| As a Young Professional (YP) in the up-and-coming | | | | 30-50 individuals. Spend some time with the senior |
| city of Milwaukee, WI, I can tell you that it's very | | | | members of your company and show them the |
| important to find a way to get connected in your | | | | value in these groups, as evidenced by the Hot Jobs |
| city. It's important because in order to make a | | | | - Cool Communities reports Next Generation |
| difference, you need to know who those difference | | | | Consulting puts out every year, or buy an influential |
| makers are. To influence, you must know who holds | | | | leader a copy of Richard Florida's great book The |
| the influence. Remember, there is influence in | | | | Rise of the Creative Class, after reading it yourself, |
| numbers, so you'll need to get connected with others | | | | of course. Partner with your local chamber of |
| that are like you. YP groups are sprouting up all over | | | | commerce if at all possible, or see if a few |
| the country, none better than Milwaukee's own | | | | companies are willing to offer some funding for at |
| Young Professionals of Milwaukee (YPM).I am an | | | | least a few years until you can become |
| active member of YPM, and I can tell you that the | | | | self-sustaining. If you can demonstrate an ROI, |
| biggest reason for our success is we offer something | | | | chances are you can sell the idea to upper |
| for everyone, and we are inclusive rather than | | | | management.Associates are less likely to leave where |
| exclusive. This is especially vital if you're looking to | | | | they feel connected and engaged, and connecting |
| build a diverse group of like-minded individuals. We | | | | and engaging your associates with other like-minded |
| offer social events, cultural events at the art | | | | individuals is the easiest way to keep them around. |
| museum, independent film screenings, cafe style | | | | Additionally, these associates are more likely to get |
| discussions about important issues facing YPs, | | | | involved in the community they live and will make |
| opportunities to get involved with non-profits and | | | | your company look good by doing good around |
| behind-the-scenes looks at things nobody else has | | | | town.In conclusion, connections are good for the |
| access to. So no matter what your interest, if you | | | | associate, good for the company, and good for the |
| want to make a difference, YPM is a group that can | | | | community, which is ultimately good for the dollars |
| help you get connected to the right people, not only | | | | and cents on the bottom line. With a little luck, you |
| people your own age but politicians and other | | | | might start something great and turn your city into |
| high-ranking city officials who want to attract and | | | | the next Milwaukee, a great city by a great lake!Phil |
| retain top talent.So now you know why a YP would | | | | Gerbyshak leads a team of people as manager of an |
| want to connect with a group of like-minded | | | | IT Help Desk in Milwaukee, WI, and finds that sharing |
| individuals, but what happens if you don't have an | | | | his knowledge is a crucial component for success as |
| organization like this in your town? Well for starters, | | | | a leader and as a person. Phil's personal philosophy is |
| talk to others at your place of business your age and | | | | paraphrased from Tim Sanders' fantastic book Love |
| mentality and see if they're interested in getting | | | | is the Killer App: "Share your knowledge, your |
| together after work. Touch bases with a few others | | | | network, and your love. The rest will follow." Feel |
| you know at church, at the library, or elsewhere in | | | | free to contact Phil at or call 414.640.7445 anytime. |
| your inner circle, and you'll quickly be able to grow to | | | | |