You see each other at networking events, and often, if you are honest, you avoid direct eye contact and pray someone else captures your attention. After all, those stereotypes about Baby Boomers and Millennials may have a pinch of truth in them and what could the two of you possibly have in common? Little do you know, the two of you have much more in common than you realize, and the two of you actually need each other much more than you realize.

Baby Boomers know the value of a network – one that isn’t built overnight and isn’t a one-way street. Millennials often view networking, as how can this help me, but networking is a mutually beneficial two-way street. Networking is building and maintaining genuine relationships with people. It is something you begin building early on in your career, and it is something that you should never stop building. Boomers need fresh ideas and different perspectives from Millennials, as well as, insight on the latest trends and the latest technology. Millennials, not only need access to plethora of contacts, but they also need a mentor. Someone they can learn from, someone’s brain to pick, and someone to model their career after.

By being authentic with one another, you are able to bridge a generational gap, and ultimately, learn and grow from one another. Step across the room, step across the generation gap.