Over the last few days, I’ve had an email conversation with a gal, Lulu (not real name), who just got started with Arbonne. She hasn’t been able to get herself started. Her first email to me asked,
“I’m dragging my feet, and don’t know why. I believe in the company I represent (Arbonne), but feel overwhelmed with “making a list of 100 people I know;” “having an open house to introduce my business;” and, all the other suggestions…Do you have a magic answer?”
I asked her to tell me why she’d signed up for the business in the first place. Here’s what she said:
“I signed up for 2 reasons: 1) I’ve worked in health care for 21 years. I own a successful [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][health] consulting business. However, I’m absolutely burnt to a crisp and detest the direction health care is going.
2) I’m also 58 years old. As I see it, I can continue to work infinitely as a consultant and grind out a decent living, or throw myself heart, soul, mind, and body into something FUN, with the potential of making more money that I’m making now.”
Then she wondered,
“Is it really possible to make Donna money (Arbonne’s top earner) by starting this at age 58?”
And then the other shoe dropped:
“I’m not at all afraid of hard work, long hours, or starting over. What I’m afraid of is spinning my wheels.”
Amen. Isn’t that what nags at ANYONE who starts a business later in life? Not knowing for sure whether it’ll work or not? Especially knowing you’ll have to put in long hours for who knows how long?
One NEVER knows how a business venture of any kind will come out.
But before 30, who asks? Once past 50 or 55, or after a surprise diagnosis, people ask themselves the very scary question: “Am I just spinning my wheels here – with the time I’ve got left?”
Once you are clear about the real, inner reason you’re doing something, in Lulu’s case, first something “FUN” and second, something that might have potential to make more than she has in her other business, the next question is: Of all the things she might do to get customers, which ones seem the most FUN? E.g. might she invite some ladies 55+ to her first show and tell?
Remember Lulu’s first reason for doing the business was to have some FUN! So she’d better find things she can do that ARE fun to her. And skip the rest.
Then, for the money, what if Lulu sets intermediate goals like $50, $500, $1k, $3k, $5k/mo over say the next year? After all, even though she has business experience, she still has to learn the ins and outs of THIS business. That will take time and practice.
And we’ve all learned from the experts that if someone doesn’t enjoy what they’re doing, or isn’t having fun, they will not put in enough deliberate practice time to get really good at it.
So Lulu’s path for now is clear, yes?[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
Tell Lulu to skip the friends and family and acquaintances in-home meeting and go find 100 people she doesn’t know, like Mary Jane Medlock did with her business. Found them on the street, at the airport, in the store, handed them a flyer and said maybe it could help them. Also tell Lulu to stop worrying about spinning her wheels at age 58. First, when the wheels are spinning at least you’ve got your foot down on the gas, and you’ll find traction soon. Second, just because you’re 58 (I’m already older than that) doesn’t mean anything. I once hired a 78-year-old to help me in my retail pawnshop because he had the one thing so many young people didn’t–the desire. Age doesn’t matter if you have the desire to build a business. Put the blinders on Lulu, don’t worry about how old you are, worry about how you’re going to manage your wealth. Pick out a spot on the horizon you want to get to and start the journey. Don’t let anything stop you. If your company doesn’t work out or it isn’t fun, find another one. If you only get five people to your first meeting, hold 19 more meetings to get your 100. Let your desire fuel your actions. At 62, I believe that before I die I will be a multi-millionaire, write a string of popular mystery novels and use some of my wealth to fund charitable causes. I also expect to live in the custom-built home I’ve built in my mind and drive a Ferrari. As far as I’m concerned, the only reason for me to acknowledge my age is so I can get senior discounts. So, come on Lulu start the journey. What else have you got to do, anyway? And you can’t learn how to do things if you don’t start. You’ll make all kinds of mistakes and have big failures, but that, dear Lulu, is where you learn. We can learn from the experts as Ms. K says, but until you’ve spun your wheels and blown a few situations the learning won’t be nearly as meaningful… and I should know. I’ve blown a bunch of them. Just keep trying, and for goodness sakes, stop worrying about age. You’ve got lots of experience that other people could learn from.
So right, Robert.
Hope Lulu’s alias reads this all.
Say, we DO allow for paragraph breaks here, did you know that?
🙂
Another perspective on age and our short life here:
“Your time is limited, so don’t waste it living someone else’s life. Don’t be trapped by dogma — which is living with the results of other people’s thinking. Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice. And most important, have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.”
Steve Jobs, at last year’s commencement address at Stanford. Complete address (it’s a stunner) here:
http://news-service.stanford.edu/news/2005/june15/jobs-061505.html
I’ll do a post on it later this week…
Kim and Robert,
It’s me–Lulu a/k/a Susan! I absolutely LOVE your enthusiasm and creativeness–another reason to go into NM.
Kim’s recommendations of starting with smaller goals is a great idea. Definitely, I’ll incorporate smaller goals so as not to “quit before payday” as they say.
Robert, you’re right, too, when you say that age is only a number. I do believe that. Looks like I need to surround myself with younger thinking friends! This idea that life is over at 50 is rediculous.
I’ll join you both on the Tuesday live call. And, I deeply, deeply appreciate all your comments, recommendations, and suggestions.
Lulu a/k/a Susan
Lulu/Susan…I love Arbonne. It’s great stuff and practically sells itself! So think of it that way. : )
Ann —
Great encouragement for Lulu/Susan. Do you use/rep the line?
I have been friendly with Arbonne and worked with thousands of their reps for 10 years. My first contact there was with their top rep, Donna Johnson, who bought a bunch of tapes for a cruise they were having for their top reps. 🙂 Lucky me.
Lulu or Susan:
I am nearly 72 years young and work when I can on my little business – I’m not burning up the track, but I certainly am learning what works for me and what doesn’t…it’s fun to tease, kid, and let others know that age is not a factor in living life with enthusiasm. Barbara Mankel
WOW. What encouragement and inspiration!
I missed this Blog as I was traveling and didnt have a computer and must have just skipped it when I got home!
So much good stuff here on the age thing!
Thanks Kim for this link on todays Blog!
Mary