Encouraging Entrepreneurship in the Next Generation | Abe Rahey

The younger generation will be critical to ongoing innovation in all sectors of life. As such, successful business leaders and entrepreneurs should look for ways to pay their experience and achievements forward. Consider any of the following tips to encourage the next generation of innovators.

HOLD AND ADVERTISE “OFFICE HOURS”

Entrepreneurs and business owners are notoriously strapped for time, but those willing to donate a few hours to a young person are doing a lot of good. Advertising office hours is a great way to encourage young people to make connections and ask questions. Office hours are also a great place to teach the responsibilities necessary for future leadership. Allowing a young person to shadow a manager or director for a day can help illustrate essential skills while building a social connection.

BUILD SOCIAL AND BUSINESS RELATIONSHIPS

Entrepreneurship is all about relationships. Adults looking to encourage the younger generation of leaders should work to create both social and business relationships with these young people. Business leaders and adult entrepreneurs can help foster a community for this type of relationship-building through hosting events. Holding ongoing events, like socials and meet-and-greets, can introduce young entrepreneurs to leaders in the community. This is a great opportunity for networking and collaboration.

SHARE YOUR JOURNEY

Everyone’s road to success is unique, but young people may become discouraged when facing obstacles. Adult entrepreneurs should do what they can to hone and disseminate their stories. First-hand experience, shared through interviews, blog posts, and talks, can provide young people with much-needed perspective. Those interested in turning that story and entrepreneurial mind into a fully-fledged brand might consider working with a marketing specialist to centralize their thoughts and narrative.

FOLLOW AND INTERACT WITH SOCIAL MEDIA

Often, the most entrepreneurial young people have cultivated massive social media followings. Young people thrive online. A social media profile offers an opportunity for accessibility. If adult entrepreneurs are looking for ways to connect with and reach out to young people, social media is the perfect avenue. Sending a quick, direct message is a great way to begin a relationship.

HELP THEM NETWORK

Entrepreneurial success is often the result of meeting the right person at the right time. Whether that person is an investor, a collaborator, or a mentor, finding the right partner is crucial for young entrepreneurs. Adults should look to share their networks and resources with promising young people. Do what you can to help facilitate connections, either at formal networking events or impromptu meetings.

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About Abe Rahey

Technology has always played a big part of Abe Rahey's life. As a teenager, Abe quickly learned that the video games he played with his friends would open a door to a more in-depth role-- not as a player, but as a developer. Even though Abe didn't have knowledge of any programming languages, he wrote down ideas for game after game using natural language until he had the ability to learn code.

When first learning to code, Abe quickly picked up the procedural languages of Java, BASIC, and C, and it quickly snowballed into Abe creating his own games and even running his own server. Before he had even graduated from high school, the 3D Portal Network that Abe had created had been purchased by GameSpy, a browsing platform that is incredibly popular today. Abe worked with the company in a management position for almost a decade, helping them transition to IGN Entertainment and then Fox Interactive.

After high school, Abe Rahey received his Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Arizona. His experience in the jobs that he held after college attracted Google's attention, leading him to move from Phoenix, Arizona, to Mountain View, California to take up the role of Senior Director of Engineering. He's held the position for over 14 years. Throughout his tenure at Google, he gained experience in a number of different things, such as Product and Enterprise Infrastructure. He prides himself on being a fair, logical, and diplomatic leader. To learn more about Abe Rahey, be sure to visit his websites!