New
York City recently earned the title of “fastest growing tech sector in the
nation.” Since some of the most successful tech firms are located along the
West Coast, the New York sector is being strongly influenced its counterparts
in the Silicon Valley. Regardless of their location, professionals in this
industry use similar business models. They are also attempting to recruit and network
the same on both coasts. Instead of conducting informal meetings at swanky
lounges or pristine golf courses, tech sector employees prefer to talk in the
ocean. At the moment, the appeal of networking in the ocean is currently
limited to a very small group of people within this market.
Surfing
is very much part of the West Coast culture but the increasing number of
California transplants has contributed to its growing popularity in the
northeast. Over the past few years, enrollment in a New York surf school has
quadrupled and in 2011 an international surf competition was held just an hour
outside of Manhattan at Long Beach, NY.
Many people view the sport as a cleansing, sometimes even religious
experience so it is very important to understand unspoken rules and use good
surf etiquette; being a “wave hog” could prevent future business transactions
from taking place. Additionally, it is very difficult to gain the listeners
full attention because approaching waves frequently interrupt conversations.
In my
opinon, it’s important for newcomers to recognize and adapt to an existing
culture. Personal surfing, if accessible, could easily replace Yoga or
mediation but corporate surfing will struggle for acceptance when golf and
cocktails are so deeply ingrained in professional attitudes. Michael Adler, business partner for AC Lion,
said that surfing is “the only time that no one can get a hold of me.”
Therefore it is counterintuitive to take business to an environment seen as an
escape from business.
Many of the Millennials that moved
to NYC also chose to live there because they are seeking the high-energy,
fast-paced, glamorous lifestyle that the city embodies. Laidback, casual
business is part of the West Coast culture that many of these professionals are
not attracted to. These stereotypes
exist because there is a level of truth to them but highlighting coastal
differences will further separate the two opposing mentalities. Although
ping-pong tables and beer refrigerators are becoming more popular in tech and
advertising offices nationally, it is not very likely that wetsuits will
replace traditional suits in a networking capacity for upwardly-mobile New
Yorkers.
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