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Becoming A Blogger: Tips for Retirees

Created by - Kayla McDonald, M.S.

Becoming A Blogger: Tips for Retirees

If you're over the age of 50, you might be thinking that blogging is a young person's game. Of course, the typical stereotype of blogging involves some sort of millennial sipping coffee at Starbucks, typing out a blog post and checking all sorts of gadgets. Well don’t give into this propaganda, look past the stereotype and you'll discover that older people enjoy blogging too! Blogs are like having your own online journal where you can write about your thoughts, experiences, and interests. It's a way to share your ideas with others and connect with people who have similar interests. Just like writing in a diary, blogging allows you to express yourself and engage with others in a creative way! Blogs provide a virtual environment  for retirees to share their thoughts and experiences, sparking conversations and building a sense of community among like-minded people.  Here’s a few examples of Niche blog topics:A cooking blog can connect retirees who have a passion for food and cooking, sharing recipes, cooking techniques, and meal ideas with each other. If you’re interested in cooking, you can search for popular food bloggers online or participate in virtual cooking classes and join groups.A travel blog can connect retirees who love exploring new destinations, sharing tips and stories about their adventures. To find travel blogs, you can search online for popular travel bloggers or join travel-related social media groups.A lifestyle blogger typically shares insights and tips on various aspects of daily life, such as home decor, organization tips, and self-care routines. They often document their own experiences and offer advice to readers on how to improve their quality of life. Benefits of BloggingThe great thing about blogging is it allows you the freedom and flexibility to work from home or anywhere with high speed internet. No need to wear work uniforms, secure transportation or deal with office politics. You're working in an environment you can control. After all, you're working from the comfort of your home, saving money from commuting and doing something you love!Blogging can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, providing retirees with a sense of community and support.  Studies have shown that social isolation and loneliness in retirees can lead to negative health outcomes such as depression, anxiety, and even cognitive decline. By actively engaging in blogging and connecting with others online, adults over the age of 50 can improve their mental well-being and overall quality of life. This sense of belonging and social connection is crucial for you to maintain a sense of purpose and fulfillment during your golden years. In addition, receiving feedback and comments on blog posts can boost people’s self-esteem and confidence in their writing abilities. Receiving feedback and comments on blog posts can provide you with a sense of validation and accomplishment, boosting your self-esteem and confidence in  writing. This positive reinforcement could be the encouragement retirees need to continue sharing their thoughts and experiences, fostering a sense of creativity and self-expression. Blogging can provide writers with a creative outlet to share their experiences and wisdom. Bloggers explore their interests, hobbies, and passions through writing and sharing content online. For instance, you could showcase your creative side by sharing photography, music, artwork or home projects. Retirees can also share their wisdom by writing articles that help people overcome life’s challenges of  health, relationships, career etc. Blogs provide a platform for retirees to showcase their skills, knowledge, and expertise. Blogging allows you to share experiences, insights, and unique perspectives with a wider audience. This can lead to opportunities for collaboration, speaking engagements, or even writing opportunities that can further validate their skills and knowledge in their field. Who Should Become A Blogger?Successful bloggers typically possess traits such as creativity, persistence, adaptability, and strong communication skills. They are able to engage with their audience effectively, create valuable content consistently, and stay motivated even when faced with challenges. If you have a unique perspective, enjoy expressing yourself through writing or other forms of media, and are willing to experiment with different ideas and formats, you may have the creativity needed to start a blog. Also, if you are passionate about a particular topic or niche, that enthusiasm can drive your creativity and help you generate engaging content for your audience. Finding persistence to write a blog can be achieved by setting specific goals, creating a schedule or routine for writing, seeking support from fellow bloggers or mentors, and reminding yourself of the reasons why you started blogging in the first place. Additionally, taking breaks when needed and practicing self-care can help prevent burnout and maintain your motivation to continue writing. Being adaptable later in life involves being open to new experiences, learning new skills, and embracing change. It also requires staying curious, maintaining a growth mindset, and being willing to step out of your comfort zone to try new things. Remember that adaptability is a skill that can be developed over time through practice and a willingness to evolve with the ever-changing world around you. Strong communication skills for bloggers include being able to clearly convey your thoughts and ideas, engaging with your audience through compelling content, and actively listening to feedback. Additionally, effective communication involves being authentic, transparent, and consistent in your messaging to build trust and credibility with your readers. Remember that communication is a two-way street, so it's important to not only express yourself effectively but also to actively engage with your audience to create meaningful connections. In summary, one of the most common ways that retirees interact with people and share their ideas, experiences, and passions is through blogging. It offers retirees a virtual space to exchange ideas, start discussions, and foster a sense of belonging among like-minded people. Everybody's got opinions. Everybody's got ideas. The good news is there is a universal market consisting of potentially billions of people. The Internet is really a large audience. You may think that you have all these wild and wacky opinions that nobody really takes seriously. That may be true, but there is a better chance that it's false. It may well turn out that your opinions, as weird and as awkward you may think they are, might actually appeal to a large number of people. 

