The Corporate Mullet: An Interview & Observations
At last night’s Social Media Club Philadelphia we had Duncan Alney from Firebelly Marketing come speak to us on the corporate mullet (didn’t know mullets were back in style, did you?).
You can image the conversation, right? Business in the front (traditional marketing & corporate mindset) and party in the back (social media & mindset). Rather than me ramble on… here’s Duncan:
After the meetup we met for dinner and had an interesting conversation around how the Gen X and Gen Y folks in the room reacted to Duncan’s presentation. Here are the thoughts of business professionals who understand the corporate mullet (in order of appearance): Valeria Maltoni, Gloria Bell, Eileen O’Brien, Duncan, and Bill Lublin:
What do you think? Have you seen a noticeable difference in how both groups approach integrating social media? If you are a Gen Yer, what do you think of the assessment? Why do you think there’s a gap in professional social behavior as compared with Gen Xers? Or, are there Gen Xers that could also use a filter?
[Image: 80stees.com]
Even More Goodness! Related Posts:
Tags: bill lublin, corporate mullet, duncan alney, eileen o'brien, firebelly, Gen X, Gen Y, gloria bell, professionalism, Social Media, social media club philadelphia, Valeria Maltoni
16 Responses to “The Corporate Mullet: An Interview & Observations”
The Harte of Marketing by Beth Harte is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at www.theharteofmarketing.com. [If you have a question about what you can use from this blog, click on the above Creative Commons link to learn more.]
Sorry I missed the SMCPhilly event. Sounds like it was a blast and Duncan of FireBelly was a terrific, engaging conversationalist.
What struck me in your interview of Gen X vs. Gen Y reactions to the Corporate Mullet concept (business up front, party in the back) is that Gen Y seems to be reconceiving the blur between personal life and business life as one, big casual party. Dreadlocks anyone?
As a Baby Boomer interested in how the Web 2.0 world continues to unfold, I really appreciate the introduction of generational perspectives to the conversation!
Hope to make the next one.
[...] the original: The Corporate Mullet: An Interview & Observations Tagged as: around-how, business, come-speak, corporate, Marketing, our-educational, public, region, [...]
So sorry that I had to miss the conversation after the event. I agree with all the points raised. As much as we all want to be ourselves (one person) online – we need to be cognizant of how we present our business side and our personal side. That old saying “There’s a time and place for everything” applies.
Furthermore, my Mom always said “It’s the company you keep that defines you”. It took me a long time to fully understand and embrace that. It’s true online as much as it is offline. It’s important to choose wisely, to really think before doing.
Anyways, big thanks to Duncan for coming to Philly and talking about the Corporate Mullet. His presentation was both entertaining and thought-provoking.
.-= Marilyn Moran´s last blog ..Philly Social Media Club July 2009 Meeting =-.
Great post, Beth!
I saw a dude on the weekend with a ‘Let. Bald on top and hair halfway down his back. And he thought he was bringin’ it. Some people don’t own a mirror.
Same can be said in business.
.-= Kneale Mann´s last blog ..How Can I Help You? =-.
haha You calling me out Beth Harte?!
I’m honestly not sure where these assumptions, other than the “lack of engagement” comments, are coming from as it seemed like most of the GenY in the room did not participate nearly as much as the GenX people…so I’m not sure how you’re making these observations about their viewpoints from the discussion.
In general, you’re all pretty much right in my opinion. There is definitely a generation difference in mentality when it comes to business and social. I feel that our generation (GenY) is less concerned with keeping a filter on for liability issues. Maybe it has something to do with being online for a great amount of our lives? Maybe it’s just a shift that’s closely tied to many other apparent changes in business mentality amongst GenY.
Based on the meeting, I’d actually say that from what a lot of the Gen X’ers were saying, they weren’t so concerned with a perfect professional reputation. A couple said they were okay with putting out things like political opinions online.
I don’t know, maybe i just didn’t pick up on these GenY trends in the room because, well, I’m part of it…
Would have loved to come out with your guys afterward and rep GenY in that discussions…damn other obligations.
@DavidSpinks
.-= David Spinks´s last blog ..3 Reasons Why Resumes SHOULD be Irrelevant =-.
Great interactive post Beth! Hey I remember downtown Philly;-). David had some good points re: GenY being on-line most of their lives and not picking up on “censoring” concerns us GenX’s have. Definitely some differences there, but I feel both our generations are engaging and fun. We’ve just been in the corporate mumbo jumbo so long with “standards” engrained in our minds. No matter the generation, my take is we can all stand to learn from each other!
