I doubt I’m alone in my upcoming “ranting”, my question is, does anyone actually read a blog post before they take the time to comment anymore?

It seems over the last couple of months I have received an average of 40 comments per day, which only about 2 are relevant to the blog topic!  Don’t get me wrong….. I absolutely LOVE the fact that people even take the time to come to my site to see what may be new, and I truly enjoy receiving comments (good or bad).  It helps me determine what information my readers have enjoyed and what additional information I can provide.  But when someone just comments to gain links, and the discussions are irrelevant, that’s just not right.

Maybe more people should read the Blogging Code of Ethics written by Seth Goldstein.  I agree with all he outlines, but would add that one should actually read a post before commenting, and be sure you’re either responding with a constructive reply, a response to the topic to begin a discussion, or value added content on the subject.

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this!

Until next time, J.

“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”

I came across this fantastic article by Liz Pullman Weston, and wanted to share it…..

“If you lose your job in your 50s, you may have a tough time finding a new one — and that’s a game changer if you had planned to work (and save) for a few more years.”

“Carol Friery thought she was doing everything right. The warehouse manager loyally stuck with the same company for 17 years, contributing 10% of her income to her 401k and avoiding credit card debt.

Then the company announced it was closing the Rhode Island warehouse where she worked, and Friery was laid off at age 58. Now, after 18 months of fruitless job searching, Friery believes she’s involuntarily retired.

“I’ve applied anywhere and everywhere,” said Friery, who lives in Somerset, Mass. “I’ve applied in my field and out of my field. . . . I thought I was doing OK with retirement planning and savings, but I didn’t expect this.”

Americans increasingly are working longer, but Friery is part of a significant countertrend: older Americans who lose their jobs and can’t find replacements, forcing them into early retirement.

The unemployment statistics are grim for those over 55. The typical duration of joblessness is nearly 30% longer than for younger workers, and half of those who lose their jobs are still looking for work six months later.”   Read the balance of the article here…..

All the more reason to work for yourself.  If you haven’t been, then start now.  Even if only part time to supplement your income.

“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”

Until next time,  J.

Here’s the continuation (Part 2 of 2) of how to assess your skill set and whether you are best as an entrepreneur or as an employee…..

You will need an Understanding of Basic Technology or the basic understanding of the process of producing goods and services is a necessary skill. Combined with creative thinking skills entrepreneurs will then have the ability to use that information with purpose and develop a business concept that motivates them.

Lastly, an obvious skill is Basic Accounting and the Ability to Make Financial Decisions. No matter how much you hate it, working with numbers is going to be part of the whole “taking responsibility thing.” Entrepreneurs definitely need to know how to track numbers and then use that information to evaluate the direction their company will move in. If there is a lack of basic accounting knowledge, consider enrolling in some none credit college classes, continuing education classes or, better yet, locate a self-study course. But this is one area that cannot be compromised. It is essential if a reasonable amount of success is to be attained.

Evaluate Your Skills – 10 Questions

1.    Are you able to motivate yourself? Yes      No
2.    Do you like dealing with people? Yes      No
3.    Are you a leader? Yes      No
4.    Are you a “take charge” person? Yes      No
5.    Are you organized? Yes      No
6.    Do you have “stick-to-it”tiveness? Yes      No
7.    Can you make decision without hesitancy? Yes      No
8.    Are you a hard worker? Yes      No
9.    Do you tend to keep good records? Yes      No
10.    Are you trustworthy? Yes      No

Your Score and What They Mean

If you scored “Yes” for at least eight to ten questions, congratulations! You are considered predisposed to running your own business! Get started immediately.

If you scored “Yes” for five to seven questions, then you have some qualities but you must develop a stronger skill set in areas that resulted in  “No” answers.

If you scored “Yes” for less then five questions, don’t consider trying your hand at being an entrepreneur. At least not just yet. It’s just not in you. And don’t consider quitting your job anytime soon, after all, there is nothing wrong with working for someone else. In the meantime, work on your weaknesses if the ‘drive’ is still there and reevaluate in the future.

For those that scored “Yes” for five to ten questions, seriously consider what opportunities present themselves as a possible business model. Once this is established then reach for the stars, pursue your dreams, set goals and achieve them!

