You Are Never Too Old To Build A Business!

No, you are NEVER too old to build a business!

I'm on my 5th career now and I'm 70!

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So I'm speaking from first-hand experience!

Why Is It So Much Easier Today?

Answer #1: Technology

Without doubt, the technology we have today makes it very achievable for people who are 50 plus to start their own business. All that you really need to start is a computer with an in-built camera (I'm a Mac fan!), a broadband connection, a printer, an iPhone or Android phone, a website or WordPress blog and Skype!

That's it for the basic essentials!

You are ready to rock and roll!

You now have access to the entire world and all the information, training and markets you could possibly need. No building/office space, lease, furniture or staff required!

Answer #2: The Death Of The 'Day Job'

We are smack-bang in the process of shifting from the 'old way' of making a living by having a traditional job, to the 'new way' of supporting ourselves financially as entrepreneurs.

This is in part due to the economic turmoil we have seen over the past few years that continues to this day, where trust in the 'system' has been severely undermined.

We have also seen full-time salaried positions being replaced by project work, short-term contracts and part-time work. Hence, a sense of security has been undermined.

Furthermore, people are now questioning a workplace reward system based on status and money. They are now looking for work that gives meaning to their lives and rewards their souls. Whether young or old, people want their work to be meaningful.

This is the perfect time to switch to building a business doing something that you love and when it is your own business, age is irrelevant! In fact, the more knowledge, expertise and experience that you have from your former life, the more value to be had from what you have to offer!

Answer #3: The Disappearance Of Whole Industries

Again, this is due to the advances in technology and the internet rendering certain industries and jobs obsolete, an example being the traditional newspaper/magazine industry and journalists.

If you have been working in one of these dying industries, you can transform your experience into, for example, motivational speaking or leadership advice!

The 3 Start-Up Essentials

#1: Mindset

First, you must believe that you can do it. You must believe in yourself and your talents and strengths.

You must have perseverance and the courage to stick to it and keep going when the going gets tough. At some point it always does - every entrepreneur has challenges, regardless of gender or age!

Secondly, you must believe that there are customers out there who can afford your product or service and are willing to pay you handsomely for it. There is no point in going into business for yourself, if you do not have these fundamental beliefs.

#2: Willingness To Learn

The willingness to be a lifelong learner is essential, if we want to keep up with the ever-changing world we live in today! Take Google's new Search and Your World and Apple's iPhone and Apps - examples of how everything changes so fast!

However, our brains are equipped to keep learning till we drop off the perch, bar illnesses!

We also need to be 'on the ball' when it comes to knowing what our market wants and what are the increasing expectations of our clients or customers. When we keep our finger on the pulse, then we can get creative and innovate to take advantage of the new possibilities that 'change' keeps opening up to us!

We have the ability to do it!

#3: An Awesome Product

Creating an awesome product is absolutely essential! The product, or service, must be something that gives the client or customer the results that they are seeking. That is what they are actually wanting...results, not more information!

Do not rush into social networking, or start learning how to become an expert in making videos, or start buying lots of software and programs or stacks of other 'shiny objects' offered online! This will only waste your valuable time and money!

You decide on what technology, mode-of-delivery, and marketing outlets you need after you have decided what product you want to deliver.

So, for example, let's say you have been employed full time and also raised 4 children as a single parent after your divorce. Now you have retired from your 'day job' and the children are out on their own. You have decided that you want to share your experience, knowledge, strategies, tips and techniques on how to be a successful single parent whilst also working full time with other women who are now going through the same thing.

The first question would be "Do I want my first product to be training material, a face-to-face presentation or something I've written?" Depending on the answer, the product could be a series of online video tutorials, a 'one-off' or series of workshops, a 'How To' Guide, or series of Guides, or an eBook or Book.

That said, a product could be created for all of these modes, plus a coaching system! Mode of delivery will be based upon personal preference or expertise, or something the person is willing to learn how to do.

Next comes the marketing. For example, promotion could be done via Facebook or Twitter, or through daily posts on a blog, or through an app, or offline networking, to name a few.

Now the person knows what research they need to do, if any, what technology they will need, what training or outsourcing they need in order to build up or supplement their own skills and so forth. This is the best way to avoid overwhelm and get caught in the trap of thinking that you are too old to build a business.

It simply isn't true, given the resources, tools and support now available.

One thing I would recommend getting at the outset is, needless to say, a business coach!

You Are Never Too Old To Build A Business!