Back Nine or Hang Ten

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.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444223104578034713717683392.html