When is too old to still be in the workforce and who decides.

 

Many of us are not in our 20´s, 30s or even 40s. We all have acquired years of experience in either one of various professions. We have been thru the start and evolution of technology. We were the ones who had to read and really research an opinion or facts before sharing them. (Remember those encyclopedias?)  Where newscasters reported the news with colaborrated facts regardless their opinion.

We have been fortunate of being part of both worlds. We are a breed of our own with traditional ways adapted to the new tendencies. There is no expiration age to stop working.  We want to keep on working. We are in better shape health wise than most of our parents ever were when they were our age. So why are we not marketable? Why is an algorithm making our career choices and not a person. When is too old to still be in the workforce and who decides?

It is really motivating that a younger generation is eager to learn, or  think that OUR EXPERIENCE could be an added value to their services (for themselves as well as for their clients). The awe pretense by the experience that you might have, has been completely ignored by the information that a software outputs. The trust that is put in an anti-personal source of information is mind boggling.   The use of social media and platforms is their basic source of network.  How many people do they really know of their contacts? How many followers do they have? How many would they really trust to use as referral? What do they learn from this? Yes, tech savvy. Knowledge, it can be questionable.

Networking was a form of personal gathering of people in which they truly shared their experiences, expertise, know-how and know who. Always keep your passport, credit cards and resume active because you never know who you might meet or where life would take you. Now a resume should be revised weekly, again because the algorithm has new key words. Remove dates. Long lasting stay at a current job is perceive as not being assertive. Not having the initiative of moving on. (regardless of the promotions within the company).Yes, times have changed, people have adapted to current situations, instead of being a burden, it should be considered an asset. The DOERS VS THE ACHIEVERS?

The current generations have their own domain. Their self-assurance of what they think, know or do is impressive. These is not a judgement call, is a perception constantly felt by my peers. They are those younger ones that are truly achiever in a world that have different pressures, standards and tendencies. Deserving of every respect earned. 

Why all this dialogue?  Ironic, wanted to share my own experience. It is not unique, but also it is not absolute. After being contacted by several consulting companies that were interested in adding me to their team. They reached out to me because of my profile and the information given (is all out there). “Your profile is impressive; our clients would benefit from your knowledge”.    Some have hired me; I am happy for that. But in the last year, I kept getting the same end response from the eager young agents. (salesperson, executive agent etc.). "Please take a brief survey to make sure you qualify for our program".  Granted, there has been exchanges of conversations and viewing of work experience.   To be rejected by a 4 questions computer survey to see if you are a fit. Being: age, country of residence, place of birth and describe yourself in one sentence. I do not know what is more disappointing the exclusion or the decision making process by these companies. For them to loose great opportunities and talent,  because they leave the decision-making process to a program which now a days is taken to heart making their lives easier and in their mind productive. When is too old to still be in the workforce and who decides?

Divulging or sharing your experience. There is a difference.

 There is a difference between divulging information and sharing your experience. Be wise and educated in how you engage with your audience. Not everyone gets more than one opportunity to make a first impression. Your first impression could be your last. 

When we first meet someone, start or lead a meeting, introduce a product, brand etc to an audience, or even closing a deal, we are concerned about engaging them and causing a first impression. We want to tell all our accolades, our success stories and testimonials.  However, sometimes we are so focused on that, that we start name dropping, talking about experiences incidents with a person, corporation or event, which can leads in crossing the line in confidential information. Maybe is your story, but you have to think about the other´s side story as well.  

All types of experiences include a place, time, an incident and most of the time a person or group of people.  They can be success stories, failures, tragedies, or happy events. This experiences can be because we played a mayor or some part in it to making it happen. Of course we want to share it, brag or let the enthusiasm over come us. Thinking out loud in an unfamiliar environment can be counter productive. 

If you are going to an interview, conference or engagement that can be an asset to you, prepare yourself mentally before you go. Think who will be there and how you want to convey your message. If your are meeting with friends, colleagues  or family, then is another mind frame. Is sharing your enthusiasm of your success and not being arrogant about. 

