40 Ways to Start a Great Boomer Business

By the time you’ve put in twenty-five years orfor?
more working for a living, you’ve seen andEG: Bricklaying, woodworking, stained glass design and
experienced many things in your life.installation, asphalt paving.
   
Along the way you may have developed a strong20 Are you especially talented in working with
entrepreneurial urge, but feel stumped right nowchildren?
because you can’t seem to focus on a solidEG: Computers for pre-schoolers, music lessons,
business idea you can bring to life as a great newtutoring, special field trips.
business.21 Are you experienced and talented in teaching
 training?
To help you find a winning idea from whatEG: Foreign languages or English, space organization,
you’ve already done and know, We’rejob social skills.
pleased to share with you 40 ways to use your  
experience and your knowledge to find a great22 Do your friends rave about your cooking or
business idea specially suited to this stage of your life.baking?
For any of the 40 ways that seem to click forEG: Wedding cakes, ethnic breads, chocolate
you, write down the specific business idea thatspecialties.
comes into your mind. Let’s get started!  
1 What skills can you sell as a freelancer?23 Are you talented at organizing?  
EG: Accounting, computer programming, projectEG: Time management, seminars, keeping your
management.budget straight, controlling the family budget.
    
2 What opportunities does your most recent24 Are you an experienced salesperson? Could you
employer seem to be missing in the marketplace?become an independent sales rep?
EG: Drapery accessories, pneumatic accessories forEG: Industrial safety products, metal stampings,
forklift trucks, refurbishing services for usedclothing for the larger woman.
equipment.  
 Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â 25 Are you experienced at importing or exporting? In
3 What skills can you sell to your most recentwhat product areas? 
employer?EG: Scientific equipment to Eastern Europe,
EG: Total quality training, bookkeeping.hand-carved decorations from Asia, used lathes to
  India.
4 What consulting projects might you complete for26 What knowledge can you turn into a booklet,
your most recent employer?guide or special report?
EG: Annual report design, electronic cash registerEG: Internet marketing, parenting of special needs
installation.children, genealogy.
    
5 What products could you possibly sell to your most27 Are you really good at financial planning and
recent employer?management?
EG: Computer software, mobile snack service.EG: installing and using Quicken, reviewing health
  insurance options, saving money buying and repairing
6 Do you have a hobby product that you can offercars.
as a business?  
EG: Christmas decorations, gift baskets, baby cradles.28 Do you possess talent in graphic or fine arts
  design?
7 Do you do something as a volunteer that othersEG: Designing websites, painting decorative murals,
would pay for?custom painting of clothing.
EG: Transportation for medical appointments, meeting  
planning.29 Do you have special business management skills?
  EG: Recovering from a business disaster, recruiting
8 Is there a service you need personally that youhard-to-find employees, negotiating trade deals in
cannot find?Asia.
EG: Taking kids to after school activities, finding odd  
pieces of china.30 Are you particularly adept at home repair or
  maintenance?
9 Can you provide a product or service your friendsEG: Handyman services, brick sidewalk construction,
can’t find?inside telephone and computer wiring.
EG: Home delivery of live seafood, pet sitter.  
  31 Do you have a talent for tasty cooking?
10 Could you sell an improved version of an existingEG: Gourmet chef to go, catering, pre-cooked meals.
product or service?     EG: Baby carrier or  
toothbrush products, grocery-shopping service.32 Do you have a special gift-related idea?
11 Have you invented a product for which you canEG: Talking pictures, drawings of pets, rustic picture
document market demand?frames.
EG: New medicine cabinet, accounting software for  
non-profits.33 Are you good at fashion work?
  EG: Professional clothing shopper, jewelry appraiser,
12 Is population growth in your area creating newdistinctive window treatments.
business opportunities?   
EG: Laundromat, locksmith, home health care34 Have you gained legal knowledge that can help
products store.others?
13 Do you see an opportunity for a new franchisedEG: Negotiating credit payments, finding abandoned
business in your neighborhood?property, locating government grants.
EG: Quick sign shop, mailbox store, children's play  
area.35 Are you talented in buying and refurbishing
  people’s possessions?
14 Do you have the experience and knowledge toEG: Antique renovation, photo retouching, oriental
buy an existing business? EG: Dry cleaner, greetingcarpet repair.
card shop, home security installer. 36 Do you know a lot about business security?
15 Do you know of opportunities to sell to local,EG: Investigating job applicants, setting up commercial
state or federal government?security doors and cameras, protecting trade secrets.
EG: Office furniture, time management training,  
construction services.37 Can you sell your talent in a sport?
16 Is there some kind of knowledge or informationEG: Rock climbing trips, running soccer camps, a guide
you have that others might pay for? to the NFL for women.
EG: Stock picking tips, trout fishing techniques, job  
application verification.38 Do you have experience in New Age disciplines?
17 Can you do something with computers thatEG: Fung Shui consulting, spiritual readings, past-life
others would pay for?regression analysis.
EG: Install wireless networks, broker used computer
equipment, medical billing.
  39 Can you assist people in buying a home?
18 Do you know how to do something inEG: Home inspecting, discount decorating, finding local
telecommunications that others would pay for?home services.
EG: Business phone installation, cellular phone sales,  
private pay phones.40 Do you have a particular talent working with
  pets?
19 Do you have a manual skill that others would payEG: Dog breeding, fashion accessories, pet photos.