Middle-Age Entrepreneurship Is On The Rise

Middle-age entrepreneurship is the leading demographic in new business start-ups. "More than 80% of all start-up businesses in the United States are launched by people over 40 years of age," according to research by the Kauffman Foundation, a private entrepreneurship organization.
Over the next 20 years, it is estimated that nearly 80 million baby-boomers are expected to retire. For some, the decision to start a business is a reality of not having the resources to retire in a manner of their choosing. For others, it is the excitement and challenge of finally owning their own business. Either way, this demographic is a huge driving force in the American economy.


Is your business positioned to capitalize on this new wave of entrepreneurs? Do you have products or services that can be utilized by middle-age entrepreneurs? Is this important demographic group included in your marketing mix?


Or are you a candidate yourself for owning your own business? If you do not have a concept or dream for a business you have secretly wanted while you were working for someone else, then franchising may be the best route for you. It has been for me and for thousands of others who have found there is life after your current or last career.


You don't need a higher education degree or specialized knowledge to start a franchised business. The beauty of franchising is that you are provided a proven system. It's your job to use that system to create wealth and a new life for yourself.


I chose an industry that is positioned to greatly benefit from this projected wave of new entrepreneurs. The millions of new business owners will need support services that AIM Mail Centers is uniquely qualified to provide. If you are a baby-boomer who has started your own business, we welcome you as a valued customer. We can help you grow your business.


If you are not sure what type of business is right for you, I will extend an invitation to you to explore our business opportunity as an AIM Mail Center franchisee. Let's talk.


Please weigh in with your take on this issue and post your comments below.

Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?

One origin of this question is obviously from the Chicago tune which bemoans the fact that most of us are rushing around too fast and furious to stop and “smell the roses”. So what does that mean to those of us in small business? As I type this question I notice that it is 1:36 AM on a Saturday night. My guess is that I am far from being alone in this activity. Most of us in small business fit one or both of the following descriptions.

A. I have so much on my plate that I seem to work around the clock.


B. I am so passionate about my business that I can’t get enough of it.

Either way, we tend to work more hours than those who “have a real job” {BTW: That phrase really bugs me!} So, if you and I are working at all hours of the day and night...how important is it be able to meet your customer’s needs beyond the normal business hours?


Remember the phrase “Bankers hours”? Yes, there was a time when banks were only open from 10:00AM to 5:00PM and not on Saturdays. Not only are banks now open on Saturday, but are inside of supermarkets with long hours or are available to you 24/7 online. Consumers have responded to the added hours and ease of access in a major way.


Jim Collins in his important book, Good to Great, shares the story about a building supply firm that created a way for their key customers to access road repair materials after hours. The around the clock access to road repair materials was a major differentiator and helped the firm outpace competitors.


What are some of the steps you can take to give your customers what they want...when they want it?


Or, as a consumer what products or services do you wish you had access to on your time schedule?


Let’s hear from you. Please post a comment.