Enabling A Generation

Michigan is in need of an entrepreneurial makeover. Young innovators are ready to implement their business concepts yet continually face obstacles known to both the seasoned and rookie business leader. Children today are raised in an entrepreneurial environment-two-thirds of entrepreneurship comprises of men and women between the age of 34-64. Subsequently, their children are raised on the notion of creative thinking and business optimism. In less educated words: The apple does not fall far from the tree. The focus then must be shifted from solely providing support for big business to encouraging young innovators to "take the leap" and start a business of their own.

Credit must be given to America's younger generations (under the age of 30). The burden of ensuring a fruitful economy will soon shift from the diligent business leaders of today to the innovators and entrepreneurs of tomorrow. Such responsibility is being taken seriously-programs and organizations have surfaced encouraging the unity of college entrepreneurs in order to share ideas and concepts to fuel innovations that will, ideally, create thousands of new jobs and millions of dollars in revenue for their respective region.

What then is missing from the seemingly perfect equation for new business start-ups and technologies? The problem we see with so many eager states is the dilemma of "all talk, no action." States now orchestrate advertising campaigns in conjunction with state legislators proposing policy to encourage businesses to pack-up and open doors in a new, needy state-inducement through tax incentives throughout a determined period of time. Meanwhile, young entrepreneurs are seeking venture capital support, thus playing into the hands of potential leads for funding, like puppets on a string.

My proposal

Start-up incentive: States like Michigan must amend their focus to attract companies. Large companies may salivate over millions in tax incentives, but start-ups need money to build prototypes, rent buildings and develop marketing material. Legislators and state agencies responsible for delegating funds must develop programs to entice venture capitalists to support new companies only if the company is willing to move or stay in Michigan.

Educational initiatives: Amend the educational system. Students must learn; beginning in high school that they have resources and opportunities to be successful in their endeavors. State universities must mandate students take a class about business start-up and entrepreneurism. Granted, only a minority of students will own their own business. However, if students learn how to write business plans, seek capitol and market a product, the percentage of students willing to start a business will increase. If mandating is not an option, government officials must work with universities to develop a degree in entrepreneurism at every university in the state. Such programs will not only spring innovators in-state, but will encourage out-of-state entrepreneurs to attend Michigan universities.

Mentorship programs: Young entrepreneurs want the help of seasoned professionals, but the barriers of communication with such individuals may take weeks, months or years. Policy makers must encourage business leaders to mentor young innovators-developing business relationships that will benefit both parties.

Leadership Part One: Lessons from a CEO

Green technologies, politics, automotive survival and humanitarian efforts. What do they all have in common? Leadership.

America is a nation of problem solvers. When a problem arises or a situation is in need of improvement, innovators and entrepreneurs create plans to solve global dilemmas. J. Bryne Murphy, author of Le Deal, explains how such characteristics define America. We are driven by a constant desire to individually innovate and devise diagnoses to better understand technology, medicine and life sciences.

Most importantly are the individuals behind the concepts. I recently came across Adam Bryant’s Sunday Business section of The New York Times titled, “Corner Office.” Bryant interviews various CEOs and business leaders about essential questions behind leadership.

According to Clarence Otis, CEO of Darden Restaurants, leaders “have their wits about them, so they're looking as much for the opportunity that's inherent in that as they are for the risk…provide leadership in whatever area you choose to dedicate your life to."

“I think to be a good leader it’s key to know what it’s like to be an employee, and to have had a lot of the different level jobs where you’ve been the scrappy little nobody,” said Dany Levy, founder of DailyCandy.com. “I’ve had crazy bosses and I’ve had wonderful bosses, and it’s important to figure out that if you’re working for someone who you don’t gel with, there can be a way to manage that.”

My uncle frequently reminds me of this very point. Until you have worked for the worst of them, he says, you will not know how to lead like the best of them.

So how is this relevant? As businesses experience generational replacement, employees must understand that the corporate ladder is not padded with entitlement. As one CEO indicated, “There’s definitely, in this generation…more a sense of entitlement, a bit of, ‘Why should I go work for ‘the man’ and put in the time.”

