5 Rules for Engaging Millennials

Engaging millennials in business consulting

A few weeks ago, I was having breakfast with one of the area’s most successful sales directors – her sales team has close to 100 reps across the country – but she was explaining her troubles with millennials. (In full disclosure, I’m a millennial, but she told me I’m not like a lot of other millennials.) What she really wanted to know was this: how do I engage millennials?

She’s not alone. I’ve consulted with dozens of people in their 40’s, 50’s, and 60’s who are running organizations, building sales teams, or starting a business, and they all seem to want to know the secret to engaging millennials.

Rule #1 – Embrace Youthfulness

It drives millennials crazy when they are constantly reminded they are much younger than you. Even if you have an employee who is close to the same age as your kids, don’t bring it up. Millennials, especially ones that you employ, don’t want to be thought of as one of your kids or the same as all other millennials. They want to stand alone.

Instead, realize that millennials are building a personal brand and customizing their ideal life. Through their work environment, their social media, and their side gigs, they are embracing technologies in ways that most other generations can’t comprehend. Millennials may not have accomplished as much as you may have, yet they realize that technology has created multiple paths to success and they are willing to embrace them all.

Rule #2 – Embrace Appreciation

Showing respect should go without saying, but I think many people honestly don’t realize they’re being disrespectful. Here are some things not to say to millennials: “I have pants older than you” or, “I’ve been doing this since (fill in the blank) was President” (yes, I’ve heard these used quite frequently by baby boomers). These will inevitably drive millennials away from your organization.

Instead, show them respect by saying, “I appreciate all the hard work you did” or, “Thank you for helping our organization grow”. Even if you don’t think so, millennials want to feel a sense of ownership where they work. They are just like you when you were starting out. Noticing and appreciating their contributions, no matter how small, shows respect and will help engage millennials.

Rule #3 – Embrace Technology

If you aren’t super tech savvy, it’s okay! Most millennials are great in this department and are more than willing to help you. Usually, millennials don’t mind showing others how to use technology that may be second nature to them. Steer clear from saying, “You’re young, so you should be good with technology”.

Instead, to engage millennials, and specifically their IT help, try saying, “Could you show me how to (fill in the blank with your most common IT request) so I can figure out how to do this on my own”. Try to validate them when you ask for help. Your request could be as simple as determining why your WiFi shut off, why your printer isn’t working, or where your most recent download was saved.

Rule #4 – Embrace Feedback

Everyone is (and continues to be) exposed to hundreds of types of advertising, technologies, and communications every day. Perhaps social media is to blame, but feedback has become instantaneous and far too easy to distribute. Embrace that millennials grew up in an era that constantly solicits immediate feedback. It seems like everyone has an opinion, too! Millennials are definitely not an exception as they account for a majority of comments across various social platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. However, their feedback shouldn’t be misconstrued as entitlement behavior.

Instead consider that one or two millennials represent a massive audience that you may want to consider employing, targeting, or engaging. Also consider that they represent a majority of a technology facing population and their feedback can help improve your organization.

Rule #5 – Embrace Teamwork

Don’t ask millennials to do the “unwanted projects” with an explanation like, “Can you do this for me? It’s below my pay grade”. This could apply to data entry, filing paperwork, or any other job that you might feel is a great learning exercise for a young person who’s new in the business. (It’s okay if these of all are true!) However, it’s probably not the best way to get a millennial excited to come to work the next day.

Instead, spend a few minutes and explain how the task or project fits in with the company mission and goals. Millennials want to feel like part of the team.

Key Point

Helping millennials see how their role helps better the company or fit into their professional development will go a long way in engaging them.

Have you had a lot of success attracting and retaining millennials in your business? What are some other rules you have developed for engaging millennials?

