Mature Networks:  Playing Cards & Bingo Just Doesn't Cut It Anymore By Maria Elena Duron, Multicultural Networking Editor Maria's Bio     Email article     RSS feed      Share on  facebook

My family and I enjoyed an evening at the drive-in theater watching “The Bucket List” starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman.  Basically, without stealing the movie’s thunder, “The Bucket List” is a list of things that you want to get done before you “kick the bucket”.  There were two profound questions, I took from the movie:  #1- Did you experience joy in this life? #2 Did you give joy in this life?

It lead me to wonder how the more mature worker is networking and if networking is deemed as still an important part of their professional life. In seeking, that “joyful” life, was networking still an important factor?  And, what of the varying types of networking as social mediums become more prominent?  The workforce is shifting so we find four generations at the work place with differing work ethics and values.  Not one generation is better than the other – yet they are very different.  Traditionalists see value in a long term association with a company; baby boomers come from the workaholic generation and are the first generation to NOT want to retire; Generation X searches for life and work balance; while Generation Y, sometimes called the millennial, see time as even a more valuable commodity than money.   Older workers want to remain in their jobs for both personal fulfillment and financial reasons as stated in a study from The Conference Board. They found that 55 per cent of older employees surveyed said they were not planning to retire because they find their jobs interesting. Significantly, 74 per cent also cited not having sufficient financial resources as a reason they were continuing to work, and 60 per cent cited the need for medical benefits.  Working in retirement is the new reality.

We also see the shift on online networks.  From MySpace, to Facebook, to LinkedIn, we now see networks that are even multiculturally-based such as “Church of Christ Singles”; Las Comadres Latina Network.  And also, age-based such as: the Eldr Community; EONS – an online network for people 50 years and above; SAGAzone, Wanobe,  – also for those 50 years and older; and even YouTube has seen a rise in the more mature “silver surfer”.  In fact, a UK Regulatory firm just released a survey with the conclusion that - Silver surfers' also account for an increasing amount of internet use with nearly 30 percent of total time spent on the internet accounted for by over-50s ..."

In fact, the most popular groups within EONS (an over 50 online network developed by monster.com), are “Hippies 4 Life” and “Growing Old Is Mandatory; Growing Up Is Optional.”

How do you capitalize your networking efforts?  Ruby Bruns, Owner of Professional Concepts Advertising, is an active networker, even at over the age of 70.  She states she looks for opportunities to include her professional life and personal life.  Sharing excitement in her new website, www.rubybruns.com, Ruby continues to network on a daily basis.  “Network with all groups – you learn something new every day.  Everything is changing so fast – it’s important to network to stay connected. ” She states, that her face to face networking is not limited only to senior networks but focuses across the board. On-line she’s still getting up to speed with all of the networking groups available and looks for people with similar interests as opposed to age.  According to Ruby, “Look for similarities and common interests and people that respect you – that’s most important” Great advice!

 

Your multicultural Champion of Connections Coach– Maria Elena Moral CHUA Duron – signing out for now.

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