The Internet is our generational advantage

I gave a talk on how to leverage the internet for success to Ateneo students during AISEC’s seminar last Saturday morning. One of the points that I stressed on was that the internet has radically changed the communication and networking. Young people often tend to take the internet for granted because they grew up with it. Because of this they fail to see how powerful Facebook can become if used properly. I believe that every generation has a different set of opportunities and advantages. The internet is the advantage of our generation – people who are in their 20′s and early 30′s.

Generational Advantages from Lolo to Apo
Our grandparents had the most financially rewarding advantage of all – real estate. Because the Philippines was still young, there was a lot of underdeveloped land that they could buy at a really good price. All they had to do was watch the value appreciate over time. Notice that most real estate moguls come from that generation.

Then came their children – our parents. This is the golden age of SME’s and corporate professionals. I’ve noticed that almost all of the people in the generation of my dad have their own small businesses. Why? Because the concept of niches was slowly being formed. Not only that, there were only a few players in the various markets. Less competition is more opportunity.

Now let’s talk about our generation. Notice that it’s so hard to get ahead and become wealthy these days? Business opportunities are quite hard to find, especially ones that are not just network marketing or direct selling. In terms of real estate, the investment is just huge and our monthly income won’t be able to cope with condo investments. But here’s one thing that the older generation is drooling about out generation – technology. We know the internet more than they do. We can quickly adapt and understand technology to the point that we are naturally good at it. The internet has become an integral part of our life. The question now is how will we use it? Will you be like 99% of the population and just use it for “fun”? Or will you embrace it and take advantage of the limitless possibilities that it offers?

Yes – I’m talking about blogging, social media, e-commerce, affiliate marketing, and all forms of online businesses. If you haven’t heard of these terms before, then you’re stuck in the generation of your dad.

Our Children’s Generational Advantage
Personally I think technology will continue to play a crucial role in the opportunities of generations. I think the next level for our kids will be mobile technology. I’m not saying that we won’t get to see good mobile tech in our lifetime, but I think we haven’t fully maximized the internet just yet and mobile will be something that our kids will take to the next level.

So that’s my challenge to everyone in my generation. Learn how to use the trump card that life has given us.

Thanks for reading! Now check out these related blog entries:

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