When I opened my own real estate agency I was 21 – much younger than the average person doing the same job as me. I often get asked in interviews whether my youth was a hindrance or a help. I truly believe it could have been either. I chose to use it to get publicity, I chose to use it so that I could surprise people with my level of knowledge, I chose to use it as my secret weapon.
I often hear people tell me… I’m older (or younger) than the average person in my job or I’m not of the same ethnic background, I have different religious beliefs, I don’t dress the same way, I’m a different size or shape, I have a difference personality or sense of humour to my co-workers and my answer to each one of these people is that they need to turn their difference into a positive. They need to make this difference into a unique reason as to why they’re even more valuable!
Here’s an example of how I did it with my comparative youth, concentrate on your difference and with some searching you’ll be able to make a list just as comprehensive on how you can enhance your new positive difference.
How to counteracting being young or younger than the average person in your job or industry.
The best way to counteract youth is with knowledge. If you’re younger I believe you do have something to prove. You have to demonstrate that you’re as qualified if not more so than the next “older” person and the best way to do that is to be as knowledgeable as you possibly can in your field.
Counteract youth with enthusiasm. I’ve always found in my career that there will be some people who just “want to give the new guy a chance”. Your enthusiasm and obvious youth will draw these people to you. NB: This works equally well for a new (young) business.
There is real magic in enthusiasm. It spells the difference between mediocrity and accomplishment." Norman Vincent Peale
Service sells. Whether clients mentioned it or not I always knew that it was noticeable that I was particularly young to be doing my job. I still sometimes get asked for ID and I’m 27 now! As a counter measure I made sure my levels of service weren’t just good – I wanted to blow the socks off these people so that when they were talking to friends and family they couldn’t help but mention this amazing “young” person who they’d just dealt with.
"I have learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but they will never forget how 'You' made them Feel." Maya Angelou
Tenacity trumps youth. If you can’t instantly be recognized as the most qualified because of our age, then earn that status by being doggedly determined. Never give up.
"Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'press on' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race." Calvin Coolidge
Don’t hide your youth. I dressed professionally – but never tried to dress like my grandma – it just wouldn’t have been credible. I always spoke in a professional manner, but still made sure I still used the same words I would use with my friends. Pretending to be something you’re not never works well. Be yourself (and remember sell yourself!)
Remember youthfulness is attractive. I found I attracted clients who themselves were young, as well as a whole bunch of clients who liked being around someone young! It’s a win / win if you look at it from a positive perspective.
"Every memorable act in the history of the world is a triumph of enthusiasm. Nothing great was ever achieved without it because it gives any challenge or any occupation, no matter how frightening or difficult, a new meaning. Without enthusiasm you are doomed to a life of mediocrity but with it you can accomplish miracles." Og Mandino
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