What Does Age Have To Do With Anything?

There’s an expression that I’ve heard over and over again – “If you didn’t know how old you were, then how old do you think you’d be?” More and more baby boomers are leaving the corporate world and starting their own businesses – only to come up against the mindset that perhaps they are too old to start up a business. This mindset not only exists in the ‘outside world’ but is even stronger inside our own heads!

It takes a lot of courage to follow your dreams – at any age. My philosophy in life is simply this – go for it; particularly if you have committed the past 15-20 years to a corporate career or you stayed at home to raise a family. There tends to be a burning desire inside many of us to get out there and ‘make a difference’.

There are a few basic things you need to know about starting your own business – some of them involve mindset, some of them are more about marketing – and a lot of it sure as heck involves numbers!

MINDSET

Be very clear on the ‘why’ of your business. What is one thing that you could do, that you want to do, each and every day that makes your heart go pitter-patter? What is something that you would love to do every day – even if you didn’t get paid for it? (not that you shouldn’t get paid- keep reading – there’s more on that point……)

I get an email message every day that I absolutely love – it’s from TUT and here is the message for the day that I wanted you to see:
First, choose from the options that thrill you.
Then, choose the ones that also teach you.
And from these, Pat, choose the scariest.
Butterflies in your tummy are good,
The Universe

MARKETING

You aren’t going to be able to make a big difference in the world (even in your own world) if no one knows about you. It’s critical that you do a survey to discover the major frustrations and ambitions of your ‘audience’.

Then, create a product or service to serve them.

A ‘tool-box’ of items is essential: a website and business cards will get your started.

Then, get out there and tell the world (once you are VERY CLEAR on the problem you solve and/or the transformation you offer) – and this, my friends, is where the majority of women solopreneurs fail.

Get mentors and get into a mastermind – this is a critical step for success and will help you with all 4 items above!

KNOW YOUR NUMBERS

From Day 1, it is critical to know your numbers – what are your start-up costs, what are the regular expenses, what is your revenue – and then, what is your profit – how are you tracking this information?

Numbers can also take us back to the ‘age thing’! George Eliot said it so well: “It’s never too late to become what you might have been.”

If you are at that stage in your life where you are starting over and/or starting up, it is a time of celebration. It is a time to bring your gifts and talents to the world – and it does take a lot of courage. It is also a very exciting time – just don’t be the ‘lone ranger’. There are people who can help you get off on the right foot – make the wise decision to invest in you and in your business so that you are able to hold on to the vision and make a difference in the world. What does age have to do with it – it’s just pure gold – hold on to that thought!