Gen X, Y lead the way in "connecting" with other people

A recent study commissioned by American Greetings has found that innovations in communications technology such as texting and social media have resulted in more people communicating more often with others. And Gen X & Y are spearheading the change.

Interestingly, the additional communications are not replacing traditional ones like greeting cards, talking on the telephone, or simply conversing face-to-face. The technology-driven communication is in addition to what we were already doing.

Moms on the Net

A recent study from Parenting.com finds that Gen Y moms and Gen X moms use the Internet very differently when it comes to parenting.

The basic scoop: Gen Y moms use the Net to connect to other moms. Gen X moms are much more task-oriented when using the Net (i.e. uploading photos).

Boomers versus Xers

You already know who wins!

Flip flops: Gen Xers know better

A column this week in Business Week features a Boomer complaining for the bizillionth time about Xers and Ys wearing flip flops at work. It's getting a little old already.

As someone who travels the country speaking on this topic to multigenerational audiences coast-to-coast, I don't get it. My colleagues all wear appropriate work wear - from the youngest to the oldest. As a college professor, I've seen students who dress ultra-casual (and I also did as a student in the 90s) - but in the workplace, heck no.

It is true that Xers and Ys manage differently, have different work styles, and want different things out of their careers than Boomers. But we do know better than to wear beach wear to the office. Knock it off already, Boomers.

Telecommuting: Some people just don't get it

CNN.com is reporting that bosses are worried that their telecommuting employees aren't working. That's inspite the fact that their work is done, on time, and at a quality level.

As a marketing director for an international association who telecommutes, I just have to roll my eyes. Here's my favorite quote from the story:

"The biggest issue I have is tracking time and knowing when he's working," said Princeton, the president of Design Management Co. "The doubt starts to happen when he has offsite meetings -- various doctor appointments or the vet. But, Princeton said, "he gets the work done. He does quality work for clients."

Isn't that precious? Are employers paying for time - or for jobs to be done? If you have an employee who can get their stuff done quickly at a quality level, what do you care if they take their dog to the vet? In fact, I walk my dog everyday at 3 p.m. - and my boss could care less, because I get my stuff done, on time, at a quality level.

Employers need to wake up. THE INDUSTRIAL AGE IS OVER. If you want to be successful in the 21st Century, you need to measure outcomes - not time put in.

Gen X (and Gen Y) marketing done oh-so-right...

For anyone who's a fan of HBO's Entourage (and more specifically, goofy older brother Johnny Drama), you're in for a big treat. Drama's former star vehicle - Viking Quest - is now a video game!

For anyone who's wanted to become an Ice Age Badass, your dream has been fulfilled.

And they say you can't go home...

Apparently, Millennials are not the only ones moving back in with mom and dad.

A new trend on the horizon is Baby boomers moving back in with their parents (members of the "mature" of "G.I." generation - born before 1946). Apparently things like lay-offs and divorce (Baby boomers have more divorces than any generation in history) are forcing the former Yuppies back into their childhood bedrooms.

This is at a time when senior citzens are filing bankruptcy in record numbers.

Meanwhile, a study released last month by Fidelity investments found that Gen Xers say a workplace retirement plan (e.g. 401(k), 403(b)) is their No. 1 tool for savings outside of their banking account.