Here's how you can combat ageism in the digital strategy industry as a late career professional.

As someone who is on the wrong side of Gen Z this is something that I contemplate. There are two good points all aging social media professionals should remember if worried: 1. The skills you master do not deteriorate when a new feature or platform launches. They compliment and if anything speed up the learning. In so many instances it's not the what but the how that matters and therefore experiences matters. 2. Today's social media advice can be tomorrow's fish and chips wrapping. In that platforms, habits, and trends change. You are only as up-to-date as what you know currently, and anyone at anytime can learn about a new feature or platform.

Age is just a number if you are flexible and open to learning. In this era of digital, there are lot of courses available online to keep you up skills on digital experience and technology. One can also learn a lot from young kids on what type of apps, experience etc they are expecting which can define your digital strategy. In the end, I think the topic is very age bias and we should rather look at skills and strategy required for digital transformation.

Ich bin überzeugt, dass lebenslanges Lernen, Neugier und Mut der Schlüssel gegen Altersdiskriminierung sind. Mit 61 durchlaufe ich gerade eine Online-Weiterbildung zum MBAI. Obwohl ich kein Digital Native bin und 30 Jahre in Führungspositionen verbracht habe, finde ich es wertvoll, mich auf das Lernen zu konzentrieren. Wie können AI-Tools unsere Arbeit verbessern? Das und mehr erforsche ich in den nächsten Monaten. Unfassbar wertvoll!

While basic principles of marketing and branding still hold valid but they are being redefined in digital era . e.g. content has become synonymous with with promotion; target audience is being replaced with communities ; share of online sales increasing but there is amalgamation of offline and online platforms. Advocacy has been added in AIDA theory and Advocacy has been extremely important these days as people read reviews before any purchase . Hence having experience and knowledge of marketing layered with digital knowledge can be an ideal scenario for any professional in current context and can be key to success.

As a specialist in sales and marketing strategy, I was a staunch supporter of the conventional methods for gaining momentum. I began by conducting basic research to see how digital strategy would benefit my services after learning about its significance from younger professionals. I then became familiar with keywords, enrolled in a few courses on Google Analytics, Google Keywords, and SEO, and applied the most recent strategy across a number of services. Traditional methods thus received a modern twist.

As the world turns, some rules never change. The classics... On the other hand, the realization of everything we once called science fiction... Think about the distance between the classic and the post-digital—it's truly mind-boggling. Top voices shorten the distance for you, quickly teaching you what you need to see and learn, and of course, what you need to unlearn. Find them and follow them. Just find your accelerators, and the rest will seamlessly blend with your skills before you know it.

↳ Try to mix your strategic expertise with the latest tools like data analytics, digital platforms, and social media trends. ↳ Offer a blend of non-traditional and unique strategies, ideas, and modern execution that drives innovation.

Networking is extremely important in career journey of any professional. There are lot of available platforms for networking e.g. social media platforms like LinkedIn, Insta , Facebook etc ; participation in various industry forums and events etc . Networking helps in exchange of views with your industry counterparts and peer groups and also at times help in lead generation or taking point of views on relevant topics from your industry friends . At times It also helps in facilitating certain business activities too .

This is key point! Be honest, generous. We have a world of possibilities and opportunities and together we are better opportunities to make a real impact.

One thing I have found helpful is to build a network of those who are smarter than I am around me. As AI began to become more mainstream and take off, I created a WhatsApp group of people I met at conferences and online. Today my Abbot Kinney Guild WhatsApp group is filled with the smartest executives, VC’s, startup founders I know in AI. It helps me daily navigate this new frontier

Networking is the key!! The most successful people have a good network with them. Online and digital platforms have given wings to outgoing people to develop and nurture their network. A carefully developed network over a period of time can help create a symbiotic environment for mutual growth and the growth of your organization.

- Actively engage with industry peers through professional associations, online communities, and events. - Share your ideas and experiences and be open to learning from others. - This not only enhances your professional reputation but also keeps you connected to the pulse of the industry. - Networking opens doors to opportunities that value your experienced expertise.

It was challenging at first to transition into the position of digital strategist and include this on my resume. If, however, you can demonstrate to a potential employer how your experience supports the function of digital strategist, things will become lot apparent. I took care to relate my prior experience with various digital strategy platforms. In this sense, the information you have accumulated through years of practical job experience will serve to eliminate the ageism element.

Grey hair is a good thing, there is no "risk" when we deal with our money. A cautious approach and a qualifed method are a lot better than a "its innovative". Just qualify qualify and quafliy. benefits never outweigh risks with money. Ever. Proof - We share our wifi, our phones, our CCTV, how many people other than you can access your bank account? If you are paid a day late do you say "oh it will arrive" No you kick off with HR> A little age and experience in money is a good thing, industry is littered with failures of milennial driven "game changers" for finance. You may find it very useful. Is that the time, I need a lie down

- Highlight your experience as a unique selling point when facing ageism. - Your years in the industry equip you with a deep understanding of market trends, consumer behavior, and strategic planning. - Articulate how this experience translates into successful digital strategies. - Show potential employers that your background provides a strategic depth that can only be gained through years of practical work.

Studies conducted by institutions such as the University of California, Berkeley, and the London School of Economics emphasize that years spent in the industry provide individuals with profound insights. By articulating how this experience translates into successful digital strategies, individuals can effectively demonstrate to potential employers the depth of strategic understanding that can only be attained through years of practical work. These findings underscore the importance of leveraging one's extensive professional background to counter age-related biases and showcase the invaluable expertise gained over time.

