What’s that adage ... “Nothing is so certain as change?”
We’re all getting older, and the good news is that it’s better than the alternative. However, the world and perspectives of the next generations are different from us “old guys.” But that doesn’t mean us old guys don’t know what we’re doing – and in fact because we have a seasoned perspective, we can take a look and try to guide “transition.”
At the Chamber of Commerce, we’re exploring and planning a number of things going forward. I’m losing hair, but I’m not losing my cognitive thinking ... yet. Along with the chamber board and staff, we’re looking ahead for the benefit of our business community.
We’ve got some different programs coming up at the chamber in the near future that we’ll be talking about soon, but one of the “changes” we’ve made that I can share now involves our popular Tech Conference.
Several years ago, we launched the “conference” in an effort to help our businesses keep current about trends and technology. A daylong, even-half day session can be a burden. (I barely can find time for a lunch meeting, let alone set aside a whole day.) So, we’ve transitioned the Tech Conference into a Tech Series.
Our new Tech Series will be held April 2, 9, 16 and 24: four two-hour sessions that focus on popular topics. Topics include: using technology for efficient marketing, website trends, analytics, business apps and hands on social media, with a panel of local experts. We plan to provide you with tools you can use and information about technology transitions that will help improve your business. Remember, nothing is so certain as change, and we need to be able to embrace the changes – or at the very least understand them. It will be the informed business that continues to be IN business here in Durango.
Evolving with new technology is one thing, but our local businesses also need to be conscious of on-boarding new folks. I’m not saying you need to “hand-hold,” but don’t just expect your new, young employees to have a full grasp of everything that goes on in a business – and this is especially true for people who are new to town. Dare I say it – we’re a unique breed here in Durango. In addition, take time to ask those younger if they know a better way to do something; maybe those of us older can learn and change as well.
If I can pass on one suggestion to managers and business owners out there ... slow down a minute and remember to say “thank you” to your new employees. They’re your future and livelihood. If you want to build loyalty, those two little words go a long way.
And, hey, all you millennials out there who think us old fogies are out of touch ... seriously, we aren’t. It is the wise younger person who, as you’re establishing “your place” and creating your future, will take a minute to pay attention to the wisdom and experience of the people who have built businesses, thrived and survived in Durango and La Plata County. We don’t keep secrets, but we do have a lot of them that we are willing to share with you.
Jack Llewellyn is executive director of the Durango Chamber of Commerce. Contact him at jack@durangobusiness.org.