If you happen to be among the few who have developed revolutionary technologies and are on track to your first nomination for a Nobel Prize, best of luck. But there are some key things to learn from the grunt work. Pay attention to the wisdom offered by today’s leaders. Believe it or not, the millennial generation is ready and excited to learn from the Baby Boomers: embrace one another.

Embracing Global Partnerships May Save All of Us

"Born and raised in south Detroit."

Lyrics representing my childhood and my parent's home. Lyrics mapping the route home to thousands of Chrysler, Ford and General Motors employees who feel the hardships of a whimpering American economy. Lyrics exemplifying a demographic of individuals committed to industrial change and innovative entrepreneurship.

Today, breaking news reported the finalization of the sale of Chrysler to Fiat. Soon after, thousands of employees, distributors, dealers and manufacturers were able to breathe a sigh of relief. Thousands still remain jobless, but this news carries like fresh air through Detroit and many Midwesterners have a revitalized sense of hope for the once-prideful auto capitol of the world.

Most appealing is the notion of global partnership. Although I have been a spoken advocate for American-made products, I willingly encourage a global network for industry. Whereas Michigan's auto industry once thrived from self-sufficiency, more industries now recognize -- mainly because of the economic recession -- that the world is shrinking and mergers are essential for the success of the United States. From Wall Street to Dearborn, Mich. (home to a Ford stamping and frame factory), industrialists must embrace relationships with their counterparts around the world.

Global partnership can and should be acknowledged on an individual level as well. My cousin recently explained how one of his companies encompasses three individuals from three separate continents. Another internet-based company, Borgger, encourages users to "ideate" with one another to share thoughts and concepts about unique business ideas. Likewise, The Kairos Society unites the brightest American student entrepreneurs with the brightest students and potential governmental leaders from China and Israel.

Social media and social networking allows for the global exchange of business ideas and advice. A Social Media-tor in Denver, Colo. can provide online marketing strategies to an entrepreneur in Brazil. The owner of a Spanish winery can contribute to an online discussion about the wine industry in California.

New methods of communication are opening more doors now than ever before. As detailed with the Chrysler buyout, we will have to learn how to strategically communicate with our global peers, selflessly provide advice and help one another, then combine entrepreneurially for a successful future.

Are you a Social Media-tor? by Steve Mnich on Tonic.com

Are you a Social Media-tor? by Steve Mnich on Tonic.com

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Would you like a popsicle with your new electric drill?

I want to open this article up to you, the reader. Think of this read as a break from the lecturing and issue-telling encompassing the art and craft of journalism. Let this discussion be conversational rather than editorial.popsicls

While reading over conversations on my favorite time-killing website (other than Tonic.com), I came across a very simple question in a business article entitled “It’s hot in Virginia!” The writer's question was simple: What are you doing that is really crazy or different then your competition? His ingenuous response to the question he posed: give away free snow cones in the dead of summer to your customers (mind you, the snow cone sponsor is a printing company).

What a great topic for conversation in an economy of innovative thinking and customer engagement. Last summer, I worked for a company that swore by purchasing popsicles any day the weather broke the 100-degree barrier. It was maybe three weeks into my internship that a client walked into our office and saw nothing but red, green, orange and purple lips, a trashcan full of Popsicle sticks and a freezer full of push-ups.

During a recent purchase at a local hardware store, the aroma of butter filled the air and the cashier switched from money collector to popcorn distributor with each and every customer that approached his register (I have since gone back to the store for measly reasons for the sole purpose of obtaining more and more theatre-esque boxes of the corn treat).

How are you engaging customers and how have companies connected with you?

Politics Through Social Media

I cannot help but get the feeling that all too often American citizens fall far short of upholding their constitutional right to participate in America’s institutionalized democracy. I also cannot tell you how many of my acquaintances (rather than calling them ‘friends,’ I offset my association with these people in this situation––similar to how a mom will tell a dad “your son” needs to be talked to) pitilessly struggle to emphasize with my plea for political participation. Using your hand (hopefully you’ll get to the second one), count the number of reasons you believe being well educated about your government and legislature is important – that’s what I thought.

Obama TweetsI would be lying if I said I was politically involved by choice. In fact, I am pretty sure that the only reason the governmental agenda found a home on my personal agenda was because I was tired of hearing my brother tell me how to vote, which policy was the best and his continual argument (which he’d likely go on to win) about why I was wrong for having a ‘hunch’ about a certain politician. So, with a severe case of Rebellious-Brother-Syndrome (RBS), I took on an additional major in Political Science.

