trendSpotting Report
Jim Licko

In response to Scott J. Mine’s June 12th article “Am I A Dinosaur: Fine but I Still Rule”

Dear T-Rex:

Elvis died in August 1977. Imagine the looks I get when I tell a client that I was born in December 1977 and, as such, was never alive when The King was. Additionally, I have never actually seen an episode of F Troop or Mannix. Therefore, I apparently lack the experience and/or brain capacity to socially and professionally contribute anything worthwhile. That’s what Scott J. Milne exclaimed in the last issue of trendSpotting Report.

It happens a lot: I communicate via e-mail or phone with a client and finally get the opportunity for a face-to-face: “Wow. I thought you were older than you are,” they say. Of course, that’s ideal. The best business tactic in my portfolio at the moment is concealing my identity until I’ve won respect…then—GASP!—he’s only 28-years-old!

Two months ago I sat at the table for a new business pitch with a Board of Directors whose average age was, conservatively, 65. They said: “We’re really excited about working with Dick and Jane, but we couldn’t really follow the younger one.”

Were my ideas not in line with their objectives? Did my three-button suit, pressed shirt and neutral tie send the wrong message? I know… it’s likely because I didn’t know Bea Arthur existed before Golden Girls. Gosh, that must be it.

As a loyal reader of the trendSpotting Report, I am concerned regarding the generalizations laid out on June 12th. I take pride in the fact that I’ve never been even five minutes late to work in six years as a professional. I know where both the “off” and “vibrate” controls on my cellular phone are (and when to use them), and I hold the door for anyone and everyone out of courtesy. I’m really not trying to boast here—I know enough courteous, competent and capable 20-somethings to pack the WJM-TV newsroom. Google it!

Basic values, strong morals and serious work ethic are indeed not only worthwhile, but essential. Hard work, as my grandfather preached, pays off. I go the extra mile at the office even when I’m not trying to be promoted. But come on; don’t judge me just because I know who Zach Morris’ best friend at Bayside High School was (some say Screech).

Labeling everyone in Generation X or Y as “inconsiderate” or “poor employees” is roughly the same as saying all Baby Boomers are “technologically inept” or “draft dodgers.”

The fact is, we the PEG (Post Elvis Gen), actually enjoy observing and learning from you! So how about if we all do our part to heighten the perception of our respective generations? I promise to do my homework on Sgt. Morgan O’Rourke, search online for this “encyclopedia” thing you’re talking about and adhere to a vast majority of the social rules and regulations. All I’m asking in return is for you to give us a chance to excel before telling us we’re not capable.

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to turn to my Tivo’d Best Week Ever and get to bed early so that I can make it to work early tomorrow.

Yours truly,
Jim

Jim Licko is an Account Manager at Webb PR in Denver. We think he’s the best of his generation [ed. note].