Published:
12/09/2011 10:14pm
The Wealthy Retiree - What Businesses Are Boomers Starting
There is no end to the types of businesses boomers can start right from their kitchen table. But, you might have to think outside the box to get to the core of what you can offer. The best way to do this is to write down what you do now, and how you can translate that into a business for yourself. Are you a computer genius? Are you very organized? Are you a professional of some kind like a nurse, a lawyer, a CPA? Maybe you're a secretary, or a software engineer? Any of these positions can be turned into a business from home. Even if you're a stay at home mother, nearing or entering the empty nest time of your life, you've developed skills that can be translated into a business.
Technology -- You're technologically savvy and can start a business consulting others about technology. Alternatively, if you write code for software you can do this on a contract basis. If you're up to date about all the modern conferencing software you can plan, market, organize and lead online conferences for others. Think about what you know about technology that can be transferred to working remotely from home. Also remember, you're not forced to work from home, you can have a regular office if you want, but starting from home is a good option for saving money.
Web Business -- Starting a niche website or blog can be a lucrative way to get started, but it does take longer to build up a following and start bringing in the money. This is a good way to build residual income and one that should be looked into regardless of any other business you plan to start from home. Building residual income can be a great way not to have to always rely on new clients to make money. It can take three years to see any money from this type of business, but once you experience money today for work you did yesterday you'll be addicted.
Secretaries -- If you've worked as a secretary, office manager, or administrative assistant for a long time you can easily translate this into working from home as a contractor as a Virtual Assistant. A Virtual Assistant (VA) is someone who works remotely for their clients in an administrative basis. Many VAs specialize in a niche such as: Graphic Design, Social Media, Web design, Wordpress Maintenance, Receptionist, Event Planning and more. With the advent in call forwarding and other remote technologies you can do almost anything someone in office can do.
Professionals -- Nurses, Doctors, Lawyers, CPAs, Bookkeepers, Computer IT, Transcriptionists, and more can do their work as a consultant from home or their own office. You don't have to have a boss. You can be the boss in any of these situations. Simply find out the laws and regulations in your area, write a business plan, identify your market, then set up a website and set up your business and before you know it you'll be super busy. A lot of businesses and individuals have found that hiring professionals on a contract basis saves them money on benefits and supplies. But, you should make a great fee based on your role and experience when offering your skills directly to individuals.
Hobby to business -- Do you have a hobby that could be turned into a business. Check out Etsy.com and see how many artists, crafts persons, and more have turned their hobby into a business. You can parlay your hobby into a business fast with all the technology available today to make getting your crafts to the public easier than ever before. Whether you make blankets, comic art, jewelry, candles, or anything under the sun the sky is the limit, only your imagination can limit you here. You're already passionate about your hobby, so why not make it into a lucrative income to support yourself and your family in your boomer years and beyond? The whole family can get involved.
Small business expert and author Linda Hampton founder of "Attract Clients Out of Thin Air." Linda teaches smart, simple ways boomer women can use their skills, knowledge and experience how to attract more clients, create profit-making products and services, make more sales and ultimately live the life they desire