Do not feel as though you need to go back to school in order to learn about the paranoid and partisan world of politics, but do not be shy to lace up the gloves and step into the arena of policy. Take the smallest step you can by logging onto The White House website. A world (literally) of issues eagerly waits.

Assuming you are as uncertain about the political climate as I was, you could also start at a non-government sponsored, independent website called trailObama.com. Created as a means to disseminate presidential information to new audiences, trailObama.com appears to be attempting to establish itself as the official Obama discussion page.

Whereas once politics blushed in its introverted nature in the face of Social Media, the new Obama administration has their very own Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and other innovative, dare I say, fun and engaging methods of communication.

So, if you are currently involved and interested in your government – great, but don’t keep your thoughts to yourself. Encourage those ‘acquaintances’ to learn about a policy or two, and inform them that there is in fact a remedy for the severe syndrome of RBS.

Reaching Success: Building from Inspiration and Failure

Ahh, the classic scenario of ‘taking the pot’ on the very first hand you play. You are left with the notion that your efforts are unfailing and the idea that maybe all the hype surrounding the risk was overrated. You stepped into the arena, and two rounds later came out victorious – the real question now is, how will this help you develop as a professional, and how can you share your lessons with those who have had the exact opposite of fortune?

Last year, friend and former teammate of mine, Justin Abdelkader, decided to leave the collegiate hockey arena and pursue a professional career. Being that the season was nearing an end, the Detroit Red Wings offered him an opportunity, and sure enough he became a full-time Red Wing for the last couple months of the season. As luck (fate, perseverance, etc.) would have it, Detroit went on to win the Stanley Cup, and Justin stood on the ice in Pittsburgh, hoisting hockey’s greatest prize (see photo) above his head.

So how then can you aim any higher for a lifelong career? Whether in business or in sports, seasoned professionals will wait, and wait and wait some more, to reach the pinnacle of their profession. It is these select few that can have the greatest impact on their coworkers and teammates. Inevitably, your peers will look to those who have tried and succeeded. Justin, in turn of winning the Stanley Cup, brought the trophy back to Michigan State for a charity event to raise money for the Cure Kids Cancer initiative. What better use of success than turning it to benefit others?

If you are within this select minority, remember that your success likely came as a result of the elders who gave you the opportunity to succeed. Be mindful of this throughout your career as new generations of professionals seek your help.

I was asked last year to be a part of a three-person team to travel to Wisconsin and handle the public relations efforts for the world unveiling of the Martin Jetpack (yes, a real jetpack). With the business-ripened saavyness of my two coworkers, Brian Ellis and Joe Horvath, the launch was featured on CNN and The Today Show, along with receiving several million online hits and media stories.

Sadly, the internship ended and I was left with two options - the first of which was to retire. The second, and slightly more realistic however, was to learn from the successes and business approach of my seasoned coworkers and translate those lessons into future endeavors.

Bottom line: whether you are a rookie or a tenured professional, build from both success and failure, learn from your predecessors and then be sure to offer others as many opportunities to succeed as what has been given to you.

Reaching Success: Building from Inspiration and Failure by Steve Mnich on Tonic.com

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What Can Be?

Fear not, fellow achievers of academia…commencers of the collegiate. You may have taken those bold steps (for some, you may have happily pranced) across the stage – air horns a blowing, parental arms a flailing, thousands of celebratory students. This moment, of course, symbolizing the conclusion of four years, maybe four and a half, five… of some of the greatest memories, new friends and grueling 8:00 am classes you have ever experienced in your life.

So now what? The educational system sucked you in nearly 20 years ago and has now spit you out into the world of business suits and coffee mugs. You’re faced with the question, what will I do with my life? Here is your answer: I don’t know!

Fortunately however, your generation of college graduates is faced with more opportunities than ever before. Yes, I said it, MORE opportunities. Ignore the economic environment, because this generation is slowly panning out to be the “What Can Be?” generation.