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How to Mitigate Financial Risk Using the S.M.A.R.T. Management System

June 9, 2025

In an increasingly volatile economy, businesses cannot afford to be reactive when it comes to their finances. Whether you're a startup founder, a growing enterprise, or a seasoned business owner, the risk of financial instability is real—and growing. At IA Business Advisors, we help companies proactively navigate these risks using our comprehensive S.M.A.R.T. Management System . S.M.A.R.T. is more than just a goal-setting acronym. It is a decision-making and execution framework that brings clarity, structure, and alignment to every part of your business. From six-week action plans to one-year targets and long-term strategy, S.M.A.R.T. ensures your financial operations support healthy growth and resilience. Understanding Financial Risk in Today’s Business Climate Financial risk is multifaceted. It ranges from cash flow disruptions and market shifts to internal mismanagement and over-leveraged growth. As Brian Smith shared on a recent Daily Influence podcast episode, unchecked growth can drive a company into bankruptcy. Scaling without intention—chasing fast growth without aligning the internal team and financial resources—leads to diluted communication, quality issues, and operational chaos. Mitigating financial risk begins by understanding that more revenue doesn't always equal more stability. True sustainability comes from building systems that support intentional, well-paced growth. The S.M.A.R.T. Framework in Action: Reducing Financial Risk Our S.M.A.R.T. Management System guides businesses in creating resilient, financially stable operations through: 1. Specific: Build with Intentionality Clarity is power. One of our podcast guests, Mike Heatwole (CEO of The Dala Group), emphasized the importance of sitting down to define what matters most—whether that’s paying down debt, investing in growth, or launching a new venture. When your financial goals are specific, your strategy becomes targeted and less prone to reactive decision-making. “If we don’t know what the goal is, how do we get there?” — Mike Heatwole, CEO of The Dala Group 2. Measurable: Track What Matters Many companies are blindsided not by invisible risks, but by unmonitored ones. We help clients implement tools to track cash flow, margin fluctuations, and budget variances in real time. Visibility into your financial health gives you the power to respond early and course correct as needed. 3. Achievable: Assign Financial Stewardship Risk is reduced when financial responsibility is distributed. Through teamwide financial literacy and clear accountability, we empower organizations to make stronger daily decisions. No individual person should carry the entire burden—and no key area should go unmonitored. 4. Relevant: Make Risk Management a Habit Quarterly or biannual financial health check-ins create a sustainable rhythm. These don’t have to be complicated—they just need to be consistent. Regular reviews embed risk awareness into your company culture and decision-making process. 5. Timely: Foster Honest Dialogue Financial silence is a hidden threat. As Brian noted on the podcast, emotions like fear or shame can prevent businesses from facing financial realities. We encourage honest, blame-free communication around financial performance, creating space for solutions and collective action. Case in Point: Short-Term Action, Long-Term Impact One of our clients, a family-run distribution company, had strong revenue but was bleeding cash due to aging receivables. Together, we built a six-week S.M.A.R.T. Plan focused on accounts receivable recovery. We implemented weekly check-ins, assigned ownership, and used real-time tracking. Within 90 days, their outstanding A/R dropped by 22%, freeing up capital and restoring operational confidence. It’s Never Too Late to Get Financially Intentional Many leaders in their 40s, 50s, or 60s worry they’ve waited too long. But as Mike Heatwole wisely shared: “It’s never too late. Just get started. Do something.” Progress—not perfection—is the goal. Start small. Build momentum. Take the next best step. This mirrors a concept we love from The Gap and The Gain by Dan Sullivan: measure progress based on how far you've come, not just how far you have to go. Final Thoughts: Make Financial Stability a Strategy Mitigating financial risk isn’t about a dramatic overhaul. It’s about consistent action, visibility, and intentional decision-making. With the S.M.A.R.T. Management System, IA Business Advisors helps businesses turn risk into clarity, fear into focus, and instability into opportunity. If you’re ready to start, we’re ready to help. Let’s have a conversation about what matters most to you—and build from there.

Enhancing Interpersonal Relationships for Toxic Workplace Recovery

May 29, 2025

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