This economy provides an
unprecedented opportunity for baby boomers to re-invigorate their values and
step out on their own to create a better, more free and fulfilling lifestyle
for themselves and their families.
For most of us, taking a low paying job and crashing on a friend's couch
until we 'get on our feet' isn't an option. So what are Boomers to do? First,
let's look at a couple of key factors that are shaping Boomer's current and
future financial picture and why now is the time for many Boomers to consider a
home based business.
Retirement plans are in the basement – If your 401k is now
a 201k you know what I'm talking about. What makes it worse is that the people
we trusted to manage our funds have been playing fast and loose with the rules…
and their common sense.
Top income earning years have evaporated – For Boomers in
their 40's and 50's this was supposed to be their top income earning years
where they could aggressively fund their retirement plans – For most Boomers,
that just isn't a reality. Big paying jobs are hard to come by and many Boomers
are dipping into savings just to keep afloat.
Progeny more reliant on Mom and Dad – After years of paying
for their kid's college education, many Boomers are finding that they are
either 1) Competing with their 20 something year old kids for jobs or 2) That
their 20 something year old kids are moving back into the house because they can't find a job.
Aging parents need help – Most Boomer's parents are well
into their senior years and in the very near future are going to become more
and more reliant on their Boomer children to help with their care, either at
home or in a (costly) managed care environment.
We are forever young – Our generation doesn't want to slow
down or grow old! Boomers are not going to retire to a rocking chair or go
gently into that good night. We want to travel, have fun, explore new
challenges and spend time with family and friends. This desire to continue an
active and engaged lifestyle is going to need financing.
Though these realities may suggest serious challenges ahead, there is a
light at the end of the tunnel and it's not a train. These are exciting times
we live in and it has never been easier or more lucrative to take your
experience, skill and passion, set off on your own and create extra income on a
part time or full time basis with greater control over your schedule, work
environment and income. Here are a few areas to consider when thinking about
starting your own home based business.
Professional– Many professionals may already be accustomed
to working from home or doing consultancy work on the side. Intellectual based
professions such as Lawyers, Accountants, Engineers and Designers, are fields
which lend themselves more readily to a home based environment without much
change in work habits… other than now being able to work from a deck chair by
the pool or in pajamas at the kitchen table.
Artisan– There is a growing population of home based
tinkerers and artisans who craft everything from jewelry to car accessories in
their home studio or garage. And no longer resigned to selling their wares at
local art fairs and specialty markets, these creative innovators and artists
can now reach a global marketplace with a few taps on a keyboard and clicks of
a mouse.
Passion– Now is the time for many Boomers to pursue their
passion! How about you? Do you have a love for Italian cooking? Antiques? Stamp
collecting? Always wanted to write a book? Pursue your interest in painting? If
so, then it may be a simple step for you to create a business plan around your
passion where you can do what you love and still create a meaningful income
from it.
MLM/Network Marketing– We've all been approached by an over
zealous in-law with their latest fast money scheme or magic potion. The reality
is that network marketing in the 21st Century provides a viable, professional
and affordable entry to home based business ownership. These are typically
businesses in a box where products, websites, marketing, training and support
is already in place for you. Network Marketing has produced more millionaires
than any other industry. And it has also produced more failures.
The biggest problem as I see it is that many people don't treat a business
that cost them a couple hundred dollars as seriously as they would a business
that cost them a couple hundred thousand dollars. Do your research and
look for a product you can be passionate about and a company you can believe
in. The internet is full of opportunities. Explore your options and be open to
taking an educated risk and learning new skills.
What brings all of these together and makes it possible for Boomers to work
anywhere at anytime and reach a global market for their product, service and
brand? That's right.. The Internet. No matter which avenue you choose to
pursue, you're going to need internet marketing skills.
Where do you start? Who do you trust? What's important and what's not? These
are straightforward questions that can be answered very simply by plugging into
a proven leader and system of training and coaching.
Last thought. To me, being a home based business owner encompasses many of
the best beliefs set by our generation so long ago; beliefs of equality and
freedom that many fought for on the streets, on the battlefield, in the court
room and in the dorm room. The growing trend in Baby Boomer owned home based
business is more than about meeting a financial need, it is an opportunity to
invigorate those beliefs and values and to create a legacy that is meaningful,
powerful and lasting.
My background is in traditional marketing. Recently I found a way to use my marketing skills to generate leads, add value and create lasting relationships online. Check out my free training at http://bobhebertonline.com/a-simple-system/
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