In additional to the generational cultural differences there’s also regional cultural differences to consider, too. And, sometimes that has must to do with the technological access that people have. For example, in a region where many kids are raised by their grandparents as opposed to their parents they might not have the access nor the same “thought” as to utilizing technology that others who are in the mainstream.

Overall, great guideposts yet I find it ultimately important to always “check in” with someone and see what they like.

Me, for example, I’m a Gen Xer and would rather get an email or a text than a phone call – Good Lord! Who needs to have a “meeting” about the “meeting” over the phone. So, my preferences are not standard GenX yet I’ve had technological access available to me all my life and was one of the few back in 1996 to take graduate course at the University of Phoenix online.

A client of mine, is a Gen Yer but has lived rurally and has never had internet access. She doesn’t like text messages, much prefers a phone call, and will check email once a week (egads!).

It’s important to check in and that’s my only caution. When we “think” we know how someone is or will behave we have a tendency to “judge them” (that’s just human nature – no right or wrong here just the nature of interactions). How do you feel when you’re judged? Often, the first reaction, is to judge back. Now, they and you have put up your walls of defense making it difficult to drill between these barriers and make a great connection.

In the AGE OF ENGAGE that connection, not speaking TO someone but interacting WITH someone, is critical.

So great guidelines yet do understand when you interact, you’re dealing with an individual.

Maria Elena Duron
http://www.buzz2bucks.com

Rita

I write a blog for boomer consumers called The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide at http://boomersurvive-thriveguide.typepad.com.

I’d suggest always including a step of getting to know the individual’s communication preferences. Often the generational generalizations are true, sometimes not. I’m a baby boomer who blogs obsessively, uses Twitter, Facebook, IM and SMS, and prefers to avoid the telephone whenever possible. Those are my preferences – if you want to communicate with me it will reward you to know them rather than assuming ‘old guy, not tech-savvy or Web 2.0-enabled.’

In the same way I try to know the preferences of those I communicate with. I manage a multigenerational workforce. I didn’t use SMS much prior to working with one person who uses it frequently; when I want to reach him, I get the best traction by using his preferred mode.

One other point: while I’d agree that email isn’t Twitter or IM, I think most emails are far too long. Email would be more productive if folks would hold themselves to a <140 character limit.