Before the rise of platforms like LinkedIn, personal branding was primarily demonstrated through presentations at town halls or industry events. Today, however, online posts and comments reach a broader audience and play a crucial role. Your industry reputation hinges on how you position yourself. For example, if you aim to be seen as a thought leader in innovative restaurant practices, your communication should consistently reflect this. Gandhi's advice, "Be the change you wish to see in the world," underscores the importance of embodying the role you aspire to, with a note on self-awareness: authenticity is key, so a young startup CEO should not overreach in portraying themselves as a seasoned executive of a public company.

At 62, facing whispers of "over the hill," I knew I had to fight back. Age wasn't a barrier; it was experience. But how to show it? Enter the power of personal branding. LinkedIn became my professional stage. Gone were the dusty golf course photos, replaced with a sharp headshot. I shared industry insights, sparking discussions with marketing whippersnappers. Case studies of past successes became my brag board, proving my digital chops. The response was electric. Relevancy wasn't about age; it was about passion. Now, I mentor young marketers, their fresh ideas colliding with my experience. Age became an asset, not a liability. My online presence shattered stereotypes, proving that a digital marketing expert comes in all ages.

Recent studies on personal branding and online presence, conducted by esteemed academic institutions such as Harvard University, Stanford University, Oxford University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), underscore the paramount importance of cultivating a robust personal brand in the digital age. The conclusions drawn from these studies emphasize that a well-developed personal brand not only enhances professional visibility but also serves as a potent tool for mitigating age-related biases. By showcasing expertise, dedication, and success through curated content and active engagement, individuals can position themselves as informed and committed professionals, thereby dispelling any preconceived notions related to age.

Online personal branding has been proven to enhance credibility and aid us in networking. At least, these are the benefits I have experienced by building my personal brand since the blogging era. As a savvy marketer, the focus is on constructing a robust personal brand on 1-2 platforms that can showcase your core strengths. For instance, LinkedIn for professional branding and showcasing successful projects, and Instagram for displaying hobby aspects beyond work and connecting with a broader audience. Whichever platform is chosen, ensure that you portray your true voice and values.

As a seasoned Digital Marketing Strategy Manager witnessing the industry's shift, I realized the power of personal branding against ageism. I revamped my LinkedIn profile, highlighting decades of experience alongside my recent certifications in digital tools. Regular blogging about industry trends and sharing insights on platforms like Medium established my voice as both wise and current. Speaking at webinars further positioned me as a thought leader who evolves with time. This strategic personal branding not only showcased my adaptability and depth but also opened doors to new collaborations, proving that value grows with experience.

Retirement whispers followed me like a shadow at 62. "Time to relax," they said. But my mind buzzed with digital strategies. My secret weapon? Sharing the knowledge. Mentorship became my bridge between generations. Young marketers, hungry for experience, became my eager students. We swapped stories: their fresh perspectives on social media trends colliding with my battle-tested SEO tactics. The results were magical. Age wasn't a liability; it was a library of knowledge. I wasn't just mentoring; I was learning too. Now, I'm not just a digital marketing expert; I'm a bridge between the past and the future, proving that age is just a number, and that wisdom, shared, keeps you relevant in the ever-evolving digital world.

- Consider taking on mentoring roles. - Sharing your knowledge with younger colleagues not only helps combat ageism by demonstrating your value but also enriches the industry with your insights. - Mentoring allows you to shape the future of digital strategy while reinforcing your role as an experienced leader integral to the field's ongoing success.

It's so much encouraging to see some young people you hired as simple trainees who built later their own company and became millionnaires. I can say I had at least one trainee like that. And he is still a friend who came to my wedding. Don't be afraid by young people. Help them, train them, trust them. And they will always remember that you were like a mentor.

In my mentoring role, I prioritize sharing the lessons from my own experiences, particularly the missteps, with younger entrepreneurs. This method encourages them not to shy away from failure but to learn from it, enhancing their strategic thinking and resilience. I do not provide ready-made solutions but rather insights that guide them towards thoughtful, informed decision-making. By mentoring, I remain relevant and of value to young professionals in the digital strategy field.

Faire et faire réaliser à ceux qui travaillent avec nous est un devoir plutôt qu’un mentor at. Être un leader, un exemple et un mentor, voilà ce qui relègue l’âge réel à sa juste place : un hasard.

Proving your worth as a late career professional is a challenge always and more so when for digital strategy. A few things that worked for me.. extensive reading and information gathering, I was not hesitant of learning from my younger colleagues and researching further. Applying what I learnt with the experience I have and thinking how digital fitted into the strategy effectively.. involve your colleagues in ideas and brainstorm s to get the maximum from resources at hand

Take it naturally as the digital hype has now become a part of human life cycle. Whatever age you are in, has a connection to some kind of digital engagement or process. You are not late in the race! Remember to keep up with what is happening around you as you have to adopt it. It’s just like taking an umbrella or a raincoat on a rainy day, as you normally don’t leave home without it.

Acceptance and humility. Find the balance between your experience and gained wisdom, with the admission that its hard for experienced people to provide value in ALL areas of digital strategy. BE willing to listen to all points of view and surround yourself with next gen thinkers.

I am a GenZ loving Xennial :). But seriously, we are fortunate to see the rise of influencers who are not just Millenials or GenZ , leveraging digital platforms to share their extensive knowledge and build individual and corporate brands. It’s important to remind yourself that diverse perspectives lead to better outcomes for all companies so your age is an ASSET. Other ways to combat ageism : 1. Stay on top of trends and understand the psychographics of multiple generations. 2. Emphasize your analytical and creative horsepower, which are critical to digital strategy and not age specific. 3. Establish yourself as a thought leader by actively sharing your insights, experiences, and expertise on digital platforms.