Bizeinstein

Manners and Models

Just read a column by Peggy Post, director The Emily Post Institue (yes that Emily Post) entitled “Oh, Behave!”, AARP May/June.

It prompted me to think about business manners today, or the lack of them I should say. What sort of messages do we send young people today when they see our business leaders, government officials and politicians conducting themselves in very unmannerly ways? They yell;  they curse; they mock each other;  they call each other names; they look you in the eye and say “I didn’t do it and I promise not to do it again”; and most of them are the fifty plus crowd.

How can we serve as models to our young business and political leaders when most of what they see are instances like those above. Granted our society has and is changing. We are tech oriented; we have more people doing more things; we go at a faster pace; we have less control over events that impact us; we are global and deal in a variety of cultures; communication is instant.  All of this at a time when rudeness and a lack of manners seem to be growing.

Like Ms. Post said, “…honesty, respect and consideration … never change regardless of the political, social, or cultural landscape. These ethics are the foundation for the manners that lubricate our society’”. Maybe the fifty something crowd should take a little more proactive stance. We need to raise the bar on how we treat each other, not lower it. Next time we see offensive behaviour let’s remind ourselves and others, not all of us were raised that way.

Posted in 50+, General Business, Management, Success Principles, entrepreneurship | No Comments »

The Importance of Staying Focused & In Control

I was just talking to a long time client today about various “happenings” in her business.  The  company is growing and adding many new services. Certainly an exciting time for any business owner.  It has been the result of a lot of hard word and dedication.  Unfortunately, this growth has also resulted in  internal problems. 

One of those problems, and certainly not a small one, is the owner lost control of her company. As a result of losing control the owner was becoming overly stressed and is losing business.  Fortunately, the owner realized what was happening and is beginning to make the necessary changes to regain control and get the business back on track.

The specifics of how control was lost or why is not as important as how this happened.  Basically, it occurred because the owner lost focus of the plan to grow the business.  Management of the company was put into the hands of others, who had less passion for, and experience in the industry.  While the owner was off doing what they thought was best, the management team had other ideas of how the company should operate and grow.

As a business owner, you need to constantly stay focused on the plan you put in place to achieve your dream, and not delegate it to others to work that plan.  You need to work it, and if others are hired to help you, manage them closely and keep them accountable to you.  Otherwise the results you achieve will be that of others.

Posted in 50+, Business Info, Economy, Faces Over 50, General Business, Management, Success Principles, entrepreneurship, family business, finance, marketing | No Comments »

Laid Off At 50?

The December Issue of the AARP Bulletin contains an article about individuals who were laid off from their jobs after the age of 50.   Some were 60 and older.  It tells the story about how the individuals started their own enterprises and found satisfaction in them.

The article also reported that 15 percent of workers ages 50-64 are self-employed and that 25 percent are 65 or older.  Are you in this age category and out of work?   Do you still feel you have the knowledge, skills and vitality to be a contributing member of the workforce?  I’m sure you do.  Why not consider starting your own business. It doesn’t have to be large.  Maybe just you.

Where do you start?  Well how about a hobby you’ve enjoyed.  Can you turn it into a paying enterprise?  Or can you take your business skills from your previous employer or employers and turn that into a business enterprise?  Not sure how to do it?  There are many organizations out their that can help gain the knowledge you need to get started.

  There are Small Business Development Centers around the country with excellent counselors that can help you. The organization SCORE can also help.  The latter two organizations are sponsered by the US Government and are free.  There is this web site which offersfree information and  you can also go to our LINKS button and you’ll find a “link” to many more sites.

You may be laid off and  Over 50 but you can start a successful business venture and find great staisfaction in doing so. The opportunity is not without risk certainly, but you have a lot of help out there. Take advantage of it and good luck.

Posted in 50+, Faces Over 50, General Business, Home Based Business, Self employment, Technology, entrepreneurship, global business | 1 Comment »