If you have any sense of skepticism about the legitimacy of such a claim, take a look around you. CRT/tanaka, an innovative public relations and marketing agency, wakes up each and every morning to this What Can Be? idea. By focusing on this notion, they consistently offer their clientele unique solutions to the age old need for communication. CRT/tanaka encourages youthful contributions to even their largest of clients, and hunt for the brightest college graduates around the country. Need more proof, then check out their blog – consistently updated with employee perspectives in our ever-evolving society.

We also see a proactive approach to the What Can Be notion by USC film student Jack Robbins (yes, the son of legendary actors Tim Robbins and Susan Sarandon). Though still in production, Jack is creating a documentary called Zer00s, a film about the generation of individuals who have been shaped by events within the 21st century. By attempting to define this group, the underlying tone indicates a sense of encouragement and the notion that we can in fact create unique opportunities for ourselves. What Can Be? may in fact be possible through cheering an innovative spirit, all while seeking a new image and accurate depiction of this emerging generation.

So, though you may feel the grimace of the graduation gown, and although the realization may be setting in that your life will soon be transformed from a ‘keg in the closet’ to ‘bills in the mailbox’, know that you are amongst a generation of optimism and innovation. Ask yourself, What Can Be? (!)

Social Media-tor

Do you find yourself asking what this frenzy craze surrounding Social Media is all about? Do you believe you are the sole bearer of uncertainty regarding this ever-evolving trend? Well here is the good news, you aren’t! In fact, welcome to the club (unfortunately unofficial) of those who simply are perplexed by this new world of communication.

Think far back to the early, uncertain days of Social Media – the year 2004. Facebook was gaining popularity as quickly as UGG Boots on college campuses, and people found themselves lost in New Media ranging from picture sharing to blogging, wiki pages to podcasts, and YouTube videos to innovative advertising.

However, despite hours of lost productivity (though many would consider Second Life or World of Warcraft chat forums ever-relevant), a trend began to emerge. Little by little, signs of cooperation amongst Social Media users sprung. As seeds on the tree of collaboration, the fresh wind of New Media had begun to spread the idea of sharing resources and knowledge and encourage the notion of supporting your online community.

Such unity has given rise to discussion forums ranging from increasing workplace productivity to relationship advice. Conversations on websites such as LinkedIn allow for individuals to seek answers to questions that may foster growth within their business. Whereas industry of past ages was closed-lip and back-turning, we now see individuals, strangers to the person in need, offering help and providing answers to such questions. Looking for nothing in return, this new group (we will call title them “Social Media-tors”) contribute to their fellow forum members because they know that when they have an issue or dilemma, others will do the same.

We see networks such as GiveWell, which studies charities in particular fields and ranks them on their effectiveness. GiveWell also encourages conversation about how to have the biggest impact with your gracious donations.

We see student groups, such as the Kairos Society, who have the support of global leaders such as President Bill Clinton and William Gates Sr. The Kairos Society is a student entrepreneurship group whose main goal is to connect the brightest students from across the nation with the purpose of encouraging entrepreneurship and economic sustainability, all while fueling collaborative communication amongst members and global industry leaders.

In the article Social Media for Social Causes Case Study: The Results, author Geoff Livingston mentions that “84 percent of the social media savvy aged 30-49 and 55 percent of those older than 50 used conversational media for these purposes.” So why is this important? We finally see that (gasp) social media is not just for kids (gasp, again)!

So what will the future of Social Media be? Will we continue to see a rise and influence amongst Social Media-tors? If the means are available, why not continue to help one another succeed and encourage positive uses within this expanding virtual world.

Economic Responsibility: The Potential of a Budding Generation

It often baffles me to hear how pessimistic emerging college graduates are as they tirelessly search the dreaded job market. A laundry list of problems surface in the minds of so many before taking a minute to get their hands dirty in research for employment opportunities, opportunities awaiting an eager – and resourceful – employee to-be. I personally dismiss any notion stating that America’s economy cannot benefit from personal contributions.

It would be foolish for me to bypass acknowledging America’s economic downfall, that of which swallowing the jobs of so many. I would sound completely naïve if I were to say that as future business leaders of our nation, we should not fret over a temporary (let’s hope) lack of jobs throughout our country. However, this is not to say that our generation should surrender our optimism, sip from our half-empty glass and ignore the opportunities awaiting us at this very moment.

