Small Business Boomers

In my family writing workshops (an offshoot of one of my small businesses), I often mention the importance of writing about the people in our lives who will be forgotten if we don’t do something about it. 
 I consider my aunt, who was divorced and had no children,  my uncle who was a bachelor, my brother who died young, and two other aunts and uncles who had no children.
Who in our family will remember them if I don’t write their stories, collect their memorabilia, and pass this along to my family? 
I thought of this again when I read the following in The …read more

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In this age, when consumers are sensitive to going “green,” many look at the packaging of products, as well as the products themselves.  So you may need to consider the statement you’re making with your packaging. 
This doesn’t mean you have to be “green to the extreme,” so it’s totally illogical, as some people do.  However, it’s especially important, if you’re promoting the fact that your items are environmentally friendly, that you take a look at how you’re packaging.
You may find it interesting and informative to read my post, Organizing Your Packaging for “Green” Products, at My Organized Biz.  Here you’ll learn …read more

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Often when we reach a “certain age,” we’re considered old and incapable, rather than mature and wise.  Part of this can be dispelled by taking care of our appearance so we appear professional and capable.
Even when we operate an online business, we’ll feel better and sound better if we crawl out of our jammies, do our hair, shave (if a man) and put on make-up (if a lady).  We don’t need to dress like a teen to give the impression of being younger, but dress as though we care about ourselves, our business and our appearance.  Thus we don’t give …read more

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Online businesses are ideal for boomers who live in areas of extremes in weather.  When you may not want to go outside into heat, cold and storms, being able to conduct your business inside your home fits in nicely.

Snow rages outside, but I can still write and post.
I can communicate with business colleagues and customers.
I can receive orders.
I can conduct online workshops.
I can conduct Skype or ooVooo workshops and consultations.

What other advantages of businesses conducted entirely or partially online for boomers?

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Many Boomers are stirring up cookies during these days before Christmas.  They may be making them with grandchildren, by themselves, or for cookie exchanges.
Cookie making usually brings back memories of these sessions in our childhood, with our children, with community groups, or with the entire family.  We may pull out recipes used throughout the generations.  We may try new recipes.
All of these activities create memories, especially if you take photos to accompany the cookie making sessions.  One of my favorite photos shows my then 2-year old daughter and me making cookies at the kitchen table.
So…why not start a Christmas Cookie Journal with …read more

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Social networking, blogging, and a knowledge of the “new” technology is imperative to advancing one’s small business, especially if it’s Internet based. More and more Boomers are uilizing computers, shopping on the Internet, using them for communication and to promote their businesses. 
 If they do have a business, they’re discovering it’s becoming difficult to operate efficiently and effectively without being involved with social media. 
Even so, there are some Boomers who seem proud that they’re social media ignorant.  That may be fine for some people, but generally even communication with family will be more frequent if one does explore e-mail, instant messaging, and features like …read more

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I love author Janet Elaine Smith’s tidbits of philosophy.  This one caught my fancy and I wanted to share it with other Boomers.  When we’re frustrated about the success (or what we may perceive as lack of) in our business or our lives, we might consider what Janet said in response to someone’s comment about an exciting day in her speaking and writing life:
 
  I guess we make our own success. If we leave our lives open to opportunities…well, nobody knows what’s right around the corner.
Yes, we do need to leave our business lives open to opportunities.  Janet seems to have so many unique and exciting …read more

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Sometimes our businesses don’t get off the ground floor too quickly, but that doesn’t mean we can’t continually prepare and draw upon all our experiences as we take steps forward.  I have a dream of compiling a book of my poetry.  Some poems have been published and others are still in my notebook.
I also enjoy teaching writing and poetry to youngsters and adults.  I feel I can utilize this poetry book as a teaching tool.  (I also would like to publish a book of my grandfather’s poems, some of which have appeared in publications, but not all together.)
However, as with …read more

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If you’re considering supplementing your retirement, or income if you still have a job, by developing your own small business, here are 13  to think about.  They may be home businesses or those operated in a store front.
Of course, those which you begin or operate entirely from your home won’t have the overhead that a store front entails.  Some of these may involve equipment that you don’t have on hand.  Also, you may have to look into permits, licenses, and insurances. 

Developing a hobby into a business
Selling a product or service over the Internet
Pet sitting
Skincare and make-up consultant
Party planning
Lawn and garden care …read more

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Many of the jobs out there are offered to younger people rather than boomers.  Or at least that has been a trend.  However, we find now that some positions are filled mostly by those of retirement age. 
When I mentioned my surprise that  two ladies my age and I were hired for a summer job, as well as younger people, a friend commented, “They probably feel those your age will be more reliable, get to work on time, work well on the job, and not call out on short notice.”
Do other employers consider this when hiring for a position that can be …read more

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