This Content Was Written By Gabe Salinas for Gabesalinas.com
Hold onto your hats, folks! It might come as a surprise, but the average age of first-time entrepreneurs in the USA is a sprightly 45. Not quite the spring chicken you had in mind, huh?
Don’t panic, though! Your ship hasn’t sailed without you. Entrepreneurship isn’t an exclusive club for the young and restless. So, throw that misconception overboard!
We often idolize figures like Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates, college dropouts who hit the jackpot in the entrepreneurial casino. But guess what? They’re the outliers, not the norm.
According to a study by the Kauffman Foundation, the typical entrepreneur is practically middle-aged at 39 when they launch their venture. In fact, if you’re 35 or older, you’re 50% more likely to start a business than those fresh-faced youngsters. So, don’t let age be the cage that holds you back!
With the current crop of Millennials zipping around, I’d wager that the average age of budding entrepreneurs is going to skyrocket past 40 in no time!
But let’s not forget, it’s never too late to toss your hat into the entrepreneurial ring!
I’ll use myself as an example. Yes I was an entrepreneur at an early age. And I got hooked up with a good situation until it wasn’t. We all make mistakes, and I made one that cost me 10 years.
Yes – I stayed at one place 10 years too long. However, without a college education, what I learned on the job was akin to earning a degree, with the added bonus of making a pretty penny while at it!
So why am I sharing this tale?
Simply to pound in the fact that it’s never too late to join the entrepreneurial fray!
Sure, you might be a tad slower on the uptake at 45 than you were at 25. But just think about how much richer you are in wisdom! Looking back on life, I would always trade in the folly of youth for the wisdom of age!
Let’s talk about some entrepreneurs who refused to let the calendar dictate their ambition, and did so with a swagger!
Noteworthy Middle Aged Entrepreneurs
Vera Wang – No, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. Vera Wang indeed!
This woman transformed from Vogue editor to fashion icon at the ripe age of 40 after a solid 17-year stint at Vogue.
And how did she manage this feat? Through sheer tenacity, a stellar attitude, and a knack for nurturing fruitful relationships. Quite a knockout combo, wouldn’t you agree?
Harland Sanders – Yes, the very same Colonel Sanders of Kentucky Fried Chicken fame!
At the age of 62, when most people are contemplating retirement, Sanders decided to spice things up by creating the world-famous KFC chain. After serving in the military until 40 and running a service station post-military, he started selling chicken to attract more customers. And boy, did his business take flight!
What made a 62-year-old man decide to franchise his business? Why not, indeed! Sanders understood that age is just a number, and when opportunity knocks, you’d better open the door!
Martha Stewart – The one and only, Snoop Dogg’s BFF!
Did you know Martha was wheeling and dealing stocks before she started schooling us on the art of making the perfect tea and crumpets?
After restoring a 19th-century farmhouse, she developed an interest in homemaking. This led her to set up a catering business and eventually, at the grand age of 49, she published the first issue of Martha Stewart Living.
And what drove her to become a business titan? A burning desire to meet Snoop Dogg, naturally! That, coupled with her zest, determination, and infectious smile. She’s living proof that you can rake in a fortune armed with nothing but a smile, a positive attitude, and a whole lot of gumption!
Who’s More Successful? Youthful Entrepreneurs or Mid-Career Entrepreneurs?
Here’s a tidbit that might tickle your fancy. According to a study by the Kauffman Foundation, middle-aged entrepreneurs who embarked on their ventures mid-career were five times more likely to enjoy higher levels of success than their junior counterparts.
And why, you ask? Well, let’s dissect this intriguing phenomenon:
Financial Stability: Age often comes with financial security, which can make the entrepreneurial leap less terrifying.
Leadership Skills: With age comes experience, and with experience comes leadership. It’s the circle of life!
Networking: As we age, our contact list tends to expand, creating a robust network that can be a boon for any venture.
Industry Knowledge: If you’ve spent years in a particular industry, you’re likely to have specific insights that give you a leg up over the competition.
Self-Awareness: Age often brings a deeper understanding of oneself, which can be a game-changer when navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.
So, let’s break it down. As we age, we tend to accumulate wisdom, which seeps into our financial decisions and our ability to connect with people. This networking prowess becomes a formidable tool as our circle of contacts expands.
Moreover, the knowledge you’ve garnered from your previous industry can give you a considerable advantage over your competitors.
And last but certainly not least, with each passing year, we gain a better understanding of what makes us tick and how to tackle tricky situations. These are invaluable traits for any entrepreneur eyeing success. So remember, while youth may have its charm, age brings its own set of superpowers!
When Is The Right Time For You?
Right this second! No, your eyes aren’t playing tricks on you.
What’s stopping you from seizing the day? Age is no barrier to unleashing your entrepreneurial spirit and stepping into the arena. Entrepreneurs and business owners command their day and carve out the life they desire.
Indeed, launching a business is akin to having a baby! When is it ever the ideal time to welcome a tiny human into your world? The same principle applies to your dream of owning a business.
Ditch any fear that’s holding you back, roll up your sleeves, look yourself in the mirror, flash that winning smile, and confidently declare, “I’VE GOT THIS!”
If you’re mulling over entrepreneurship, now’s the time to give it a resounding YES! And once you’re done shouting affirmations at your reflection, give me a ring!
At Window Ninjas, we’re in the business of making dreams come true! We want our owners to enjoy both time and financial freedom. We want to see others living the life THEY envision!
So, what’s keeping you from picking up the phone and dialing my number? Or perhaps clicking this button to schedule an appointment with me?
Today’s the day to embark on your exciting new journey! Dreams are realized by taking action. With a guiding hand to help you navigate the business landscape, coupled with your can-do attitude and irresistible smile – What stands to be lost? And oh, the things you stand to gain!
Keep Shining!
Gabe Salinas – The World’s Greatest Window Cleaner
