Hey, Adelaide networkers! We’re back with part two of our series on networking across generations, and this time we’re diving into the Generation X playground. That’s right, we’re tackling the challenges of networking with my folks—Gen Xers.
The Changing Game of Networking with Generation X
We Generation Xers grew up clocking in at 9 am and clocking out at 5 pm. There were no emails haunting our dinner time, and family time was, well, family time. Fast-forward to today, where the grind is non-stop. Emails, social media, and text messages blur the lines between our personal and professional lives, and we’re always ‘on.’
Add the immense pressure to have a perfect family life, be well-read, be fitness gurus, and succeed in business, and what do you get? A generation of stressed-out, overwhelmed individuals who juggle multiple events a week. So how do you connect with this generation at business networking events in Adelaide? Let’s dive in.
Keeping It Real
First, let’s break the code of engaging with Generation Xers—authenticity. Gone are the days of textbook questions and sleazy tactics. Gen Xers are split right down the middle: some are authentic, others are ‘slick operators’ using age-old techniques. So, when networking with Gen Xers in Adelaide, be prepared to navigate through their circle of trust.
Putting It Into Practice: Tools and Techniques
Gen Xers are more wary and skeptical than their Boomer predecessors. They need proof you’re not fake news. They operate in circles of trust, and entering the inner sanctum requires time, shared experiences, and most importantly, value.
The Four Circles Of Trust
At the outer circle, it’s all about proving you’re on the same playing field. Say you’re a newbie startup and you’re approaching a Fortune 500 CEO; prepare for a quick exit out of their radar. Gen Xers are guarded. They don’t need flattery; they need evidence of value.
A Wheel Within A Wheel
As you enter the second circle, you start discussing industries, specialities, and clients. If you have enough touch-points, you’ll be welcomed into the next circle, where repeated contacts and benefit demonstrations are the key. No bragging allowed, though!
Putting It Into Practice: Example
Let’s say I meet you at a networking event in Adelaide, and we start discussing our businesses. I might share that one of the most fulfilling parts of my job is disaster recovery in social media. Why? Because it relieves stress for business owners—something that resonates with Gen Xers who are already overwhelmed. No name-dropping or overt sales pitch, just value and a way to possibly collaborate in the future. This often leads to a Facebook friend request and a deeper, more meaningful connection.
Maintaining Healthy Boundaries
Making it to the inner circle doesn’t mean we’re BFFs. I’ve got thousands of Facebook friends, but that doesn’t mean they all get to comment on my personal posts or know the intricacies of my life. The inner circle is about a mutually beneficial, authentic business relationship that respects boundaries.
The Bottom Line
Generation Xers may seem like a tough crowd to crack at Adelaide’s business networking events. Yet, if you approach them with genuine interest and navigate their circles of trust thoughtfully, you’ll find a generation yearning for authenticity and real connections.
So, at the next networking event in Adelaide, toss out the textbook questions, ditch the slick facade, and get real. Trust me, you’ll not only make it to the inner circle of a Gen Xer’s network but also create a meaningful, long-lasting relationship.
Stay tuned for the next part in our series where we tackle the Millennials!
