This is Denver. Adapt.

Due to the fact that Denver is doing well, when so many other places are “tanking,” we have had an influx of out-of-towners. Some of these out-of-towners have graciously retained me as their transition coach.

I am seeing patterns, often from Californians or East Coasters, that are, however, costing them both credibility and jobs in the Denver Metro/Colorado Front Range areas. Here are some vital things to do and some things to avoid.

1). You are in Denver, not in L.A., the Bay area, N.Y., Boston, D.C., Chicago, Atlanta or anywhere else. Realize that Denver has its very own culture. Much of this culture goes to our past, but much of it we, who are long-term Coloradoans (which, the idiot Denver Post aside, is the correct way to indicate someone from Colorado….too many employees of the Post are from the East Coast) have developed this culture deliberately. We are certainly NOT going to change it for you, and don’t want to…and don’t have to. Our unique culture is one of the big draws to our area, and one of the reasons why we were chosen for the Democratic National Convention, and many other huge events, which is a primary part of our economy. It is our culture. If you don’t like it….I-70 goes both East and West.

2). Stop being pushy and impatient. Part of our culture is that things are slower here. We like it that way. We are a “lifestyle” town, not a “business town.” Unlike ugly places like Chicago, D.C. or, heaven help us, L.A., we have lots of other things to bring people to Denver other than business. Look at the mountains, the activities, and breathe the air. THIS is why people are here, not just to get business done “yesterday.” We are not going to get things done as quickly. There will be some delays due to weather and other realities of living in Denver. Get used to it if you want to live here. Otherwise….I-70.

3). Quitcher Bitching! Denver has a positive culture. I see too many people, especially from the Coasts, constantly bitching and griping about things. This “ain’t” New York! Your negativity and bitching is costing you lots of credibility and jobs.

4). Chill. You’re probably coming across as aggressive and arrogant. I don’t care if you agree with me or not. It is how you’re coming across. You can listen to me and get a clue and begin to act in a way that Denverites like or you can remain unemployed for a long time. The decision, as always, is yours. But this is almost certainly why you’ve lost some positions or haven’t even gotten referred to them.

5). Understand that over 90% of the real jobs in Denver are found through networking. Don’t fuss with your résumé. Don’t waste time on the Internet. Find good networking groups (I am happy to send you a list for free if you just send a request to info@heckersdevgroup.com and put NETWORKING in the subject line, and give me your name and last or current title). Go to these networking groups. Get well-networked with “old” Denverites. If you don’t, I hope you like daytime T.V. a lot.

6). Be polite to everyone here, regardless of title or position. If you’re rude to the waiter or waitress at lunch like you might be used to being in your old town, don’t expect an offer. Denverites are “nice” people and tend to treat everyone with respect. If you don’t, you’ll just be pegged as a “jerk.”

7). If you retain a coach, an attorney, an accountant or other “service” personnel, don’t act like they’re your employee. They’re not. This attitude does not work at all in Denver. Be very nice to the professionals you retain. We have plenty of business and tend to boot rude and crude people out of our practices here….and let others know that you’re rude and crude.

8). Don’t flash your money here. How do you know you’re in Colorado? A $500K a year executive is driving a 10 year old Subaru with an $1,800.00 bike on a $900.00 bike rack…and is dressed in jeans, hiking boots and a flannel shirt. While a couple of the “transient” developments might be impressed with your money, most of us are not. People in Denver are generally not for sale. Their souls are especially not for sale. Flashing your money clip here just marks you as a jerk again. This is triply true if you have an Eastern or Texas accent.

9). “Formal” means you wear socks…except when it doesn’t. Make sure you know the “dress code” here for every event you go to. Some events that you’d think you need to get dressed up for, you shouldn’t, and others that you’d think would be casual aren’t. We who are Denverites usually know when. Ask someone who knows.

And…

10). Cut the number of words coming out of your mouth by at least 75%. And stop interrupting people all the time. And you don’t need to speak at the top of your lungs in a restaurant. Turn off your damned cell phone during meals. Stop monopolizing the conversation. Nobody cares about what you did in your old town or how important you were. You aren’t that important here until you’ve earned your “Denver” stripes.

Most people from the Coasts or Chicago talk too much. Please shut up and let others speak, too. Don’t expect that they’ll be as rude as you are and just “push in.” Yes, I know this happens in New York and Pittsburg, but here it is just plain rude, crude and socially unacceptable. Try this crap in an interview and you’re out, out, out.

So, out of towners….behave yourselves. You are in a different culture. We like our culture here. If you don’t, remember what I said about I-70. We’ve had this culture since the town was built. We certainly aren’t going to change it for you. Because, believe it or not, you are notGod’s own bright shining star in the Universe over everyone else.

Adapt to Denver. Don’t expect us to adapt to you. I’ve seen hundreds of out of towners come and take I-70 or I-76 or I-25 outta here. We’re still here. And, if you don’t adapt and learn to act like a Denverite and a Coloradoan, we’ll still be here long after you’ve tucked your tail between your legs and slunk away back to the Coast.

OR, you can adapt and be welcomed here in the Mile High City and the most beautiful state in the Union. Colorado has some of the most intelligent people in America living here, as well as some of the best educated, most spiritual, and healthiest. Assume we know something that others don’t and get to work at becoming one of us. We’d really like to be able to welcome you with open arms.

Oh, and if you're from out of town and need help to learn how to be a Coloradoan, and can actually be coachable instead of arguing with me, give me a call at 720.581.4301. I'll be very happy to help and to set up an appointment to advise you.