Ever heard the term young professional and wondered just who they are and what unique qualities they might bring to your chamber of commerce? In short, they’re coveted prospects with growing leadership and influence.
A young professional is 20-34 years of age with an advanced education and professional job. They are roughly 15.7 million strong, making up 27% of the professional workforce in the U.S. In other words, they’re a force to be reckoned with and leveraged to your mutual benefit.
Young professionals are the future of business
Fresh to the workforce and newly educated, young professionals offer talents and diversity. Your chamber of commerce is likely to run into passionate young professionals who would be excited to join a chamber committee, planning group or board. But it typically takes more than an invitation to an event to engage and motivate participation.
Commonly, chambers and other organizations form young professional groups to house these talents. But this traditional approach to leverage this talent pool may not be the best way to maximize their potential.
Go further than young professional groups
Invest in a more personal business relationship with young professionals. The most beneficial relationship is likely when you fold younger members into existing groups. Encourage them to get involved in board meetings, ambassador networks or other networking groups. By inviting young professionals into current groups, you can bring a more diverse team to the table and help nurture their development.
Sheri Heiney, President of the Rochester Regional Chamber of Commerce, has taken many opportunities to work with and even hire young professionals. She believes working with young professionals helps to develop her own professional growth, along with the chamber’s. “I feel that their presence in the workplace is fun and provides a fresh change of pace. Young professionals are great resources for business relationships,” Heiney said.
Be sure that the relationship is equally invested
As with all relationships, it will only thrive if it is mutually beneficial. Only create relationships that will be valuable for each party involved in order to maintain a stronger and longer lasting relationship. Young professionals are looking to learn and grow from your experiences and connections. Meanwhile, the chamber seeks to enhance its perspective and create relationships with future business leaders. Together, you are a perfect team.
