Tips For The New “Age” Entrepreneur

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While there are excellent reasons for starting a business when you are over 50, the fact is that starting a business later in life is a bigger risk than when you are younger. Should the business fail, you don't want to have to rebuild depleted finances at this stage in your life. So, you want to make the best possible decision before you invest your dollars in a new business. You might want to consider buying an existing business with a successful track record or a proven franchise. A franchise is like buying a "business in a box." The franchiser has developed a successful system you can duplicate.

As an entrepreneur myself who dropped out of the corporate world, I know first hand the joys, challenges, and anxiety that comes from owning your own business at any age. But the reward can be great if you understand upfront what you are getting into. Do your homework and take off any "rose colored" glasses about how great it will be to be your own boss. It can be great, but you have to keep in mind that the "buck" literally stops with you as to the success or failure of the venture. If it feels right, excites you with possibilities and fits into what you want to do at this stage of your life, then go for it with gusto!

Brian Kurth, a former "Dilbert", worked for the phone company in Chicago. After realizing there was more to life than telecom calling plans, he founded VocationVacations (www.vocationvacations.com). He is the author of "Test-Drive Your Dream Job -- A Step-By-Step Guide to Finding and Creating the Work You Love" (Hachette, 2008) and is a sought-after speaker on how to pursue and attain one's dream job and lifestyle. He has shared his wit and wisdom in appearances on NBC's TODAY Show, CNN, MSNBC, CNBC and FOX News, and has been featured in articles in O, The Oprah Magazine, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, Fortune Magazine and many more. Kurth co-executive produced "This Job's A Trip" for the Travel Channel in 2006. A native of Madison, Wisconsin, Kurth lives in Portland, Oregon.

For more information on VocationVacations, visit www.vocationvacations.com.