We all want to make a first impression, a lasting impression o outstand from the others. Think and educate yourself before you verbalize your thoughts. It will be a growing experience to all involved. 

What is the right decision: Legally , Ethically or Double Standards.

 

At the beginning of the pandemic everyone thought that everything was going to be transitory. So far it has not been the case. However, it has created long heated debates in which the same argument has been used for years: What is legally right, what is ethically (morally) right or the GREAT DOUBLE STANDARD. 

Most of us growing up were taught what was ethically right through our parent´s perspective. Add, education as well as our parents -we learned structure and what was legally right and what was not. Yet, as we become adults, there seem to be a lot of confusions of which one is which, (sometimes religion is added to the mix) alternate them or use either one as they see fit.  

The VACCINE is a big example of it. I would assume that when it comes to matter of LIFE and DEATH, we would use our common sense or what we see is best for each individual. Since it has not seemed to be working, the govt, health officials, private entities as well as public; are trying to implement it legally, but then is thought as a violation of people´s rights.  

You can choose whatever it pleases you, however, if what you choose is outside the norms, don´t expect and complain when you are not prioritize in the line. We are all responsible for our own actions. I just don´t want to be part of some else´s consequences.  We are born alone and we die alone. In this case, some when they are dying bring others with them.

 

Consejo del día:    La Ley de las tres RRR:

 

Sabia usted que unos de los errores mas comunes de una marca, producto o imagen de persona,  es el no saber posicionarse y tener una auto estima muy alta.  No solo es saber quien eres, que no te olviden y que regresen.

Reconocimiento: el factor de que tu audiencia o tu publico sepa quien eres. Que puedas distinguirte de los demás. ¿Qué te hace especial?

Retención: el factor que puedas mantener a tu audiencia, que no se olviden de ti. Mantener activa el imagen de la marca, producto o persona.

Repetición: Que ese mismo publico o segmento a quien te diriges regrese a ti. Que no sea, compra, visita o contacto único.

La experiencia de tu equipo o asesoría va a dictar que herramientas usar, como usarla y cuando aplicarlas.  Siempre es bueno tener objetividad externa junto a la interna.

 

How good is Social Media?

How good are social networks to us? Now a days, almost everything is access via Internet. Some of us rely on our phone to access; others still use their computer.  “Google it” is a source of knowledge. “Match.com” is a source for romance. “LinkedIn” is a source for jobs and “Facebook” is the new version of a journal. We post from pictures, news, events and catastrophes. Are they really resourceful? Are we so dependable in technology that we loose a sense of reality?

A vast majority of sources use the Internet as the medium to be access: Jobs and resumes, love lives and products/ Brands.  “Put it out there and they will come”.  However, people forget the basics. If the content is not good, it will be ignored or simply bashed. It is all in the presentation and what type of content is used: Video, photo, comments, articles.  Even in traditional advertising: magazines, newspaper and billboards, it has to be eye catching. Appealing to the user.

Social Networks can be a good of two evils. Once is there, it cannot be removed nor erased. Is a permanent history that cannot be altered once that particular story is written.  Others may be written or shown to disclaim, defy or deny it. But that original one will always be there. A lie can be told or unproven, relationships and decisions can be based on your Internet information. So are they really that good?

Yes, if used wisely. Depending on the subject and need it is savvy to use an expert. At least get good advise.  This is a subject that I will write and write about. Some people just don´t get it.  It has to be told in different ways so people can understand that just because you are popular in social media, does not mean you are good, at what you do. Your product or image is what is going to be remembered or forgotten.

“YOUR IMAGE, YOUR BRAND”. Smith Consulting, Corporate investigation, positioning of brands, reputation makers.

Ever changing times.

