summaries, if required by your organization.

I find most colleagues, business partners and students want to excel. As a leader/coach, you must work hard to motivate your team to do well. I’m currently reading Dare to Lead: Proven Principles of Effective Leadership by Byrd Baggett. Byrd says, “Leadership is a feeling. How do people feel after they leave your presence; after that phone call; after that email? Focus on the pursuit of excellence, not perfection.” Heed his advice!

When someone approaches me for counsel as their PDA (professional development advisor), I suggest “standards for achievement,” and help boost confidence in their own abilities to reach short and long-term goals. Together, we develop “internal motivators” to stimulate ongoing growth and development on the job … in the classroom … and in life! Whether it’s business writing, corporate/marketing communications or media relations/publicity (my core teaching and practice areas), the goal is to efficiently tackle assignments and communicate key themes with clarity and impact.

This approach is part of Millynneum Business Acumen :: MBA – my firm’s coaching model. We’ll kick off our 10^th Anniversary with a PDA Series at the 2^nd Annual Barbers International Conference: “How to Market Your Barbershop,”
August 4-6, Westin O’Hare Hotel, followed by “YOU INC.” a Job Development Skills Forum for undergrads at the National Black Public Relations Society Conference, September 20-23, Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza.

Thanks to my NYU Coaching Skills team Brian D’Cruz and Linda Katz who provided excellent “challenge resolution” tips, with spillover advice useful for my work in the for impact/non-profit arena. BTW, I’d like to thank all of my friends and colleagues at NYU, particularly the Office of Learning and Development and School of Continuing and Professional Studies, Dean Robert Lapiner, Terry Shtob, Carl Lebowitz, Renee Harris, Deborah Williams, Afua Preston, Veronica Morgan and countless others who diligently work to provide innovative professional development programs that help us compete, contribute and excel in the global academic and business market space.

>> MI

“C” LIFE (A Consultant’s Life)

Today was simply the PERFECT Manhattan day! As a marketing consultant, I have the good fortune of making my own hours. It may sound grand, but those of you in this game know that can also mean long hours, limited time with loved ones when account work and teaching deadlines are looming.

As we all should know, balance is key. So today, I took time to combine work and play--and encourage you to do the same if you can. As an Experati, a professional with 20+ years' experience, I'm learning to make or take time for myself.

Following a meeting with my long-time client and Howard alum, Marsha Butler DDS of Colgate-Palmolive and creator of the Bright Smiles, Bright Futures™ oral health education program for youth, I proudly continued healthy habits by walking 30 blocks north on Park Avenue in the glorious spring sunshine.

My destination: the Kips Bay Show House, the nation’s premier interior design showcase benefiting the Boys & Girls Club of the South Bronx. I really love this fundraising concept because 35 years ago, the moneyed board members took a risk and created something NEW, creating an industry institution, building visibility and good will—all benefiting an important institution for young people. What a great mix! After that, I continued my trek and:

> Purchased delicately crafted sketch of Washington Square Park (one of my favorite places, especially at night when the famous arch is brilliantly lit) from Asian artist displaying near the Metropolitan Museum of Art

> Listened in on CP art class for young girls from a private elementary school; the teacher was explaining the intricate details and designs of pathway arch; students intently listened, each had their drawing pads and were instructed to follow the contours and draw the details of the arch (to be filled in with watercolors later); indeed, this is how art history majors are groomed (think “Charlotte” of Sex in the City)

> Literally inhaled the beauty, greenery and gracious nature of Central Park, including a jazz saxophonist, the Loeb Boat House and Sheep Meadow (once you get to know CP, all others just don’t measure up)

> Stopped on a bench and read my New York Times and Village Voice

Exiting the park near Tavern on the Green at Central Park West, I noticed how many in the CPW crowd delegate everything—leaving them “free” to make more money! For example, as a doorman hailed a cab for a woman in front of her apartment building, she attentively tracked her Blackberry messages. Think about it … over a lifetime … days of hailing cabs could be shaved from your schedule! While we all may not be in the same tax bracket, don’t miss the lesson: instead of "doing" focus on what you can "delegate;" it’s worth the surcharge for services so you can spend time doing what you do best.

Thank goodness my clients heed this rule! Consultants survive using their creativity, talent and expertise to professionally handle delegated tasks, freeing clients to do what they do best! After this epiphany, I visited my favorite Columbus Circle culinary treasure trove, Whole Foods Market Time Warner Center, for some grilled veggie lasagna (a woman has to remember to eat right).

As you can see, I’m still basking in a great “C” LIFE day! In sum, I consider myself really fortunate and blessed to get a son out of college, have a great husband, family and friends. And, I give thanks for having the fortitude for going for my dreams, surviving in NYC for 23 years, owning my own business, being disciplined, managing my own time, making a living, giving back and starting a new teaching career!

