MediaSlap blog

Perhaps we need to refer to the new year as twenty ten, it is more concise and simple. I ran across an article that inspired me and thought I would write about this on January first, twenty ten.

Many of us have learned that good looks add to success in the workplace but too many fail to realize that cultivating the perception of youth and a hip attitude is also very important. It’s no secret that we live in an age-obsessed society.  Don’t follow these rules to impress a young person. Your goal is to  create a more youthful perception about yourself. So how do you do it? Here are some of the concepts form the new book, “Bulletproof Your Job”:

Rule #1: Crest Whitestrips. This is a surface and shallow cosmetic-based tip. But people just don’t understand that having coffee-stained teeth doesn’t do you any favors. Then smile. Smiling makes you look and feel younger.

Rule #2: You need to be on Facebook. No friends? You already have one: just facebook me (dwightcook.) I will be your first friend.

Rule #3: Know how to use Google and Wikipedia and use them. Bookmark these sites on your computer, and set one as your homepage.

Rule #4: Watch an episode of “Big Bang Theory.” Discuss and Repeat.

Rule #5: Peruse your local Apple store. Learn the difference between an iPod Classic, iPod Touch and iPod Nano. You also need to what itunes and  podcasts are all about and then you are on your way.

Rule #6: Do not disclose your past. Keep it to yourself. These are the “good old days!”

Rule #7: Don’t talk about how you’re addicted to Starbucks.  Nobody cares and it won’t make you seem younger.

Rule #8: Keep up to date with Entertainment news and Sports. Set them as a favorite or add it to your custom home page on Google, Yahoo or Bing. This can help you with current relevant conversation.

Rule #9: Learn how to text message and do it.

Rule #10: Lose the newspaper. Young people get their news online.

Rule #12: Make eye contact. Eye contact is so critical to being perceived as young; don’t be afraid to use it.

Rule #13: Never refer to your grandchildren or great-grandchildren. Rarely mention your children – these topics make you sound old.

Rule #14: Go to the gym. 

Rule #15: Never use ancient words like “groovy, dy-no-mite, or tubular.” Use current vocabulary.

Rule #16: Get a TiVo or DVR. Know how they work.

Rule #17: Record yourself to see how how old you sound. You will probably be your own worst critic. Note that youthful people talk much snappier.

Rule #18: Dress is very important: always dress age-appropriate with no frump factor.

Rule #19: Give your hairstyle a hard look. Get a young stylist to help with your look or ask a young family member that will be honest with you to help.

Rule #20: Skip cologne and wear deodorant. Young people don’t wear scented oils or strong cologne. You don’t want BO, so don’t skip that deodorant.

Rule #21: Make younger friends and hang out with them.