Though several months separate me, along with many my college peers, from this so called “real world”, I grow more and more eager to broaden my professional interest to accommodate the current and forecasted needs of America. Emerging industries are crying out for the resourceful and technologically advanced minds of this rising generation. From social media to global online networking, the ability for new college graduates to offer solutions to age-old issues is ever relevant. How so? Well our offerings include evolving know-how, such as authoring the manual connecting varying demographics or our ability to mobilize thousands of attention ‘spanless’ individuals through social networking and new media. These are examples of the services and skills known by this tech savvy generation.

Everyday I come across stories of students who are establishing themselves as innovators amongst seasoned professionals. However, by no means would it be fair to say that new and future graduates can plunge into the business world and claim the title of Top Dog. We must learn from those who have come before us, those who have laid the foundation for America’s business environment and those who continue to ensure the nation’s economic success and sustainability – a concern of increasing relevance in our ‘bailout’ society.

In order to be future success stories, we must acknowledge and learn from the stories written by some of the most brilliant business minds in the world. I personally study the field of communications and political science, so it is only appropriate to seek communicators who have driven innovation and subsequently shaped the industry in which I will spend my career. For those students who top the ranks of their classroom as engineering students, financial analysts, medical students and even fashion designers, take initiative and pursue a career that needs you – for your novelty could help catalyze our wounded economy.

It is only a matter of time before our budding generation bears the responsibility of ensuring future economic stability and solidifying America’s reputation as leaders of the business world. Why leave such incredible opportunities to anybody else? Why spend time pigeon holing oneself by searching for a job that likely is unavailable for the time being.

Let us use this time of economic struggle as a lesson for why our generation needs to work hard, be transparent in our endeavors and strive to be leaders within our chosen industry. Turn discouragement into motivation, and use this newfound motivation to capitalize on the opportunities to benefit not only yourself, but the future generation of business leaders.

I personally dismiss any notion stating that America’s economy cannot benefit from personal contributions.

Aimless use of Social Media

I would be lying if I said that I haven’t given many ‘props’ to social media. I also would be lying if I said that I have not based many of my business proposals solely off the fact that companies absolutely need to use social media. I supposed the fact that contributing to this blog is a direct indication that I am in fact a sucker for this ever-evolving communicational craze.

However, I cannot help but think about the amount of hours many must spend – from top to bottom – by professionals in an array of industries to contribute to this self-marketing obsession (not saying all social media focuses on the self – read below). As studies indicate, and there are many studies to choose from, the use of such sites as Twitter, digg, del.icio.us, mybloglog and even LinkedIn have increased at higher rates than How I Met You Mother. This raises a significant question: Where do these influential titans of industry get so much free time to talk – at times aimlessly – about anything and everything on the platforms provided by these social media sites?

Let us not forget that CEO rates tip the scales at an average of $200 or more. Let us not forget that most of this networking is done during peak hours during the ‘work’ day. I am not discounting the fact that social media is used to garner ideas and generate innovative new thinking, however, does it not bother anybody else to see upwards of 15 one-sentence replies to a comment about somebody’s ‘status update’ on LinkedIn?

Maybe this is simply an obscure thought, but how, as professionals and potential marketing trend setters, can we justify the waste of so much time on hollow conversation? For those who are leading key discussions and conversing about relative, impactful topics, keep on keeping on – you are amongst the few who are using the phenomena known as social media for all the right reasons.

BG

How does one celebrate another who has impacted the lives of so many, all while being mindful that this person’s reach extended in 16 years what many would not be able to touch in a lifetime?

How do you say ‘thank you’ for lessons learned through another’s strife and pain, all while realizing that relinquishment of individual hardships shed conversely without hesitation nor remorse?

How can personal lessons of optimism and gratefulness be taught through observing a life unjustly cut short, all while realizing that the role model of so many was barely old enough to, legally, get behind the wheel of a car?

Is it illogical to think that we can learn much more from those with so much less, or purely irony that we preach appreciation and love, but only truly understand such concepts when our loved ones are lost?

These are questions that can only be answered when life turns unexpectedly, seemingly without reason or reconciliation.

Thank you Brandon – you touched the lives of so many, and were an inspiration to all.