I don’t think anyone can dispute that there are general generational differences in how we chose to interact online. Not that any of the methods are good or bad, just different. Our comments were based on back of the room observations of participation, body language and facial expressions. The most obvious differences occurred during discussion of online exposure and content. I think that David is right that part of these differences have evolved as result of the amount of time/exposure to the internet.
As someone who made a conscious choice to live largely an open and transparent online life, I think the largest generational differences are in awareness of the potential consequences and the willingness to accept those consequences. If you spend the majority of your online life talking about or showing off pictures of parties or getting drunk, you have to be willing to accept the potential consequence that people may take you less seriously and treat you accordingly. If you are willing to accept this possibility, then go ahead and expose whatever you will online. If your aim is to portray a different side of yourself, then you may need to consider some form of self-censorship or at least develop a online balance between the two aspects of your personality.
I think one of the the important takeaways from this discussion is be authentic, have your personal or corporate “mullet” but be willing to accept and deal with the consequences of your online behavior.
.-= Gloria Bell´s last blog ..My first ride at Blog Carnival! =-.
Interesting observations made by the SMC Philly crew. I have to say, I don’t think our SMC events out here are nearly as hot as yours are in the Midwest/East, but I’m thinkin’ we’ll get there.
As a Gen Y’er on the cusp of Gen X (’82), I think a lot of the observations made are pretty on point (though I can’t speak for the happenings at the event itself). Gen Y doesn’t have the same concern for censoring as previous generations, and maybe David’s right, that it’s because we’ve lived much of our lives online, but…I don’t think so. I feel it has more to do with a lack of experience in the business world — I’m not sure we’re old enough to have been burned yet for our lack of censoring. Eventually, we’ll probably run up against some scary situations that might push us back into our boxes a little bit, but, only time will tell.
Also, the increase in the number of boomers in exec positions might contribute to our “freedom of speech”, too. As a generation, the Baby Boomers are a little more radical than their predecessors, I think, and that’s allowed both Gen X and Gen Y loosen their neck ties a little as employees.
A lot of factors contribute to how we as a generation are integrating social media into business, but I’d say I agree that we’re more social than professional right now. Over time we’ll see more how our relative lack of professional polish and ability to censor ourselves will affect the business world.
Good topic.
.-= Teresa Basich´s last blog ..Should You Audit Your Personal Social Media Involvement? I say, Yes. =-.
I’ve been burned by my lack of censoring. Badly even.
Am I the same in the person? Not entirely. I try to be though. I also fully understand the business applications of what I am doing and the methods of which I am using to establish results.
However, I think that I can’t change who I am fundamentally as a person. Can I temper it? Yes. Do I do it on my blog and in comments online? No. I believe that I have a lot to say (both good and bad) about the status quo. If I didn’t deliver results or didn’t get buy in from peers and superiors that would be one thing. But I do.
I’m used to being the youngest person in the room and not flinching when criticism gets flung my way. I take it in stride and try to guide that person towards a different view point (usually mine). But I am also flexible and willing to work with people if they can convince me that their way is better. I just want accountability (from me and from others).
I have one thing going for me: I’m not afraid to speak my mind, my views and my opinions. I also speak about them passionately and with the knowledge to back them up.
I realize I’m not as polished as I should and I am working on my flaws. I’ve gotten far with this personal brand…but my efforts don’t mean squat unless I deliver on bigger accounts. Then again I’m only 24 years old. I think I’ll get there. After all…you didn’t know who I was at this time last year Beth did you?
.-= Stuart Foster´s last blog ..5 Ways to Identify Up and Coming Bloggers =-.
I thought this was a great topic Beth and it’s interesting to read the feedback thus far.
There is definitely a natural difference between every generation and there’s nothing new in that. However, this change in comfort online and sharing that we’re seeing more and more with Gen Y folks is significant. It’s significant because it goes beyond professional standards (such as dropping formal attire at the office– which people bristled at early on) and is a more emotional/personal change.
When I started as a young professional, the expectation seemed to be that you would dress formally, do what your boss said, and eventually pay your dues in order to make larger decisions. Bear in mind, this wasn’t THAT long ago as I’m a mid-thirties guy now. Over time, that has changed and for the better where good employers want their staff to speak up and share ideas.