After taking this step you will never want to turn back. You will soon reap the rewards of being an entrepreneur and begin to visualize a world of possibilities and opportunities that you may have never dreamed of before. And by using your creative thinking these will be limitless. So enjoy being an entrepreneur!

Until next time,  J.

“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”

This is truly the age of the entrepreneur. (Part 1 of 2) Today there any number of businesses that can be launched with little or no capital. With high-speed Internet access available just about anywhere, more and more home and Internet businesses are springing up. We often hear about highly successful endeavors that spark our internal entrepreneurial spirit. But don’t be too anxious. Do you have skills indiginous to entrepreneurial endeavors. The first step is to make an assessment your skills to identify if you are truly an entrepreneur or better off being an employee!

Numerous studies have been conducted to show that there are crucial differences in the mindsets of entrepreneurs and employees and many claim to have identified a set of common traits and characteristics present in entrepreneurs. Others have focused entirely on characteristics found only in successful entrepreneurs, excluding those who have failed.

Regardless of success or failure, overall, there are common traits present that distinguish entrepreneurs in general from employees. In general these common traits are thought to predispose a person to taking on the challenge of launching their own business. Following are skills commonly accepted.

The Ability To Tell It Like It Is – Although very different in lifestyles, political and religious affiliations, and perspectives on life, those predisposed to entrepreneur-ism are very different in one particular area. Studies have consistently shown that these individuals are much more likely to possess strong opinions and and express those without hesitation. It is the ability that allows them to face challenges despite naysayers.

“I Need To Succeed!” – Channeling these feeling into something positive is a great asset. For instance, these individuals can use that strength to develop a healthy “Need for Achievement”. Psychologists use this term to represent motivation. This “Need for Achievement” is essential if you are to succeed. Starting a new business is always challenging and risky, but the “Need for Achievement” will get you past these initial obstacle and help you not obsess excessively. Instead you will be capable of visualizing ways to take advantage of the things you can control.

Creativity and Analytical Thinking Skills are imperative. All entrepreneurs need to recognize and take ownership of opportunities in their life. This requires creative thinking on your part. If you have very little experience, education or capital you won’t let these hinder you. You will see the possibilities. For instance, an individual will recognize and consider a variety of Internet-based or
Home-based business models. Or explore freelancing work or consulting services related to the profession they that possess experience in or that is related to a lifelong hobby.

Willingness To Take Responsibility is one of the most important skills. Entrepreneurs must be willing to face the fact that they must take responsibility for their life… not someone else. This means avoiding the “blame game” as if it were the plague.

All entrepreneurs need to possess Great Communications and Social Skills or emotional stability and the ability to communicate through verbal and written words. This is necessary if you are to thoroughly understand your clients or customers. You must be able to comfortably converse any variety of people since selling in any form requires little bit of psychology and a lot of personality. This goes hand-in-hand with developing and maintaining personal relationships through cooperation and tactfulness for great customer service.

Come back to see what Part 2 discusses, including  10 questions to evaluate your skills!

Until next time, J.

“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”

I know this isn’t the business type info you’re accustomed to seeing here, but it does pose a significant question.  Are you prepared financially?

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

We have had what I call a “placeholder” site up for a while now at For Life’s Next Phase while communicating with clients and service providers to determine new offerings.  We are growing and are very interested in making this site “bigger than just us”.  I would love to hear your comments and suggestions as a part of my valued community.  Please either comment directly here or if you’re one my Twitter friends, please send a DM so it doesn’t get lost in the shuffle.

We work directly with seniors and their families, and we’re very interested to know what information you may need.  Here are some examples:

• How to find assisted living, adult communities, and aging in place information
• How to find non-profit organizations providing eldercare support
• How to find senior movers and those who specialize in working with seniors when they relocate
• How to find services to support a family member move when living out of town
• How to find products that will assist the senior in your life maintain their independence

What other topics or categories would be helpful to you?  Be sure to check out our blog as well.

Thank you in advance for taking the time to respond. All of your comments will be taken into consideration as we develop our new site!

Here are some interesting statistics regarding baby boomers nearing retirement from moneycentral.com, which you can read in full HERE.  Please let me know your thoughts about them…  Can you relate or are they far from the mark in your opinion?

