Meddling with Millennials
As a contractor, you need to communicate with customers in the manner they prefer
I’m going to let you in on a not so little secret — I’m a millennial. The cat’s out of the bag now. I don’t like to categorize myself as such because of the bad reputation my generation gets, albeit sometimes deservedly so. I also don’t identify with many of the stereotypes of my generation: I’m not lazy, entitled, or overly sensitive; I can take constructive criticism; I don’t need my hand held or head patted; and I’m not obsessed with technology. Granted, that last one is partly true. While I could live without my smartphone, I prefer not to — it’s just too convenient.
One of the advantages my generation has in the workplace is our ability to adapt to new technology quickly. We Snapchat everything, opt out of cable TV in favor of streaming services, get our news from social media, and we prefer text over phone calls. In fact, my coworker recently did her best to convince our esteemed editor-in-chief that he needed to download and start using Snapchat. Needless to say, she wasn’t successful.
However, that same acceptance of technology in our everyday personal lives can be put to good use in the workplace. Millennials are the first generation to grow up using computers — in other words — we’re early adopters. Most of us pick up and implement new technology faster than members of the older generations. Given how quickly technology is changing and advancing, especially in the HVACR world, this is a huge strength in the job market.
We also have incredible multitasking abilities and new networking tactics. As our generation increasingly become homeowners, this will be important for HVAC contractors. As a contractor, you need to communicate with customers in the manner they prefer. And let me tell you, millennials don’t want to have to call or even email a company. Text or communication through a mobile app is preferred. Having key people on staff who are quick to embrace new technology will be key to a company’s future success.
So, in closing, don’t be too quick to write off all millennials. Not all of us fit the cookie-cutter mold that we’ve been lumped into. Instead, find new ways to challenge us that help us succeed, and in doing so, your company succeed as well.
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