I had an interesting conversation yesterday with a few early twentysomething adults -- classic Millennials -- concerning Twitter. It seems that the prevailing opinion of Twitter is that it's used primarily by teens/young adults and celebrities.  However, the resounding opinion from this admittedly small informal focus group was that Twitter was just plain stupid and a complete waste of time.  

I think I've started and then abandoned something like five Twitter accounts now -- I have honestly tried hard to get into it, but since I'm not a denizen of the pages of People Magazine, nor am I a shameless and relentless self-promoter, I just don't see that it's important FOR ME.  Every time I abandon Twitter, it's because I've been bored to tears by the barrage of useless updates.  I think Twitter does have its uses -- for example, to blast out a quick call to action ("Pizza deal -- $5 til 6pm today only") or something funny and clever.  I know Twitter zombies who never stop fiddling with their damn Crackberries, though -- and it gets annoying over dinner or at the movies.  I will keep it going just because, heck, I'm in marketing, and I should keep at least a halfhearted finger on the pulse of this trend.  But in my heart, I think Twitter is going to bleed out and die.

Know any Millennials? You probably do -- or you are one. Actually, if you're a Millennial, you're probably not reading my blog -- because you have far more cool things to do. Now that I've got a touch of grey in my hair (dammit) and my kids have entered the workforce, it's a hoot to see all the older-folks complaining about this new generation. 

I mean, REALLY -- hasn't that always been the way? Hasn't the generation "in control" always bemoaned those young whippersnappers coming up the ladder?

What's interesting today is that the Baby Boomers are working longer (because they have to, thanks to the economy) so they're not giving up their rung of the ladder to the kids entering the workforce behind them. So you've got frustration and tension. I think it's hilarious.

I LOVE working with young adults, just love it. In my head, I''ll be a perpetual 32, I think: old enough to grasp responsibility and strategy; young enough to wear my heart on my sleeve, avoid playing it safe, and say what I believe. Seems to me that as folks hit their 40's, 50's and 60's that freedom shrinks. Or is beaten out of you as you become more and more of a herd follower rather than a trailblazer.

Millennials in the workforce are going to make magic happen in the next five years. They've grown up with computers; most of them have grown up with the Internet (at least my kids have -- but I know they grew up in a bleeding-edge household). Millennials expect transparency and honestly. They demand service the way THEY want it, not the way some big corporation wants to dish it out. They're fearless and curious, and they care about people and the environment.

I'm thrilled with the possibilities this new group brings...