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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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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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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In response to my post, 5 Reasons Boomers Develop Businesses, Jeny added this:
Boomers develop business also because they do not want to feel that they are useless to their family and society, and boomers are good entrepreneurs because they are mature and have lots of experience in life.
How true!  Boomers want to feel useful and don’t want to be a burden to their families.  They desire to be contributing members of society as long as they can.
They also have the added advanage of maturity and experience.  Also, they’re more inclined to have what my mother called “stick-to-itiveness.”  They realize a …read more

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Many boomers these days are developing home and small businesses instead of retiring and rocking on the front porch.  Their reasons are various. 
1. They need to supplement their income.  Retirement is non-existent or doesn’t stretch far enough in today’s economy.
2. They want to try something new in their life.  Why not make some money from it, too?
3. They want to turn a hobby into a business venture just for fun or to earn income.  It also might be a challenge just to see if they can do it.
4. They’re helping a child or grandchild and find this a way the whole …read more

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In today’s economy, why would baby boomers be looking at starting a small business, whether it’s a home business or one with a store front? 
Many in the boomer range, born between 1946 and 1964 are getting laid off, either because they’re among the higher paid employees or because the business they work for is closing.
Why would they consider a small business?

They need extra money
They want something to do
They’re looking for a business opportunity that doesn’e involve a great deal of investment
Their retirement funds have been cut in half or no longer exist due to the current economy and government programs.
They find …read more

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