8 Keys to Technology & Millennials | Networking Exchange Blog

Do you remember the days before email? We actually had to walk to someone?s office in order to discuss a particular topic!

Do you remember the days before web conferencing and video chat were available? We actually had to travel across the country in order to attend an important meeting!

Do you ever remember a time when collaboration was so difficult?

I don?t?

I am a Millennial. A member of Generation Y?the ?Facebook Generation?, ?Generation Next?, or the ?Net Generation?.? I am an ?eighties baby?.

By definition: Generation Y is generally marked by an increased use of and familiarity with communications, media, and digital technologies. Millennials were born between 1981 and 2000. We are primarily influenced by the globalization of information, the iPod, and social networking sites and we currently comprise 22% of the workforce.

The media through which I conduct business consist of constant emails, periodic phone calls, AT&T Telepresence meetings, in some instances, and AT&T Connect for every conference call scheduled on my calendar) My entire team, including my boss, ?are interspersed throughout the country. This means most of my business is conducted virtually.

Because of this virtual environment, I am forced to ensure that I communicate clearly, effectively, efficiently, and accurately in order to get the job done. Gen Y-ers have been connected since birth and because of this, we have a unique perspective and certain requirements around communication tools that we use. One capability we value a lot is multidimensional conferencing capabilities.

Grown Up Digital has classified the ?Net Generation? with an inventory of eight characteristics in the workforce. See if you can relate to these:

1.?We want freedom in everything we do, from freedom of choice to freedom of expression.

We want the freedom of collaboration and knowledge share, whenever and wherever we work. These capabilities are available on PCs, Macs, and mobile devices, allowing access any time.

2.?We love to customize and personalize.

We want the ultimate sense of personalization for the ability to add? hosts? meeting information to all conferences set up as well as through integration with the email tool of your choice

3. We are the new scrutinizers.

We want transparency which is inevitable with application sharing and the ability for participants to communicate with each other easily and speak freely.

4.?We look for corporate integrity and openness.

With communication barriers nearly obsolete, our business needs require global reach, scalability and reliability.

5.?We want entertainment and play in our work, education, and social life.

Having been raised on interactive experiences and games, we expect an environment beyond that of what a phone call does ? with fully integrated video chat and continuous multipoint streaming, this is now possible.

6.?We are the collaboration and relationship generation.

With social networking sites so prevalent, immediate feedback and sharing is routine. Whiteboarding and fully integrated video conferencing for? real-time ?collaboration and virtual relationship building are crucial .

7.?We have a need for speed

Instant messaging and live chats have created the expectation for immediate response. Tools like live chat and polling capabilities are needed to facilitate this.

8.?We are the innovators.

Our generation thrives on an innovative environment relevant to today?s communication standards that allows for the free flowing of knowledge, insights, and ideas.

AT&T Connect is a product that satisfies many of the desired attributes that not only the ?Net Generation? benefits from, but instead it encompasses traits that transcend generations. Whether you fall into the Traditionalist, Baby Boomer, Generation X, or Generation Y category, the characteristics of AT&T Connect surpass all other media.

So how about you?? What tools are you using whether you?re a ?Net Generation? Millennial or another generation? Tell us how these types of features matter to you.? We look forward to your comments.

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