| As a Young Professional (YP) in the up-and-coming | | | | some time with the senior members of your company |
| city of Milwaukee, WI, I can tell you that it's very | | | | and show them the value in these groups, as |
| important to find a way to get connected in your city. | | | | evidenced by the Hot Jobs - Cool Communities |
| It's important because in order to make a difference, | | | | reports Next Generation Consulting puts out every |
| you need to know who those difference makers are. | | | | year, or buy an influential leader a copy of Richard |
| To influence, you must know who holds the influence. | | | | Florida's great book The Rise of the Creative Class, |
| Remember, there is influence in numbers, so you'll need | | | | after reading it yourself, of course. Partner with your |
| to get connected with others that are like you. YP | | | | local chamber of commerce if at all possible, or see if |
| groups are sprouting up all over the country, none | | | | a few companies are willing to offer some funding for |
| better than Milwaukee's own Young Professionals of | | | | at least a few years until you can become |
| Milwaukee (YPM).I am an active member of YPM, and | | | | self-sustaining. If you can demonstrate an ROI, |
| I can tell you that the biggest reason for our success is | | | | chances are you can sell the idea to upper |
| we offer something for everyone, and we are | | | | management.Associates are less likely to leave where |
| inclusive rather than exclusive. This is especially vital if | | | | they feel connected and engaged, and connecting and |
| you're looking to build a diverse group of like-minded | | | | engaging your associates with other like-minded |
| individuals. We offer social events, cultural events at | | | | individuals is the easiest way to keep them around. |
| the art museum, independent film screenings, cafe | | | | Additionally, these associates are more likely to get |
| style discussions about important issues facing YPs, | | | | involved in the community they live and will make your |
| opportunities to get involved with non-profits and | | | | company look good by doing good around town.In |
| behind-the-scenes looks at things nobody else has | | | | conclusion, connections are good for the associate, |
| access to. So no matter what your interest, if you | | | | good for the company, and good for the community, |
| want to make a difference, YPM is a group that can | | | | which is ultimately good for the dollars and cents on |
| help you get connected to the right people, not only | | | | the bottom line. With a little luck, you might start |
| people your own age but politicians and other | | | | something great and turn your city into the next |
| high-ranking city officials who want to attract and | | | | Milwaukee, a great city by a great lake!Phil Gerbyshak |
| retain top talent.So now you know why a YP would | | | | leads a team of people as manager of an IT Help |
| want to connect with a group of like-minded individuals, | | | | Desk in Milwaukee, WI, and finds that sharing his |
| but what happens if you don't have an organization like | | | | knowledge is a crucial component for success as a |
| this in your town? Well for starters, talk to others at | | | | leader and as a person. Phil's personal philosophy is |
| your place of business your age and mentality and | | | | paraphrased from Tim Sanders' fantastic book Love is |
| see if they're interested in getting together after work. | | | | the Killer App: "Share your knowledge, your network, |
| Touch bases with a few others you know at church, | | | | and your love. The rest will follow." Feel free to |
| at the library, or elsewhere in your inner circle, and you'll | | | | contact Phil at or call 414.640.7445 anytime. |
| quickly be able to grow to 30-50 individuals. Spend | | | | |