Just got back from New York City after spending most of the weekend indoors shielded from a crazy rainstorm that left the city looking like an umbrella graveyard.  On Tuesday morning I was speaking at the National College Media Convention in Times Square but on the Friday before I was able to meet up with Doug Akin of the Mr. Youth Agency (a 1010Youth Award nominee) in their Chelsea Market office place.  It’s quite an operation they have going on there with 60+ staff members buzzing and full of excitement. The management there are really on top of their game when it comes to what’s next and providing brands with even more solutions on connecting with youth going into the future.  Great things to come from this team so be on the lookout.

In the video below, Doug and I chat about things brands can do to connect with Gen Y such as getting past the idea that celebrity endorsements influence youth, building platforms to engage youth, listening to young people and building lasting dialogues, getting over the mass market mindset and connecting with segments that are aligned with your brand philosophy.  All good stuff!