Times are changing. Sure, that’s something that every generation says when they start becoming the old ones, but this time it’s for real. The way technology like the Internet of Things and social media have become part of our everyday lives, things are changing quicker than ever. Just think about how much of a novelty smartphones were at the beginning of the decade, and how they’ve now become an essential part of our everyday lives.

My point to all this is that it’s easy to become lost in all of the change. Even if you stay current with the pop culture trends and latest gadgets, you probably still don’t have an idea what goes on in the collective minds of young adults. Don’t worry, most people from Generation X and beyond have the same problem, which is precisely why the “millennial mentor” has become a professional job.

While it might sound funny or downright strange, millennial mentors have become an asset to businesses across the country. These young adults are able to help business executives understand the needs and expectations of the millennial market so that they’re able to come up with a marketing strategy that resonates with young adults.

That’s Interesting, but Do I Need One?

Working with a millennial mentor is useful for almost any professional, except maybe owners of retirement communities. But just because they’re effective doesn’t mean you should be shelling out money on a business coach that teaches you the ins and outs of being cool in the professional world.

With that said, if your marketing strategy targets a significant portion of the millennial market, it might be a good idea to surround yourself with these people.

If you’re in a leadership position, millennial mentorship might be a good idea for you to improve efficiency and productivity in the workspace. In less than three years from now, millennials are projected to make up half of the American workforce and this is already demonstrated by the changes in the traditional workspace. Things such as flexible hours, co-working office spaces, and amenities at work have become the norm because of millennials’ expectations. Working with a mentor can help you better understand how to keep your team happy and working effectively, and it will also help you stay up-to-date with technology in the workplace. After all, it wasn’t a bunch of 50-year-old business executives who first discovered how effective Snapchat and YouTube are at marketing.

Real estate is one of those industries that’s been heavily influenced by changes in technology. From peer-to-peer lending platforms to marketing and analytic software, you can’t really work in real estate without depending on some sort of technology. A mentor who’s no stranger to the field can help you stay ahead of the technological curve so that you’re always up-to-date with the latest and greatest real estate technology.

The answer is yes, you should at least consider meeting with a millennial mentor to talk business. After all, millennials need houses and apartments too. And if you specialize in an area like multifamily housing, they can keep you in the loop with things that are sellers and deal breakers for millennials searching for apartments or houses.