Starting Your Own Business to Serve Boomers and Seniors

Do your homework first

What types of businesses are we discussing? I have heard about and see opportunity in home care services, home renovation and remodeling, financial advisory services, portable health records, life planning, home activity monitoring, move and organizing services, personal concierge services, adaptive and assistive services, home assessments, bathroom-specific remodeling, and companion services. In addition to the aforementioned, I would like to see more private transportation service businesses started in areas where the business model makes sense. Read More >>

Business Week Special Report on Aging in Place

What does it mean for seniors?

This is truly special. Business Week has devoted a special report to aging in place. We've seen newspaper and magazine articles, usually on the social curiosity or human interest aspect of using technology to help seniors. This report is different—it reflects and reinforces the key principles of creating viable markets and discusses the many, many small vendors and organizations that are investing, slowly growing the businesses that will serve us as we age. As I often say (when anyone is around to listen): a market undescribed doesn't exist. So what does it mean? Read More >>

Take Time When Selling Your Business

Make yourself visible

Dear Ellie:

I have had a successful business for more than 20 years. I am a manufacturer’s rep for dancewear. My territory includes four western states, and I travel to see my clients, who own dancewear retail stores, a few times a year. I have one full-time employee who knows the business well and does my bookkeeping.

The time has come for me to think about retiring from my business. I’d like more free time to travel with my husband and grandchildren. What steps should I take? Read More >>