We are up to a new year. Every one has a New Year´s resolution. "Easy said than done" .  How many do we accomplish the third month, six; end of the year? They are either focus on money, love, business, personal, family and even friendships.  Everyone wants that miracle diet, the quick rich system, or love thy neighbor. At the end, we believe if we do not have a goals or a mission we can be geared towards the road of uncertainty. For some , it can be considered failure.

As my father used to say, "when in doubt, always go back to the basics".  Make a list, a wish list, goal list, any list. Even though you always thinks that no one is going to do the job as good as you do, you always need a support system. Learn to delegate or relay. You are not alone.  You will not misguide your goal and you will not reach the point of no return. You are not alone.

The support system can come in either shape, form or idea. It is incredible to know that some one does roar and cheer up on the side lines. Someone always care. A parallel view. That invisible energy that lets you know "Yes, you can!".  It is not a crutch nor a hinder, it just your parallel. Embrace it.

So, as we go towards the New Year, with uncertainties, doubts and for some regrets or surprises. We are are all human bound for some disappointments and successes. We tried, trusted and learned. At the end, that is what counts. Happy 2017!

When a boss becomes a friend. Who is appreciative or entitled? The Boss or Employee?

All bosses want to be well liked by their subordinates, they want to establish rules and be respected by all. However, how can it be done without crossing the line? Are you a friend with rules or a friendly boss?

Loyalty over work ethics is what sometimes makes a good employee. Many bosses, even with their “inside the box” mentality will be more lenient because they are getting all the loyalty they need and trust they want.   I am not talking about unethical activities; I am talking about extra personal duties, support system, taking over and go beyond the call of duty etc. In essence the employee becomes family, part of their inner circle. Is included in the team.

Yet, when push comes to shove, how loyal and appreciative are the employees?  A common personal trait among most of us, is “me first” regardless of the circumstances, facts or consequences.  Will an employee appreciate all the perks, bonuses of the inner circle or will they be deserving and entitled when things go wrong?  Unfortunately most of the times, it can be the latter, and that can be a very unsettling situation for both parties. 

Becoming a leader/boss and a “friend” can be hard especially if you are self-employed. People do not realized that besides learning how to delegate and manage, you are trusting your nest egg on the people you hire. If you are in a corporate setting, your professional well-being and reputation depends on the people you hire as well. Good judgment is a key element in both setting.  In order to keep any establishment afloat, rules and regulations have to be set with a code of behavior yet with a good relax environment. 

Bosses are real people too. Real people with dilemmas, issues and stress and just because they are higher up in the hierarchy they are not immune to any hardships. Does an employee ever understand that? Or they become resentful because they do not have all the benefits they “perceive” the others might have.  Trust me, like all relationships; friends, lovers, spouses, a boss and employee´s relation is unique as well. Some are great, some are sweet and sour, others short and sweet, or even “ever lasting love”. Yet, what is the true recipe to avoid betrayal, deception or even loyalty without sacrifying good work? There is none. However, at the end of a day good management comes with rules, demands and teamwork.  Sometimes in order to acquire this, boundaries cannot be broken. We all stride for a great working environment in our establishment.  If things do not go your way, don´t blame others without first looking at the incidents.  As any relationship, deception is taken very hard. A person puts their personal and professional trust in someone else; with the same token no good boss will ever take negative advantage of their position, knowledge or power in order to acquire good expertise.

Remember you are not better than anybody, nor anybody is better than you. Just different.  Respect is earned, trust is valued and knowledge is learned.  Appreciation is key.

We welcome your comments, experiences or opinions. 

10 BASIC TIPS TO ENGAGE YOUR AUDIENCE IN YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA.

1.   Post, Tweet or comment at least 5 times a day.

      a. Learn the optimal times to post in a given social media. 