Now, in true “C” LIFE fashion, I'll settle in for about 10 hours of work here at the home office. I’m now "brilliantly balanced" and the creative juices are flowing. Wouldn’t trade my “C” LIFE for anything!

>> MI

Set Goals, Achieve & Succeed!

As my husband Roland and I congratulate our son Clinton on successfully "quarterbacking" his education at Hampton University, we take tremendous pride in our son’s achievement. And, we give thanks that we’ve been able to provide our son with the basic educational tools to succeed (read: tuition payments) as an African American man in today’s competitive global economy.

Many friends and family are highly complimentary of Clinton’s ability to maintain his focus and get the job done. I am not surprised. Thought of by family and friends as “hard core” (a compliment, in my book), I have a very direct approach to life; and, our family has very high standards.

My advice to my son over the years: handle your business; work hard and take risks; treat people right; be someone folks can count on; create your own “dream life”—no one will do this for you; everyone won’t like your choices (so what?); and finally, folks are dying in Iraq for you to have the RIGHT to attend college … so make the most of this exquisite opportunity to make the most of yourself and give back to your community, your country and the world!

Clinton has a bachelor of arts in broadcast journalism from Hampton’s Scripps Howard School of Communications, with Honors, 3.0 GPA. He shares the following words of advice for students who wish to “ace” their undergraduate game in four years or less:

> Set goals

> Don’t make things harder than they really are

> If you glance at a book you should come out of a class with a "C"

> Have faith and confidence that that the best will happen

> Surround yourself with people who want to succeed and are succeeding

“Why stress when nothing in my life is really wrong,” advises Clinton. “Look for positives and fine tune those things in order to cancel out negatives.”

When I asked Clinton for a few bullets as I developed this blog post, he said,

“Don't forget to include yourself. If I’m not mistaken, you did graduate from Howard University in the same amount of time.” Ah, from the mouths of babes!

As parents, it’s important to set good examples. I’ve had the good fortune to have a husband that has shown my son how to be a man and kept him in check over the years. One of Roland’s favorite quotes: “Everyone needs supervision—including adults.” Roland and I have loving parents and grandparents who continue to set fine examples—and, by the way, worked very hard to pay for our college educations. That said, we were inspired to do the same for our son; it’s our responsibility! We know everyone isn’t as fortunate and understand we are part of W.E.B. DuBois’ “Talented Tenth.”

Periodically, you’ll hear more from Clinton and Roland as we continue to coach each other throughout the game of life! And, it’s very cool to share important info with an international community via Millynneum Insight!

>> MI

Experati* Arrive!

Do you have what it takes to be an Experati? Are you an expert in your chosen field or an exuberant professional who craves experience? Do you thrive on excitement and covet exposure for your company, customers or clients? If so, then congratulations—you’re among an elite group of communicators poised for success!

Nearly 200 newly-minted Experati descended upon Manhattan’s Metropolitan Pavilion to take part in a career, internship & continuing education forum hosted by the Public Relations Society of America - New York Chapter Young Professionals (http://prsany.org). According to planning team members Claudia Russo and Courtney J. Moore, attendees quadrupled original projections and included recent grads, newbies to the profession and those in transition.

A self-anointed “Extreme Experati,” (MarComm pro with 20+ years’ experience) it was certainly a refreshing way to spend a Saturday morning. Buoyed by the youthful exuberance, ECA (otherwise known as enthusiastic career energy) permeated throughout the expansive venue, provided courtesy of Pavilion owners.

Among those attending were “go-getter” students from my City College of New York (CCNY) “You, Inc.” Corporate Communications class, including Maquita Peters and Faith Osemwenkhae. I am proud to serve as their PDA (professional development advisor/mentor); they are prepared and on point as the work the room in search of opportunities!

I remember when keys to the elite PR club were accessed by a chosen few; thankfully, times have changed in the spirit of capitalism, global commerce, partnerships and progress. Let’s hope Experati will continue to serve as beacons, enriching the global dialogue as society evolves.

Leading Experati in attendance included Barbara M. Burns, APR, President, PRSA-NY and President, BBA Communications, Inc.; Doug S. Simon, President, DS Simon Productions, Inc.; Akousa Albritton, New Media Editor, Our Time Press and Member, Black Public Relations Society-NY; Nancy R. Tag, Professor, CCNY; Scott Isebrand, Chief Operating Officer, Metropolitan Pavilion and recruiters from long time BPRSNY supporters Burson-Marsteller and Hill and Knowlton (a former employer—thanks for the valuable lessons), among others!

