The idea of running an online business may seem like a formidable task to the over 50 crowd who are unfamiliar with many technical aspects of the Internet.
Some baby boomers have had trouble learning the language of computers and the ‘net. After all, there are so many technical terms which may be totally unfamiliar to them, but are part of most people’s everyday language.
Many seniors may lack confidence in themselves to learn such an intimidating new skillset, but with the proper support, they usually begin to enjoy the process and want to learn more.
The good news is that nowadays, unlimited support is available for people over 50 who want to learn more about computers and the Internet. Plus, many tasks can be outsourced if you’re not ready to tackle them.
If you or a loved one is in this demographic, the best thing to do before jumping into a business online is to try out some new tools such as Youtube, Skype and Facebook.
These provide easy and fun ways to stay in touch with friends and family. Once you get the hang of these you may just warm up to the idea of spending some time learning more about technology and the business-related opportunities the Internet offers.
Learning the definition of terms such as URL address or web browsing may seem like learning a new language, but begin slowly and progress to the next level as you feel more comfortable.
Starting and Running a Business for Under $30 a Month
More retirees are choosing to supplement their retirement incomes with an online business rather than enduring the astronomical costs of an offline business. The cost is low and they can set their own hours and be their own boss.
Unlike a traditional offline business, the requirements of an online business are as simple as having an idea and developing a blog and website.
All you need are a computer and an Internet connection and some knowledge of both and you’re ready to go. There are so many types of online business which utilize the skills and experiences that seniors likely have that it can be fairly easy to find a niche that will be profitable and even fun and rewarding.
And it’s cheap!
Most people in the over 50 camp simply cannot believe that you can start a business online for less than $30 a month. Especially because starting a business before the birth of the Internet usually was a multi-thousand dollar venture.
But it’s true. That’s all you’re going to pay to start your new online business.
- A domain name is about $10 per year. That’s less than a$1 per month.
- You can get reliable web hosting for $8 per month.
- Add in a $19 a month autoresponder account for automated email follow-ups and you’re still spending less than $25 a month on your entire business.
The remainder of tasks for your new business can be done by you – unless you choose to outsource some of the work (such as writing content). I outsource all the time at Fiverr.com for just $5-$10 a pop, on everything from social media to design and more.
And hey, if you don’t want to outsource, you can simply enlist the help of children and grandchildren whenever you get stuck.
But before you get started know this…
More than anything else, starting an online business requires discipline. If you’re used to working for a boss, you may find it difficult to set your own hours and work at your own pace – but with patience and fortitude, you can make it work.
You also have to remember that there is a lot of competition in online businesses. Your consumers will be looking for quality and value and your job is to convince them that your product is what they need.
That can be accomplished with research of your niche and offering the highest quality products you can possible provide. Never cut corners when it comes to quality and always take the high road when it comes to your customers.
Keep upgrading and updating your website and blog. Spending a some time and even money as needed to polish your website and create interesting content will drive traffic to your site and the result will be more sales and profit.
Types of Businesses You Can Launch Online
No matter what your skills or preference, there is likely an online business that will appeal to you. If you’re just out of retirement, it’s especially enticing to start another career or build your own business with very little startup costs and the pleasure of being your own boss.
The types of businesses from which you can choose are many and varied. Consider your skills and experience and check out such businesses as affiliate marketing, writing or recording info products, coaching or selling content (PLR).
If you’re into arts and crafts, check out Etsy.com. If you like to buy and sell, consider using Ebay. (I sell golf clubs all the time on Ebay and it is a breeze!)
There are also ways to become a virtual assistant to a company or person or you could begin creating graphics for eBooks and other specialties. If you have a knack for writing, you may want to consider writing reports for businesses or writing blog posts for online business owners.
Free online tools are available and easy to implement and can be very powerful as a way to get you started. One of the top online demands for services on the Internet in 2016 include freelance writing.
As a freelance writer, you would write articles and content and possibly propose creative ideas for future work. Most large businesses and websites prefer to outsource their writing tasks on an as-need basis, so there are enough freelance writing jobs for most everyone.
You may want to consider becoming a virtual assistant if you have experience in managing an office or projects. As a virtual assistant, you would help businesses and people stay organized and help them complete administrative tasks. Keep in mind that your list of tasks may vary according to your client’s needs.
The growth of the Internet has made it possible for people to have a home-based business. This is the perfect scenario for retired seniors, those with disabilities that make it difficult to commute to a job or to those who desire to create their own businesses and leave a legacy they can be proud of.
Source: http://bizweb2000.com/over50