2.   Post pictures, as they are quick attention getters.

3.   Reply or acknowledge others comments to you.

4.   Befriend, like or follow brands and products that may be tangent with yours.
5.   Decipher your main followers and analyze their opinions. They might be good  "ambassadors". 
6.  Engage in conversations relevant to your product.
7.  Analyze which social media works better for you and how you can incorporate it into the others. 
8.  Never delete or ignore a negative comment. Learn how to do damage control and avoid reoccurrences. 
9.  Check your spelling and your grammar.
10. Analyze and learn your audience. Speak their tone. 

As we know “Content” is KING and “Conversation” is QUEEN, hence it is important to get professional guidance in order to be able to know what, when and how to post a content.  It is easier to loose your audience than to attract them.  Smith Digital´s professional expertise, knowledge and tools, create a synergy between the wants and needs of the client and consumer creating the optimal goal. 

My Silicon Valley experience; Is it for everyone?

After reading the article on LinkedIn “What´s eating Silicon Valley? By Andrew Yang I noticed how much it hit close to home with my own experiences.  His perspective is very much in key of what I experienced back then and still occurring in the Valley right now. 

For many, Silicon Valley has an image of greatness and a sense of wealth. The best technologies in the world were and are created there. However, it is its own little big bubble. Where youth with aggressive intelligent ambition is very much accepted, networking is very important yet there is a big lack of “social skills” for the most part.

I first moved to Silicon Valley straight out of Manhattan.  To be blunt, a "Culture Shock" at it´s best. For starters, the social scene is very different. Being single in Manhattan is like an episode of “Sex and the City”. Being single in San Jose (I moved because of my then boyfriend who became my then husband…) well is nicknamed “Men Jose” for the ratio of men to women.  That was just the beginning. You don´t see the smart and savvy “Go Getters” of Wall Street, but those gentle smart students who were loners in school when you were growing up suddenly become hipsters without changing their persona. Being extremely smart was very much accepted and lauded. Engineering degrees with very complicated minors (I am just your average Business/Economics Student). These students live to decipher the Square Root of Something. Commodity and casualness were the dress code combined with its attitude. Being a Fashion statement was not important.

As a city, San Jose- Now headquarters to Silicon Valley has evolved in to a major city.  Due to the wealth of the 80, 90 and mostly 2000, I was able to see the evolution and transition of the city. Culturally is still growing, because as Andrew Yang said, there is not much diversity. There might be people from all over the world, yet they all think and act in a very much same pattern. (As Lawyers think one way, Doctors think 3D, Engineers have their ways as well). Granted, I am talking about my own experiences.  I hopped on a plane from Manhattan and into San Jose. I came from a place that you went to the most chic places on any given night, to the park the next day, the museum the next and then eating in restaurants with well renowned chefs. All of the places were of extreme calibers.  As you age and depending on your exposure you intellect grows in different ways.

One unique characteristic of Silicon Valley is the diversity of ethic backgrounds. In some cultures, education is considered and regarded in a higher level than social and financial standards. Hence, creating an aggressive competitiveness academically among students. Ironically, sometimes the pressure of this was coming from the parents.  I am not demeaning some schools, but in some institutions, it was the student´s academic competitiveness that made the school better not the teachers that taught. Some schools were notorious for having several students acquire a perfect SAT score. 

http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/california-boy-14-perfect-score-sat-article-1.1408034

Child rearing goes to a different level. Children are exposed to the highest level of technology gadgets. It is very common for them to have them.  Again, my same dilemma surges – “Social Skills”.  Most of these gadgets make a person very autonomous; there is no need to be neither physical nor social. Is up to us, the parents to create the environment that we are used to and see best fit.  

Now, to the most important aspect of Silicon Valley is the work force. Self-starters who have evolve their business into large corporations in a shorter period of time than most. Where youth does not necessarily means inexperience. Aggressive assertiveness is done in a subtle way. Finally, owning your own business is key and common.

