Entrepreneurs @ 50+

New Zealand is a nation of small and micro businesses. They represent an incredible 97% of the total number of businesses, that have fewer than 20 employees. Of these approximately 76% are managed and operated by the self-employed (solo entrepreneurs) that account for 28% of the nation’s employment and contribute to in excess of 25% of NZ’s gross domestic product. Approximately 45% of these self-starters, let’s call them ‘Entrepreneurs’, are over the age of 50, and what’s more, these numbers are expected to grow! They are an integral part of Aotearoa’s thriving economy and an asset to our community. Who are these people? Why did they start these business – what is their motivation? And what kind of business are they in? I asked myself these questions and set out to find the answers.

In my book ‘Changing Gears: Entrepreneurs @ 50+‘ I’ll introduce you to 33 awesome entrepreneurs. These are real people, from all walks of life, who have taken a risk in later life, and established a business in NZ, from which, they are creating a stream of income. This is not an academic book with detailed references and financial statements. It’s a collection of cameo short stories about everyday people, just like you and me, who became a single or multi business owner operators – some unexpectedly. The nature and size of their businesses vary; some service the domestic market, others are operating on a global scale. Most of these individuals had never thought of themselves as entrepreneurs – but they are. With a sense of renewal and enthusiasm, they are living the dream, generating an income while crafting a life of independence and purpose.

Every year, thousands of people around the globe embark on a similar journey. They navigate their own route to re-ignite their lives, explore and develop their interests, re-charge their batteries and focus on what matters. They search for opportunities, find other ways of leveraging their talents, and earn a living. There is a huge segment of the population, who in later life, have the potential to fulfill their passions, utilise their skills and experience to create a stream of income. And by doing so they also contribute to the greater good of their communities in all kinds of ways. What they need is support and encouragement.

Whenever we take up a new pursuit, it requires significant effort, persistence and momentum to make things happen. Yes, of course there will be challenges – some are predictable, others take us by surprise. Examples of these trials and tribulations are discussed in the book, along with fundamental tips and techniques for managing them. There are also opportunities to pick up ideas and lessons learned from others who have embarked on this path. The entrepreneurs showcased in this book, are living examples of what can be achieved. It is possible to generate an income while crafting a life of independence and purpose….if you want to.