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Start-ups: I'm 50 years old and I've just lost my job. I am tired of my industry, so I want to start a business. What advice would you give me?
BS
BS
Bob Schwartz, Building Great Companies! Enabling Others Success answered:

1. First know that you're young, believe it and own it. Don't wear the "ageism" thing. Could have been more true for that company or role (though illegal) but 50 is credibility and experience. Own it.

2. I hear "I want to start a business" a lot today. But that's like saying "I want to have a baby" or "I want to get a puppy". Dude babies and puppies grow up as do businesses. So change you mental framework to "I want to build a company". Frankly starting is easy. Go to legal zoom and in five minutes you'll have started a company, now what? It's not about starting but rather about building a company. See next point.
3. WHY? ask "what do I want out of this?" it could be you're seeking "I want freedom to choose" or "I don't want to ever have to look for another job again" or "I have something that I can offer or an idea". Find out what you want out of this "starting a business" and that will give you clarity to what fits that goal and how to map to get there.

4. Family pressure etc. It's hard. Everyone goes in the journey of the bread winner. They will be nervous but you'll teach your kids life lessons in the next actions you take. So map out the above
- here is what I want out of this, and what it means for you (your family).
- here is how am going to get here (and here's what it means for you the family)
- financial anxiety plan: 12 months in the bank is great but each month you burn without a focused plan or revenue will bring more anxiety for you and the family. Great companies are also started on the side while founders have a job or doing contract work on the side. This is a way to reduce family financial anxiety.

Ok this may have not been the answer you wanted but hopefully it's the answer you need. THE WHY- WHAT DO YOU WANT OUT OF THIS? A PLAN THAT MAPS TO GETTING THOSE THINGS. A WAY TO EASE FAMILY ANXIETY.

The type of business is up to you. Easiest is the one where you have the most value /power (experience, contacts, customers, partners) the hardest is where you bring a lot less.

Life is a series of projects!

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