Digital Natives are ALMOST Here.

Digital Natives are more connected, more active and more important than ever.

Thanks to Michelle for the heads up!

Mitch Joel at Six Pixels of Separation recent post titled “Digital Natives Are Here” , got me thinking about my role and my generations role in the world. He writes:

We made it through the Y2K scare, but something bigger is brewing in your business and it has nothing to do with technology and everything to do with your human capital. Your ability to grow your business efficiently moving forward is at stake, but this time it’s about your people and not your choice of software.

He’s referring to the wave of Digital Natives:

A digital native is essentially anyone who was born and raised in a household where there was always a computer. We’re talking about your new employees who have never known a world without a mouse and a keyboard.

The posts centers around the idea that digital natives are increasingly making their presence felt in the business world. You should read the article here : Digital Natives Are Here

As a recent business school grad and early member of the “Digital Natives”, I have a few thoughts on what is slowing down the power of digital natives.

3 things that need to change before Digital Natives really take the stage

1.  School does a lousy job preparing students for the world of “digital natives” .

My Business degree focused on structure and analysis rather than free thought and creativity. The online world is covered in 2 classes max. I never once did a project with another faculty. Cross learning, communication, collaboration, all left off the table. The good thing is we digital natives have other knowledge sources.

If it wasn’t for blogs, web video and, most importantly, my rss reader, I would be lost in today’s digital marketing world.

2. Most “digital natives” don’t fully understand the benefits and power they bring to an organization.

The byproduct of an education system that focuses on tools and structure inadvertently reduces the value put on creativity and innovation. Digital Natives are in the driver’s seat. We have access to information, we naturally communicate online, we look at the world through digitally tinted glasses. All of these skills are increasingly valuable in our world and we need to start showcasing them. It’s never been cheaper and easier to start a blog, a non-profit or a company.

3. Businesses still don’t recognize the benefits of a digital native workforce

Well, most don’t. Many do. Most recognize the challenges of reaching out in what is a changing communications landscape, and they need help.

The 3 Most Important Points

1. Schools: Start thinking digital. If you don’t know how ask.
2. Digital Natives: Realize that you rock and put some of those skills to good use.
3. Businesses: Wake up, we’re here(almost)!

Photo Credit: Wesley Fryer

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