“While youth have always introduced new ideas that help shape culture, today’s young generation have found themselves at the very epicenter of major societal change.  While Millennials may not yet be CEOs of Fortune 500 companies or leaders of the free world, they are possibly the biggest influencers and innovators around today.

“A 25-year-old is the CEO of the most searched brand on the web, a site with a larger population than the United States.  We have a Commander in Chief who won his spot in office thanks to a grass roots movement fueled by social media.  He YouTubes, tweets and cannot be separated from his Blackberry.  Clearly President Obama doesn’t fall into the 1977-1996 age range used most frequently to define Millennials, but he understands the importance of adopting their values and thinking like one.  Embracing the Millennial perspective is key for anyone wanting to keep up (and move ahead of the curve).

“Change will not slow down as time passes; in fact, most see it accelerating at an unprecedented rate.  Social technologies will further pervade and integrate into our lives in ways that the rest of us not named Zuckerberg or Jobs ever dreamed of.  Successful companies will not focus on ‘what’s always worked.’  Their leaders will not be educated using traditional means, as the information in textbooks will be out of date before it is even printed.

“So what will lead successful companies and drive growth in the next decade?  New ideas, creative approaches, innovative products, integrated organizations, open communication, connected communities, responsible ethos, and most importantly, an increased passion for change.”

If that introduction intrigues you as much as it did me, you will want to read the rest of MILLENNIAL INC. – What your company will look like when Millennials call the shots, at millennialinc.com.

Businesses large and small; nonprofits of all purposes; local, state and federal governments; and yes, schools and school sports organizations must be aware of and appropriately apply what Millennials want, need and have to offer.  They must, that is, if they want to serve or even survive during the next decade.

Read more from the Millennial point of view at mryouth.com and thinkintrepid.com.