You should also read Andrew Yang´s blog, my reason to pen my thoughts down.  https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/whats-eating-silicon-valley-andrew-yang?  My comments to him where: Having lived, owned a business and raised children in Silicon Valley for over 20 years, I do relate to your article. It is a self-starter town-city (yes, when I first moved there it was a town with no Skylines) with a lot of opportunities to those who dare to be entrepreneurial. It is a great place for business owners, (you are seen in a different light) and a very expensive place for a regular employee. My children were fortunate enough to attend very good schools, yet among their peers having even ok grades was not "cool". (Due to the mix of ethic backgrounds among students there is a lot of academic competitiveness).  Social skills are very unique to the Valley. Even though it is a conglomerate of extremely smart people, there is a difference between being "academia", "intellectual", "culturally knowledgeable" and "worldly".  Their common bond is "entrepreneurial wealth”. (That is how most of them acquired their money). Since then, I have moved to even a bigger city with a lot of cultural diversity. My children have moved out as well. However, we all cherish our experience there and what we have learned. Experiences make us the person we are now and dictate what we will be in the future.

We are open to sharing your experiences and comments. This blog is based on one´s perception and not a generalization. 

La importancia de los "Baby Boomers" en la fuerza laboral.

Hoy en día, todos hablan de la generación actual “Milenios”, y que dictan las tendencias del mercado en el futuro. Se olvidan que también hay otra generación que esta cambiando el futuro. Los últimos “Baby Boomers”.  Una generación muy activa, eficaz y productiva.

Esta última generación nació después de la Segunda Guerra Mundial hasta el 1965.  Son más activos que sus padres fueron a esta edad, tienen más conciencia por salud, comunidad y economía. Por necesidad, lujo o audacia se están reinventando  en su madura edad de los 50´s  y son exitosos.  http://www.slideshare.net/BONODG/baby-boomers-vs-ecoboomers  

Antes era un taboo emplear a “personas de edad madura” ya que se creía que no iban a ser tan eficiente como las personas más jóvenes.  Irónicamente la tecnología nos ha ayudado mucho, a sus vez a hecho que la generación “milenios” dependa mas de esta y por tanta accesibilidad de información han amoldado sus valores, hábitos y costumbres. Son mas creativos y están mas enfocados en la comunidad y asuntos sociales. https://www.whitehouse.gov/sites/default/files/docs/millennials_report.pdf. Menos materialistas a su vez cambiando los hábitos de copras, ventas e influencias.  Un empleado pagaba razonable por un joven lleno de ímpetu y motivación devaluando el salario de alguien mayor por su edad. Sin embargo ya esa motivación y alcance no es tan común. El materialismo no es tan importante para ellos.  Esto a su vez ha incrementado los sueldos de aquellos que pensaban retirarse por que todavía sus experiencias y conocimientos tienen un valor adquisitivo.

Los “Baby Boomers” mas jóvenes apenas tiene 50 años y son muy activos.  Hay más mujeres en el ámbito profesional. Ya sea por decisión de divorcio, financiera o personal. Son mas independientes y autónomas.  Ser empresario o corporativo es muy común.  Antes, trabajar para alguien era lo mas seguro. El materialismo sigue siendo un poco importante. Ya sea por situación económica o decisión propia no se retiran por que saben que todavía pueden aportar productivamente y quieren mantener su nivel  actual de vida. 

(Foto por Noel Boleño-2009). Sorprendentemente hay países en Latino América como México, en que se puede preguntar en los cuestionarios de empleo el estado civil y la edad. Mientras, países como Estados Unidos (EEUU) estas son preguntas discriminatorias e ilegales.  Al hacer estas preguntas discriminatorias estas cerrando la opción de tener buenos candidatos por que exceden los requisitos de edad y estas de perder buenas oportunidades  por la experiencias y conocimientos que esta generación puede traer.

  

Conste que no se esta generalizando sobre todas las personas que caen en estas generaciones, son meras observaciones de las tendencias de hoy en día. Siempre va a haber personas con características diferentes en cada generación o sector. ¿Cuál es tu opinión respecto al tema y cual generación caes tu? Comparte.