Derek "DJ" Gordon, Chief Marketing Officer for Technorati.com, flew in from San Francisco to offer an inspirational keynote. Technorati is the leading authority on social marketing and internet trends. Since Experati are leaders who love to share what they know, here’s a summary of his MarComm career planning value statements. Note to baby boomers: talking points are out; value statements are in!

What Recent Grads Should Know

> When you’re hired, agency managers assume social marketing is in your DNA; take on that leadership role, share your unique thoughts and perspective

> Always think about how you can enter into and sustain dialogues with key audiences … through pod casts … blogs … other media?

> Be authentic and real

> Operate in a “first person voice”

> Communication is not one way; it’s about listening as much as you talk

> Beware of the call list and media tour (dated publicity tools, part of a vast and ever-changing marketing mix)

> Determine how to make audiences hear you and decide “I’m going to love you and refer your products/services to others in my social network”

Seasoned Execs Should Understand

> The rules have changed

> Embrace change in exciting new ways—or be left behind

> The era of talking points is over

> Consumers no longer blindly trust the President, General Mills or General Motors

> People trust their peers

> Mainstream media is one part of a complex communications mix

> Understand the impact of Technorati, My Space, Facebook, Twitter, You Tube, Dodgeball, Second Life, Blast and online dating

> Anyone with a computer or tech tool can be a “citizen journalist”

> To date, there are approximately 75 million blogs worldwide

> These blogs include 230 million tag objects (photos, pod cases, videos, music)

> Many “under 30-somethings” operate in a world of “continuous partial attention,” multitasking and communicating on up to 7 media platforms at the same time (TV, iPod, cell phone, streaming video, instant messaging, pod casts, etc.); therefore you must develop unique ways to deliver messages

Millynneum Insight :: Era of the Experati
How We Can Work Together

> We live in a world of plugged-in, multitasked professionals who need to comprehend and consolidate a barrage of info

> Global commerce forces managers of all ages and ethnicities to join the Experati class—working to shrink generation, compensation and education gaps, thereby strengthening US business

> Americans, in particular, must stay open to new ideas

> Always work to expand your impact and influence

> Play tag: If you’re a late boomer, let newbies show you how to use cool tech tools to link your messages—expanding your reach and influence

> Smart MarComm firms are hiring seasoned professionals (over 50) to work in tandem with young professionals—thus evolution of a powerful Experati class

> Marketers have “morphed” consumers into a new 35-55 segment, a broad sphere that includes “late boomers”

> Goal: 60 is the new 50; 40 is the new 30 … you get the point

> Experati frequently tout tech expertise by staying “plugged in”

> Beware: 40 somethings and 20 somethings who THINK they can simultaneously multitask on 7 media platforms often miss the boat

> The rules may have changed, but basic business etiquette is the same: give speakers your attention and eye contact during meetings instead of being transfixed to your Blackberry

> Experati (all ages) can enhance their value and maintain long-term business success with a vital business tool—FOCUS

> Remember: whatever your age and experience, details still count

> Late boomers are resistant to use write, hear or entertain the “o” word—I’ll say it—old! (Word of advice to those who have lived nearly half a century like me; learn to face facts, you are NOT young, you can age gracefully, you have important knowledge to share, you are an Experati—embrace the role!)

> That said, those under 35 should opt-in to dialogue with late boomers with phrases such as:

- As an industry leader …

- Can you share a bit of wisdom?

- What a wealth of experience!

- I’d appreciate your insight/advice …

> Understand traditional “power brokers” (those who sign the checks) are still trying to protect their turf, jobs, position and status

> Experati understand they don’t know everything (no one does); always refine your ability to question and challenge those in command

> Develop your ability and willingness to take risks

> As early adopters of tech tools, Experati embrace fresh thinking and work to deploy new perspectives

> Push-button publishing provides volume for individual voices

> Explosive opportunities exist to creatively leverage new media in mind-boggling proportions!

> Online dating has virtually replaced traditional methods for busy working professionals (one of my NYU students found her husband online)

> Experati enjoy the journey and appreciate distance walking, rock climbing and rock-solid financial tips—they even delve into the BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) investment arena; to learn more, visit http://wealthtrack.com

*Experati (http://experati.com) is a new MarComm consumer segment, brilliantly poised to experience a tipping point. The network includes experienced marketers and those who wish to expand their knowledge, all united and motivated to do business in powerful new ways. The phrase “Experati” was coined by Lynne Scott Jackson during Multicultural Communication Month (April 2007) to kick-off MX—a year-long celebration of Millynneum’s 10 Year Anniversary.

Thanks Experati, for contributing to the collective success of our client companies, constituent audiences and fast-growing consultancy.

>> MI