Many people in their late forties and early fifties are finding themselves without a job, there are varied reasons redundancy, early retirement employment policies, ageism and this is likely to increase rather than decrease.

Working for yourself is frequently chosen by the over fifties.   Recent reports show that people who lose their jobs in their 50’s are twice as likely to die within 5 years and are at a greater risk of suicide, discouragement and depression.

In contrast people who choose to become self employed in their 50’s have a greater chance of being successful and remaining in business. You can, however, make statistics say anything, and people who are in worse health are less likely to take a risk of setting up a business.

Two of my clients this week want to set up their own business. We discussed the benefits and the challenges, is it to sell yourself or to grow a business you can sell. I want to add to this theme over time so expect short posts on this. In the meantime here is a really interesting web site:

http://www.startups.co.uk/

Some times Clients want to chat with me about how to make improvements at work. I’ve recently been reminded about an article which is excellent for reminding people in a story the importance of focusing on the customer and ways to increase sales.

 ‘And you think strawberries are for eating . . .’

The following are excerpts from a speech first delivered as the keynote of the AMERICAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION annual meeting in New York City in 1973. It was published the Saturday Evening Post in 1974, October issue.James Lavenson owned a marketing and advertising company before being invited to become a senior management executive with Sonesta International Hotels. He was given responsibility for the company’s hotel and food interests and and some non hospitality businesses, including the famous Mad Magazine and Hartman Luggage. For the last three years of that period he was president and chief executive officer of the chain’s ‘flagship’, the famous Plaza Hotel in

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I attended a conference last year. one of the speakers was Gerard O’Donovan who gave a talk on The Seven Qualities of all Super Achievers. I’ve just come across my notes and thoguht they may interest you.

1: Hard work – winners work hard in an area of opportunity and growth

2. Courage – they remain consistent in their beliefs despite all the odds

3. Persistance – it is vital to be a finisher.

4. Self discipline – they have come out of their comfort zones and are prepared to do whatever it takes.

5. Personal power – the ability to take action.

6. Willingness to change – they are willing to embrace change.

7. Positive mental attitude – purpose, method, action.

He also said that it can take 12-14 years to be an overnight success and that successful entrepreneours will work 69-81 hours.

Many people think setting up their own business will be perfect for them, and for some it is, but for others they realise it is the wrong choice – they like to be with others, and so working alone can be draining.  Others can’t bear the uncertainty and the not knowing of what work, and money is coming in, in the weeks ahead.

For some people, they have the personality and drive to set up a business – to become an entrepreneur. If this interests you, there is an interesting article on the Management Today website and you can read more here:
http://www.managementtoday.co.uk/article/626586/the-essence-entrepreneur/