PRESSING ON
6 Q U I C K P R I N T I N G / N o v e m b e r 2 0 1 4
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GROUP PUBLISHER Kelley Holmes kelley@quickprinting.com
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EDITORIAL Denise M. Gustavson Denise. Gustavson@cygnus.com
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EDITOR Mark Vruno mark@quickprinting.com
800-616-2252 x6225
Senior Bob Hall browndawg@aol.com
Consultant
Sr. Contributing Tom Crouser tom@crouser.com
Columnists David Fellman dmf@davefellman.com
John Giles john@johngiles.com
Contributing David Claerbaut drdc46@yahoo.com
Columnists Mitch Evans mitch@mitchevansconsulting.com
Steve Johnson steve@copresco.com
Stuart Margolis bPfaff@margolisbecker.com
Joe Rickard jrickard@intellectives.com
Debra Thompson debra@tgassociates.com
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Q U I C K P R I N T I N G • P R I N T I N G N E W S • W I D E - F O R M A T I M A G I N G
These Kids
Today…
When it comes to filling generational gaps, I'd rather
listen to the stereo than to stereotypes. By Mark Vruno
P
eople try to put us d-down. (Talkin' 'bout my generation.)
Iconic British rock band The Who released its "My Generation" hit
song as a single 49 years ago this month; a month later, in December of
1964, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle, Roger Daltrey, and Keith Moon
released their debut album of the same name. Cultural stereotypes
would have us believe that these four guys were just a bunch of dope-smoking,
hippie rebels from England.
The year 2015 is around the corner, but some perceptions never change. For
example, fill in the multiple-choice blanks: Today's kids are ________.
a) lazy, unmotivated slackers
b) excuse-makers who refuse to be held accountable
c) loyal workers
d) diligent and dedicated
e) all of the above
The correct answer, of course, is all of the above. But the so-called Millennial
Generation often gets a bad rep. The biggest myth that needs busting. perhaps,
is that Millennials possess a poor work ethic. That generalization is hogwash (the
younger readers among us might say "crap"), according to QP's "Human Resourc-
es" columnist Debra Thompson. It is akin to saying that all young people in the
1960s and '70s had long hair and took recreational drugs. On page 27, Thompson
points out that the 18-to-32-year-old crowd will soon be either working for you or
buying from you, if they're not already. Keeping an open mind is a prerequisite
for her and other, more seasoned print firm owners like her. (Members of the
Millennial Generation outnumber Baby Boomers, she reports.)
Thompson also cites research proving that Millennials can be loyal workers. I'd
have to agree. Matt, the auto mechanic who maintains my car, is in his mid-20s
and works his butt off. He has been working at the same shop for eight years and
is ready to take over the business when the owner retires. Good for Matt!
Different Can be Good
Down on the 'print farm,' instilling a nose-to-the-grindstone work ethic is the
first step in transitioning the family business, according to industry consultant
Tom Crouser, another columnist featured in this issue (see page 21). Also, on page
38, regular contributor and printing company owner Steve Johnson tries to relate
to his teenage daughter. He discusses how to effectively market your services to
today's Millennials—in 10 seconds or less!
Now I'm no prude, but when did profanity become acceptable in the work-
place? Recently, I saw an informal job description for a contributing columnist
position at a metropolitan daily publication targeting 18- to 34-year-old readers.
Candidates need to come up with creative story ideas and "pitch some really
good shit," the hiring editor wrote in an email. She concluded with, "Don't be an
asshole." Okay, but doesn't that kinda go without saying lol?! #ohmygosh Wait,
I'm showing my age, err, my seasoned, professional status.
The more things change, the more they stay the same. But let's at least learn
from the past and not walk around in an old-school funk like a bunch of old
farts. Hey, I'm not trying to cause a big s-s-sensation; I'm just talkin' 'bout our
g-g-g-generation! ◗◗