I think the challenge that hits a lot of more seasoned pros now is the risk factor, which many have mentioned, that being too open can cause. In my past, while working at large companies there have been several hundred million dollar deals that depended on the ability to keep things quiet. If even a rumor or a hint of a meeting got out there could be severe consequences.
I sense that some of the discomfort about young pros openness is that we aren’t entirely sure if they can help it. I certainly don’t mean this for all Gen Y’s as I know a lot of the great young pros here understand how to limit themselves if needed but others do not. The fact that some aspiring pros find it o.k. to try and friend me on Facebook/Twitter and share the fact that they’re hungover on a Tuesday at 11:00 doesn’t inspire confidence….and I’m not comfortable putting my reputation on the line by endorsing them to great connections I’ve spent time cultivating or giving them increasing levels of responsibility that depend on good judgment.
As with a lot of things, some of this comes down to brand. A misstep in how someone represents an organization can do lasting damage and there is too much on the line for many companies to their work to someone that, intentionally or not, hasn’t proven they have that ability to filter out what part of the proverbial mullet belongs in public and what needs to remain private.
As most who know me are aware, I’m a pretty easy-going guy but if you share info with me that doesn’t portray you well…it’s still stuck in the back of my mind. Bridges used to be burned via phone or maybe with a bad meeting but now, with online connectivity, there’s the potential to entirely barbecue a career for the world to see.
All I know is I wanna wear the mullet wig
.-= Adam Sherk´s last blog ..Videos in Press Releases are Cool – When They Provide Meaningful Content =-.
I am in my 30s and I factor in the audience when I post anything Online. But I am also, looking for a job, does this make a difference? I am almost positive it plays a small role?
I have gotten into discussions with Gen Yers about things like the geographical social networks. I just don’t see a need for someone to know where I am 24/7. Is this age related or gender related? I am not sure.
.-= Jamie Favreau´s last blog ..Can you help one person stay in Detroit? =-.
@SkipShuda, we’ll see you at SMC Philly one of these times!
@KnealeMann, I saw a mullet braided…I figured it was a tribute to the awesome Philly pretzel!
@DavidSpinks, I didn’t say it! Did you see me in the video?! LOL!
A very valid point though, they didn’t participate so how could we assume…let’s just say it was their facial expressions in some cases. Maybe we’ll have to have a Gen Y/Gen X roundtable discussion for SMC Philly so we can get this out in the open.
@TeresaBasich, I think you hit the nail on the head…Gen Y’s haven’t been burnt by their actions just yet. Heck, some of us weren’t burnt just by corporate politics let alone saying anything online without a filter…that’s why we are cautious. I hope you are right that eventually we’ll all find a middle ground.
@StuartFoster, you don’t have a personal brand. If you did it would be “young pup who curses a lot.” What you have is a personal reputation and your comments, posts and insights are what draw all of us to you, make us want to spend time with you and make us want to see where you’ll be a year from now…isn’t that better than a brand?
@DaveFolkens, I remember those days of wearing SUITS everyday – including Friday! Yikes! And casual Friday didn’t exist…glad those days are over.
You bring up some really great points that I think play off of what Teresa was saying. The Gen Y’s are used to be open, don’t understand just how sensitive business can really be and they haven’t been burnt yet. That’s why I think ‘transparency’ isn’t the right word…but ‘translucency’ might just address the balance we are all striving to achieve.
A bald guy talking about “corporate mullets” and conversations about Gen X vs. Gen Y. Wow. I gotta come to one of your SMC Philly meetings sometime! Then again, we’re in the midst of forming a SMC Detroit and I can only imagine how weird our meetings might be.
Seriously, though… the GenX v. GenY debate is very interesting to me, and honestly I can’t really make observations either way because I really never took notice. Like Teresa, I’m in generation limbo — I’m too young to be GenX and too old to be GenY, so I say I’m a member of GenX.5, which is those of us that are somewhere between 27 and 32. (I totally made that up.) Personally I’d be interested to hear/see observations from X.5, somewhere in the middle of the two. I’m a super early adopter so I can’t really make accurate claims or observations.
.-= Stacy Lukas´s last blog ..Just when I think it’s safe to play #FollowFriday again. =-.
[...] with an impromptu format. Social Media Expert Beth Harte did this in her recent Blog Post about generational differences in Social Media at the Philadelphia Social Media Club (@SMCPhilly). Watch the second video in this blog post to [...]
[...] about our Corporate Mullet presentation, and Duncan recently presented the concept again to the Social Media Club Philly on the invite of Beth Harte. In our apartment space one thing that I think many companies are [...]