Is Your Age a factor in Company Growth?

The age old question, " Does age really matter? " 

Unfortunately, in the corporate world, it CAN play a major part especially in regards to Career Growth.

Career growth has become a very confusing and uncertain topic since our economy has tanked and since companies have changed the outlook on keeping employees for 2+ years.

But as we continue to grow in our careers (i.e. Continuing to expand our knowledge and impacting companies with our talents) we want to see ourselves move up and essentially be compensated for it.

A select few of us become more in tune with what can help propel a company to the next level.

Many of us see this an opportunity to essentially make an impression to management.

Great Idea!

Here are few pre-qualifiers before you rush to pitch your ideas:

1. Do you know your company structure? (will they potentially perceive the value)
2. Will you be stepping on any toes making this suggestion?
3. Does your position with the company entail this type of knowledge or ability?
4. Is there an ability to grow at this company if your ideas are implemented and successful?

These pre-qualifiers are important, because you could be setting yourself up for disappointment if they do not value your suggestions/idea or if you are unable to grow within the company (aka they are unwilling to pay you for your talent)

Going back to my main point, many employers/owners will be stuck with the notion that your are under (X) age and there is no way someone at that age could bring or come up with such impactful ideas.

So while your ideas could potentially grow the company exponentially (this is keeping in mind you have done your research and etc.), they may overlook its potentially or put it aside as free business advice.

Remember, this was work you did on your own aka you have now become a FREE Business Consultant for the company (be careful of this as the business owner may take it as they are running the company improperly or that you are now over stepping your bounds)

As young individuals, many of us are hungry and are wanting to climb the corporate ladder quick and share our knowledge with those that will listen. ** Key here is that they will listen or want to hear it 

The reality of it is, we are faced with business owners that have an "old school mindset"

They have the notion that someone young and with "limited" experience could NOT Possibly see where potential growth can take place within that company.

The flip side is it has taken management (X) amount of years to discover where to take the company and how it could grow, therefore, they have a hard time understanding how someone out of the blue can see it quickly.

But lets say for Example, suppose they do like your suggestions/idea:

Many companies are timid to Compensate you for the value that you bring as they cannot align that level of compensation with your age. (Once again AGE comes into factor with companies attributing your worth)

So now what?

"Stay hungry, Stay humble, Stay Focused"

Why?

Because times are changing. You look back at the past 3 years (2008-2011) and you will see the most successful entrepreneurs are under the age of 30.

Here is an article that shows in 2011 the Top 30 Under 30: http://www.inc.com/30under30/2011/index.html

Most of the entrepreneurs featured have developed a product/solution that we use on an everyday basis.

Overall, you will find your place no matter what company you decide to work for, but realize that AGE does play a part in the average company (there are exceptions of course)

Keep setting goals and strive to achieve more than you ever possibly could, essentially not settling for less.

Anthony F.