Challenges of the 60+ Entrepreneur
Our theme for this month’s Morning Café was “challenges of the 60+ entrepreneur”. Following are some of what was expressed at the meeting.
- The need for new ways to use assets, perhaps even moving into other areas or markets
- How to build a business using old assets in a new way
- Happy to be working in a non-corporate environment
- The desire or need to spend less time on business – more on personal
- Interest in additional resources for those 60+
- The desire to do something that would be a meaningful contribution to others.
We also opened the subject of “exit strategy”, both in terms of business and personal. At this point in life, it’s not just about building or maintaining a business, it’s also about how you want to eventually leave the business…and your life. Lots to consider, so that will be the theme for the next Morning Café on Monday, July 11th, 10 – 11:30 a.m. An invitation will be going out later this month, but you can reserve your seat now by sending an RSVP.
This month’s Evening Café is scheduled for Thursday, June 23rd, 7 – 8:30 (new time) and will be held at Irene Ankner’s loft, which is located at 123 E. 54th St., #2C (corner of Lex). Our theme for this meeting is “body image”. This is where we’ll talk about all those face and body changes we’re seeing that we’re not liking too much. If you’d like to attend, it’s a good idea to let me know now. This one will be popular.
Before I go I’m sharing a few resources and groups I’m aware of that you might like to know about.
Transition Network, http://www.thetransitionnetwork.org/Default.aspx
Encore (careers) http://www.encore.org/
Seniors for Living, http://www.seniorsforliving.com/?gclid=CKjBxtbCpKkCFQbc4Aodvl4DtA&
Vibrant Nation, http://www.vibrantnation.com/
If you know of any others please forward to me and I will pass them along.
The Sense of Loss
What a great discussion we had last night at the May Evening Cafe! This was the second monthly Evening Cafe on Age-Related Changes & Setting New Priorities.
The theme for this meeting was the “sense of loss”. While the circumstances were different for each of us there was a commonality of feelings. The loss of valuable relationships was the main underlying theme. Whether through death or illness of a loved one, the loss is felt deeply and we each will need to compensate in some fashion. That’s totally normal. The objective is to make the compensation as positive as possible in order maintain a sense of control in our own lives. Mary shared some of the things she is doing and is an inspiration for us all.
I know how hard it is to experience loss because I’ve been through it too. What I have learned and have come to embrace is that change and loss are an inevitable part of life. Without sounding too philosophical, I find it has helped me to identify areas of my life that could be developed. I have come a long way from being that burnt-out workaholic trying to make up for losses in my life. My business is on a new path with those in their “platinum years”, I have love in my life again, and I’ve expanded my inner circle to include wonderful people like you. I feel blessed and honored.
I always encourage group members to follow-up with anyone from the group if they are so inclined. That’s part of what the Café’s are about…making new friends, sharing experiences and offering support.
Irene Ankner has graciously offered her loft (123 E. 54th St., #2C) for our next Evening Café which will be Thursday, June 23rd at a new time, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Our theme will be “body image”. And please plan to join us for our June 6th Morning Café from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. That will be at our regular location, the Bluebell Café, 293 Third Ave. The theme for June 6th will be “challenges of the 60+ entrepreneur”. Please send your RSVP now for either of those to marian@primestrategies.com with the Subject as the Cafe and the date.
Small Business Summit Follow-up
Over 400 attendees FILLED the Digital Sandbox in NYC at the fifth annual Small Business Summit 2010, on Tuesday, March 16th, to meet and network with other small business owners, learn about the latest hot technology for small business and hear from those who have been successful in creating “strategies for the new economy”. One of the big draws was an hour-long presentation by Seth Godin, famed author, entrepreneur and change-agent, speaking on Insights on Being Indispensable to Your Customers.
New this year was the Hot Tech demos and awards, plus the Small Business Strategy Award, given to one business for entrepreneurial strategic excellence.
To get a sense of the action view the gallery of photos from our professional photographer, Jeffrey Holmes, and follow the post-event dialogue on Twitter.
Press Coverage
BAJ Design Blog – Ovation at Summit
NorthJersey.com – Tailoring Tech for Small Business
Solo Business Marketing – Summit Review
Laurie McCabe – Top Trends Most Evident at the 2010 Small Business Technology Summit
WOR NewsTalk Radio 710 – Quinn Talks Business at The Small Business Summit 2010
Press Releases
Broadlook Receives 2010 Hot Tech Award
GreenhouseIT wins 2010 Small Business Strategy Award (pdf)
Overwhelming response to the ‘HOT TECH’ Demo opportunities at Small Business Summit 2010 (pdf)
Fifth Annual Small Business Summit Presenters (pdf)
Fifth Annual Small Business Summit (pdf)
Interviews
Send e-mail to info@smallbiztechsummit.com to add your name to the mailing list for an invitation to Small Business Summit 2011.