I’d like to believe that in many ways I can be cool like the kids. Despite my 4+ plus decades on this earth, my youth seems fresh in my mind. Often, I would like to think young, act young and have fewer wrinkles, aches and pains. Then again, sometimes the behavior of the upcoming generation drives me nuts. However, I know by the many times I have been called "Mister" or "Sir," nobody is confusing me  with today's youth.

So I have to face it. Despite my best efforts, there is a gap that divides me from a younger generation. There have always been generational gaps and with the rapid change of technology, there always will be. 

Technology has a major impact on "Generation Gaps” and likewise on business. Currently, there are approximately four generations – Seniors, Boomers, Generation X and the Net Generation. With rapid changes in technology, it would be foolhardy to imagine that these generations understand, utilize and value technology similarly. While there may be some adoption across all four generations, each generation has applied technology to their life quite differently.

So what happens when one, two, three or even four generations come together in business? How is technology acquired, adopted and used by people of different generations?  Is it different for a family-owned business?

According to a recent study commissioned by Microsoft Corp. and conducted by KRC Research,

“Six in 10 business owners with multiple generations working in the business say there have been disagreements between older and younger generations about how to invest in technology.”

Most businesses have multiple generations working in the business. Therefore, most businesses face the challenge of their people understanding, acquiring and deploying technology differently. How difficult is it for small businesses?

The Technology Generation Gap for Family-owned Businesses – Old school meets new cool

Beyond the Cool Factor - Is technology more than just fun or can it improve your small business?

Leveling the Playing Field – How can technology enable small business to better compete with large companies that have more resources?

Surfing Small Business – How can a small business utilize online tools like websites and social media to improve their business?

We look forward to sharing our views and research. Please join us and share your experiences and opinion on these important topics for small business.