National Olderpreneur Roadshow kicks off next week

It is now well-documented that people over 50 setting up their own businesses have a greater chance of success than any other age group. But, if you are contemplating doing this, where do you start?

Well, here is one answer. Over 50s with this idea in mind can come along to PRIME’s Olderpreneur Roadshow which kicks off in Bristol on 23 September. PRIME (The Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise) is the only national organisation that offers practical support to Over 50s considering setting up their own business or becoming self-employed and their Olderpreneur Roadshow is part of a practical package of support the charity offers Over 50s including a Business Club, Olderpreneur Loans Scheme and  Mentoring.

At the FREE roadshow anyone over 50 who wants to find out whether self-employment or setting up their own business might be for them, can come along. They will hear from local ‘olderpreneurs’ about their experiences, and from inspirational business speaker Tom Edge, author of “Age Is No Barrier”. They will also be able to quiz local business support organisations and network with other Over 50s wanting to start up on their own.

The Roadshow will run from now until early 2010 and after Bristol, it will move to Leeds on 14 October, Birmingham on 4 November, London on 10 November and Manchester on 9 December.

“The potential for economic growth partly driven by the Over 50s could be a big factor in the success of the UK’s businesses and in our future.  However, they need better targeted support and guidance. Many have care responsibilities.  A significant number have a health condition or a disability. Nevertheless, flexible working and a good work-life balance can be key to the Over 50s remaining in work, which is why self-employment or setting up their own business is such a good option”, says Laurie South, Chief Executive of PRIME.

For more information and /or to register for a free place visit; http://www.primebusinessclub.co.uk/events/

Pensioner? Moi?

It would be nice to think that this was irony, but somehow I think they just really don’t get it…

A recent article in the Daily Telegraph investigating older people’s views on business attitudes towards the older market (for article click here) was entitled “Half of pensioners think businesses are obsessed by youth”.

The first paragraph read: “Age Concern and Help the Aged, the newly merged charity, interviewed 1,000 people over the age of 50 and found that 57 per cent believed businesses ignored them in favour of appealing to the ‘youth market’, with 47 per cent saying they felt UK businesses were ‘youth-obsessed’. In response the charity is launching a scheme to brand certain products as ‘pensioner friendly’.”

Since when did everyone over 50 become a pensioner? Since when did “age friendly” (the actual name of the Age Concern/Help the Aged scheme) mean the same as “pensioner friendly”?

On the basis of this the Telegraph could proudly head the queue of those businesses that are obsessed by youth…

How to run a business

New research carried out by PRIME (the Prince’s Initiative for Mature Entrepreneurship) shows that one in six new businesses in the UK is started by someone aged 50+, despite a systematic failure of business support providers to offer services to this age group.

Their ‘Generations Forgotten’ survey reveals that despite the needs of olderpreneurs being included in the government’s 2008 enterprise strategy, the main focus of business support services remains on younger enterprise.

At a time when older people are being encouraged to start their own businesses as a way of countering the prejudice and discrimination that still exists in terms of gaining new employment or retaining existing jobs, the over 50s need all the help they can get in order to create sustainable enterprises.

Much is talked about the suitability of older people for entrepreneurship (e.g. skills and knowledge, perseverance, stability, flexibility) and on paper, starting a business per se is generally pretty simple. But in arguably the worst recession most people have ever known, the focus has to be on helping older people to create low risk businesses that will actually make them money – and not just pin money but a living wage.

That said, probably the government aren’t the best people to advise on that…

Read more of the Generations Forgotten report at:  http://www.prime-cymru.co.uk/downloads/PRIME_report_Generations_Forgotten_2009.pdf

Spare room start up

Emma Jones, Founder of home business website enterprisenation.com, continues her series of articles offering top tips on how to start a business from home.

Did you know that the home is now the most popular business start-up location? More than 60% of companies in the UK are started from home – that’s more than 1,400 new businesses each week. And a good number have someone in their over 50’s at the helm.

According to the Home Business Report published in October 2007 the three groups showing the fastest growth in home based start-ups are graduates, Mums and the over 50’s. And they’re involved in a whole range of businesses too. From interior furnishings to writing, catering, fashion and consultancy; it seems that pretty much any business can now be started and run from the comfort of your own home. The secret is knowing how and where to start.

In our earlier articles we looked at the first step, coming up with the right idea, then writing it down. Now it’s time to make a first sale!

Step 3: Making a first sale

A successful entrepreneur once told me that you’re never really in business until you’ve made that first sale. It sounds so simple – and so right. And here are some tips that will help you be on your way.

1. Make a list (check it twice)

Make a note of the friends, family, colleagues and contacts who you think might be interested in your product/service.

2. Pitch up

Write to the people on the list and announce your new business venture. Make your pitch but don’t be too pushy. Remember to address each recipient personally – no-one likes a group email!

3. Follow up

Follow up in a few days time, either with another email or, better still, a phone call. If the potential customer sounds keen, go for it. Arrange to meet so you can explain more about the product.

4. Meet up

Arrange a time and place that’s convenient for your potential customer. Be professional, but also likeable. They’re equally important characteristics when making a sale.

If the customer agrees the deal, bring the meeting to a fairly speedy end. Your job is done – for now. It’s time to head home and deliver on the promise you made.

5. Make some noise

Once you’ve made your first sale – shout about it! Let others know that you’re well and truly in business and they will come knocking too.

Next time, in part four, Emma will offer tips on how to market yourself and your home business. Emma is author of ‘Spare Room Start Up – how to start a business from home’ just published in May. Details below in our Book of the Month.

Book of the month

‘Spare Room Start Up – how to start a business from home’,

by Emma Jones, published by Harriman House.

If you’ve ever dreamed of starting your own business this is definitely the book for you. Working from home has myriad attractions: a ten second commute, the flexibility to work when you want to and the sheer joy and satisfaction of being your own boss, accountable to no one but yourself. It’s no wonder that so many in my primers decide that this is the time to make their dream a reality.

However, evidence shows that successful businesses rely on more than luck and serendipity, those that survive and flourish have spent time researching, planning and sizing up alternatives. This handy book is a great place to start. Written by Emma Jones, founder of home business website, enterprisenation.com, it is organized by three key themes – business, lifestyle and technology – it provides you with simple solutions and demonstrates the ease and low cost with which a home business can be started. Advice and suggestions are interspersed with quick tips, illustrations and invaluable real life case studies from successful home business owners.

The book is on special offer to inmyprime visitors with a 35% discount and is available for purchase at www.enterprisenation.com.