• Now nearing retirement, the oldest baby boomers face perhaps the most challenging economic environment since the 1930’s.
• Boomers’ 401k plans were battered in the 2008-09 market meltdown – just as the first wave of boomers prepared to retire.
• About 15% of homeowners 55 to 64 recently owed more on their homes than the homes were worth.
• More than half of affluent 60 year olds (with about $1 million in investable assets) are revamping their retirement plans.  The most popular strategy – work longer.
• Today’s 50 year old boomers anticipate retiring four years later (at age 67) than 50 year olds did in 1996.
• Among 50 year olds, 41% say they will never be financially capable of retiring; 23% have not started to save.

If you are concerned at all about your retirement have you considered learning new skills to begin an online business?  Take a look at this before searching anywhere else.

Until next time,  J.
“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”

Mexico is an annual trip for me.  My folks live in Zihuantanejo for 8-12 weeks out of the year and it’s a great place for me to visit them without all of the other distractions of get togethers when home in the Bay Area.  Plus, it’s a retreat for my mind and body!  I rent an apartment on the beach, walk about 3 miles every morning, work for a couple of hours, and then see what the day will bring.

Having just spent both time (2 weeks) and money in Mexico, I thought you might be interested in some of the activities I chose during this visit and what they cost.  The dollar and the peso fluctuated, but for this I’ll use the low side of 12 pesos to the dollar….

If you follow me on Twitter, you know that I took private Spanish lessons, on the beach no less.  For one hour these cost 100 pesos each (or $8.33 USD)  In the U.S. it would cost a minimum of $25 for private lessons. My instructor, Tamara, joined us for dinner one evening…. here’s a picture.  (She lives in Portland, Oregon 5 months of the year, and Zihua the balance)

I also indulged frequently in one hour massages.  The two gals that I like are set up out front of my apartment, on the beach, under a palapa.  Imagine light breezes with the smell of the ocean and the sound of the surf.  Just walk over in your swimsuit… aahhh.  A one hour massage is 250 pesos (or about $20.80 USD)  Here in the states the minimum I’ve been charged is $80.

I had my haircut when there this time!  Of course it was pretty basic, no wash or blow, but hello- I can do that!  Know what Liliana charged?  90 pesos (or $7.50 USD)  Here in the Bay Area I pay between $55 and $100, depending on who I go to.

Para-Sailing was really reasonable too, I thought.  It came to 200 pesos (or $16.66) per person. I’m not sure what the charge here in the states would be, but it was a thrill to see spotted rays from above and the coastline of the Zihuantanejo Bay.

Food out in the restaurants is not the bargain it once was.  That is where I spent the most, well ok, I spent a fair amount on the margaritas too!

Let me know if you have any questions about other costs…. I may be able to provide the answer.

Until next time, J.
“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”

I started out the day para-sailing around the Zihuantanejo Bay before sitting down to work a couple of hours.  Clearing your head does wonders to be able to sit and focus.

Below are 6 tips to put into action which will minimize self-sabotaging behaviors:

1.  When setting your goals make them big enough you need to stretch yourself, but not so large you get un-motivated.  If they end up being unrealistic subconsciously you will give up or set yourself up for self-sabotage.

2.  Break big goals down into manageable tasks.  Doing numerous small tasks will result in accomplishing the bigger ones.  You’ve heard before that you can’t eat an elephant in one bite!

3.  Keep your goals simple and revise them as your business and situation changes.

4.  Track your progress so you know what is working and if you are on target.  It’s always easier to reach your goals when you see the end versus zigzagging all over the board.  That can become time consuming, non-productive and expensive.

5.  Celebrate your success.  Allow time to say, yeah I made that happen, now I know I can keep the focus for the next milestone.

6.  Maintain balance in your life.  It’s easy to become a workaholic when you like what you do, but your family won’t appreciate it.  Plus, some of your best ideas will likely come to you when you are relaxed and/or playing.

Until next time, J.
“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”

There’s an old saying that goes something like this, “be good to your kids as they get older, because they’ll be choosing your rest home”.  Of course rest home is a pretty old term, now there are terms (plus options) such as assisted living, adult communities, eldercare, and in unfortunate circumstances convalescent homes.  But have you thought about who will be the one to make such a decision for you?  What if you aren’t capable of making the decision yourself?

I know this is a bit off topic of business building for baby boomers, but I would love to hear your responses.  What information do you think is important to you to make such decisions?

Until next time, J.