Social Networking With Millennials

First Off, What's a Millennial?

Though it's hard to nail down the exact years included in the millennial generation, it roughly consists of the people born between 1977 and 1995 (some sources say 1998). That means the oldest of these individuals are finishing their college degrees and setting out on their career path. In some cases, the members of the millennial generation have been done with their degrees for a few years and/or are already semi-established in their careers.

On the other end of the spectrum are those born in the mid-to-late 90s. Since they're still in school and in many cases still in the communities where they've grown up, social networking comes with much more ease. Most of the following information will benefit this end of the spectrum just as much as the older end, though parents may have to get involved for some of the activities (signing up for a martial arts class and providing transportation to and from the meetings, for example).

Tips for Social Networking with Millennials

Whether you want to go online or leave the house, you can network with people within your generation easily.

Online

Since this generation's so large, social networking with millennials is easy. Almost any Web site you visit where you can add friends is a perfect opportunity to meet new people in your own age bracket. That's especially true for millennials because the generation grew up with computers constantly at their fingertips. Here are a few:

• MySpace
• LiveJournal
• Shelfari
• Facebook

On each of the Web sites listed above, you can add your own friends and then check out their friends. If you see someone you'd like to meet, you simply send them a message. Make that friend of a friend, your friend. You can also join groups within MySpace, LiveJournal and Facebook that coincide with your own interests. Shelfari is specifically for booklovers.

Live Outings

You have to enjoy hobbies sometime, right? You can meet people and socialize with current friends from your generation by taking classes or organizing your own task-oriented get-togethers.

• Colleges: They often offer classes you can use for self-enrichment rather than the pursuit of a degree. Want to learn how to use Photoshop? Chances are, your local college has a class that will teach you how. Sign up and meet new people or introduce a friend to the world of photo editing and take the class together.
• Classes: This category refers to classes not offered by colleges but rather by studios. Here are a few examples:
  • Tae Kwon Do
  • Cooking
  • Yoga/Pilates
  • Belly dance
  • Any of the classes offered at a local gym, from weight training to laughter yoga (yes, laughter yoga). You'll need a gym membership to attend these, but going to the gym offers a whole new set of people to meet. Bonus: You'll get a hot bod in the meantime.
• Teach yourself something: Do your friends often ask you to do their makeup because you're pretty skilled with eye shadow and you have a knack for color? Set up your own time to meet with friends and show them how to do what you do. The next week, have another member from your group teach everyone how to do something. Does he know a good bit about tea? Brew up a few pots and have a tea tasting session while you and your group of friends learn the nuances between different varieties. Have everyone bring a friend none of the other members of the group know for prime networking opportunities.
• Church: This is a tried and true method of meeting individuals with similar beliefs and interests.

Organizing After-work Social Events

Plan a night out after work to have dinner, coffee, or if age permits, drinks. Similar to the group activity listed above, have each workmate bring a friend. You'll meet new people and find new connections within the community.

It Takes a Little Effort

As with anything worthwhile, social networking with millennials does take a little bit of effort, especially if you're not the type who strikes up conversation in line at the grocery store and walks away with a new friend. In no time, though, you'll have extended your friend network as well as possibly made new connections for career advancement.