Hi everyone! I hope you all had a great holiday last week. Hard to believe yet another weekend is just ahead, but I can’t complain.
My co-worker sent me an interesting article today called, “Baby Boomers Enter Workforce as Entrepreneurs.” The article cites a recent study which says that the largest groups of entrepreneurs are 55 years and older.
It makes sense. In this economy, if people can’t find someone to hire them, they figure, why not hire themselves? Although Bob McGowan, a professor at the University of Denver, says only 20 to 30 percent of entrepreneurs succeed, he says that if if you keep your ears open, even in this economy, it could be the right time to try something new.
“For those businesses that have a niche, something that’s unique, it’s actually a pretty decent opportunity,” says Professor McGowan.
The articles cites Gladis Duarte, 60, who, after 34 years of teaching, and directing an animal rescue group on the side, she decided to try her hand at running a mobile dog washing franchise.
“I did not think that at 60 years of age I would be doing this, or I would be working this hard,” says Duarte in the article. “So far it’s worth it, because I’m happy, I don’t have any regrets.”
Would you consider starting your own business in this economy?
July 13th, 2009 at 7:56 am
I would like to retire at the end of this year after 17 years at a nonprofit. I would like to start my own home business in the same line of work.
July 17th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Oh. I know a lot of Bobs.
July 22nd, 2009 at 8:23 am
I coach individuals who are considering self-employment as a career alternative and want to explore the possibilities.
Typically, my clients are:
1) Interested in new challenges or frustrated with their current job or career path
2) Want to develop an alternative source of income
3) Unemployed due to downsizing, rightsizing, or capsizing;
4) Looking to pursue their dreams of self-employment
July 22nd, 2009 at 11:33 am
After 20 years working for HP as a technical manager I have so much more to give. I look forward to creating a business that is good for the ecology, using my skills & being my own boss.
July 22nd, 2009 at 4:47 pm
There is no hesitation that I have so much more to give. Lately,I went to several workshops and I found out that the speakers recommended to be “entrepreneurs”. So, I am looking forward for that.
July 22nd, 2009 at 9:53 pm
I am a business consultant of many years, with my own company in addition to working FT w/a non-profit doing consulting (different kinds). I tell beginners whom I don’t feel have really considered all that running a business entails, especially on the financial front,that they should enroll in a very basic accounting class and then decide if they want to go forward. If they can’t handle Acctg. 101, they’ll NEVER be able to find funding to sustain the growth of their company as they won’t know what the lender is talking about and they will be vulnerable to being embezzled by whomever they employ to keep the books for the co. I say this because I HATE accounting, yet I took TWO classes early in my career and I can honestly look back and know it was by far the education I truly needed to run a company. Good luck and get an A!
July 23rd, 2009 at 8:39 am
I’ve been wanting to start a business. I have 30+ years in the restaurant business and have grown frustrated with corporate politics. I am also disappointed in the emphasis of competition and profit over customer satisfaction.
I’ve learned to do websites and started one of my own to promote myself. I’d like to publish a cookbook, but it seems expensive. I’d also like to do something to help the elderly. I have several ideas and feel the elderly are often treated with a lack of respect in our society. I would appreciate any helpful feedback.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:22 am
I’m in my early 50′s and I find being in business a true lifesaver!
Entrepreneurship allows you to care about your clients, your partnerships, the same way you care about your family. It’s your baby!
And it’s not just about making money, it’s more about making a difference, because on the way to accomplishment you are creating a first-class lifestyle for your family and the many others you’ve touched along the way. Make sure you create an opportunity, (like mine), that you can grow with for at least the next 20-25 years.
All that’s missing is the right people, in the right seats, on the bus with me. Anybody want a ticket to ride along?
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:24 am
I spent 20 years in business with my husband where we built a franchise sales & service company from nothing into a mlti-million dollar bausiness. We sold the business in 2004, he was killed in 2009. Now I’m looking to start over because the estate is tied up and have minor children to raise.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:26 am
The solution for everything
Career Solution No. 1
Start your own business. I did!
Email me at liza.rickard@comcast.net and I will tell you MY STORY.
July 23rd, 2009 at 10:36 am
Hi Melissa,
I am so sorry to hear your story and the loss of your husband. Please call me and let’s talk. I would love to help you and your family!!!
703-444-1826
July 23rd, 2009 at 11:07 am
Same here.
I can help anyone start over or help them get started with me, if they’d like to, let’s talk.
You can reach me or leave a message @ (800) 894-9693
Take care….Brian
July 23rd, 2009 at 5:10 pm
I was downsized after 35yrs. Todays Corporations look at aging Baby Boomers not as an experienced asset but rather a high paycheck with a limited shelf life. Fortunately I was able to find a group of entrepreneurs [many Baby Boomers]who work collectively and have been able to surpass my prior income from home.
Happy hunting to all job seekers & entrepreneurs – Bob
???? Interested call – 800-632-9713
July 24th, 2009 at 3:29 pm
As a baby boomer not only have I found a great home based business, but found a way to salvage all of my 401k earnings and other future retirement income from never losing another dollar, only see some gains, and create a MONTHLY RETIREMENT INCOME STREAM that I can NEVER OUTLIVE.
Call me if you want the details.
Brian @ 410-808-1803
July 26th, 2009 at 10:21 am
I can help anyone get started in their own business with me. If they’d like to, for details you can reach me at (317)417-7388 – Jim -
July 27th, 2009 at 8:46 am
I’m a 56 yrs. old starting a new bakery business in my city. I’m excited and can’t wait to leave my 9to5 for 3a.m. to 10p.m. job. I expect to work harder in MY business than I have ever worked in my life but I’m looking forward to it. The “Grand Opening” is what I’m really looking forward to. The bakery will serve low/sugar-free all natural products. Website coming very soon; “ChaChas’ Sweetless Sweets”.
July 28th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
I had my own business a few years ago, and there is no better feeling than running your own. If I had the financing I’d start all over again.
July 30th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
I am 43 yoa and I could not go to work anymore. So I got together with a friend that is a product broker with Market America and I have been working the proven business plan ever since. It is great being my own boss.
July 30th, 2009 at 3:41 pm
for more info call me at 800-211-1202 x2115
August 12th, 2009 at 2:53 pm
To Liza Rickard, Brian, Bob Zirkel, Jim Summitt, and Robbie Green:
Of these various business opportunities you’ve shared on this site, are any of them MLM? I’ve never been successful with MLMs and trying to build uplines as I really don’t know enough people to try to re-sell the idea of coming into a platform under other people.
August 12th, 2009 at 2:55 pm
Oh, thanks in advance to any one of you who may reply to my question. I was laid off in March and I’m hoping not to have to go back out there. The job was killing me slowly and “softly” like being surreptitiously fed regular doses of Arsenic.