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