How To Create More Rainmakers

(By Gil Gerretsen) Professional rainmakers know that they must morph as they progress in their careers. In the first 20 years (ages 20-40), rainmakers typically learn their craft from a boss or mentor who teaches them the ropes.  In the next 20 years (ages 40-60), rainmakers focus on doing the work with excellence by building upon those skills to maximize their results. In the next 20 years (ages 60-80), professional rainmakers focus on keeping the results going, but add in the responsibility of teaching and mentoring the next generations.

Think about where you are in your rainmaker journey. Unlike too many people in my Boomer generation, I like and enjoy the “kids” of the generations that follow mine. They are bringing fresh eyes and ideas into the world. They brim with hope for a better world and they strive to make a difference. Just like every generation that preceded them.

As generations age, they tend to look at the younger generations with increasing degrees of disdain. But think about it. The current crop of grumpy elderly people were once the hippie generation. They upset the status quo at every level of society. They grew from change agitators, to young employees, to emerging leaders, and then became stodgy elders who wanted to keep the world as they had created it.

As people age, their priorities and needs shift. Families form. Responsibilities increase. Income requirements grow. Lifestyle preferences and styles become embedded. The ideals of their impetuous youth fade away.

Then the next generation starts emerging and in some way starts to question and threaten their predecessor’s preferences. It’s kind of entertaining really. As a business mentor for professional rainmakers, I look at emerging generations and chuckle, knowing full well that in the not too distant future they will become just like their parents and grandparents. As a marketing consultant, I enjoy the energy provided by emerging generations, especially their leaders and entrepreneurs. They have vision. They have energy. They want to be smarter than those who have gone before.

I have been lucky enough to work with quite a few of them. Their vitality keeps me young too. Energy levels increase for both of us and therein is the opportunity for YOUR business. Rather than complaining about today’s young folks, take a step back. They’re not right about everything (kids never are) but there is a lot of good to be found and encouraged. Help them rather than fight them. Their youthful vigor can help you grow and/or overcome revenue stagnation in ways you might not consider.

Build those emerging rainmakers into skilled rainmakers. They have skills that you are lacking, but you have wisdom that they are lacking (but want). Don’t get in their way. Cultivate them. Show them the ropes. Teach them how things work. It may become your most enjoyable and profitable business activity.

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Want to be a better rainmaker?
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