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Published - Tue, 01 Oct 2024

3 Bootstrapping Ideas to Revive a Business That Is Not Making Enough Money

Created by - Kayla McDonald, M.S.

3 Bootstrapping Ideas to Revive a Business That Is Not Making Enough Money

 As we discussed on my previous blog post, businesses go through seasonal ups and downs. If your small business has slowed down and it's not making enough money, this article is for you!Relationship Marketing:Develop and put into practice ways to increase sales. This could include, following up with existing customers, revising business practices or offering additional services. Let's take a closer look into these ideas.Follow up with existing customers to increase sales and encourage repeat business. Doing so may look like sending post cards or personalized emails during special occasions that share company insights and offer exclusive discounts to show your appreciation. More importantly, customer follow-up may also involve conducting regular check-ins to ensure customer satisfaction and address any concerns or issues they may have. This can be done through phone calls or even in-person meetings, depending on the nature of your business and the preferences of your customers. By consistently staying in touch with existing customers, you not only strengthen relationships but also increase the odds of repeat business.In addition, customer feedback is another way to boost sales. A customer feedback survey presents a win-win situation for clients and staff because it allows them to anonymously share their opinions and recommendations. Surveys can be developed internally or outsourced for a fee. Small businesses can benefit from customer feedback surveys to gather valuable insights and make informed decisions for enhancing their products or services. Over time, the data gathered can help overcome future objections, upsell existing customers or increase positive reviews, which in turn builds trust and attracts loyal customers. Evaluate Your Finances:Evaluating small business finances involves reviewing financial statements to find potential problems. To identify the issues, look at your spending, income and cash flow. Check and make sure invoices and taxes are paid in a timely manner. Late payments will incur additional bank fees and cost you more overtime. Tax fees can also accumulate if not paid on time, leading to penalties and potential legal consequences. Don't be afraid to communicate with the IRS, state and city tax departments for requesting special accommodations when necessary. They can offer extensions, payment arrangements and more.Next, start generating passive income. Generating passive income can provide a steady stream of money without requiring constant effort. Traditionally, people began earning passive income by investing in real estate properties and stocks, but there are less risky approaches. Some approaches with lower risk are participating in reward and affiliate programs that offer incentives like cashback or a percentage of the sale. This would allow you to keep buying the same or similar products and earning money back!With the rise of e-commerce and the internet, it has become easier than ever to join a cash-back program or promote your favorite products for a small commission. Unlike real estate, these products can generate income continuously without the need for physical inventory or ongoing maintenance. Diversifying business income can add to your bottom line and maintain financial stability.Furthermore, compare your income and expenses to make sure you're making profit. Small business owners are known to undercharge for products and services. This can lead to lower profit margins and limit the growth of your business. It's important to regularly review and adjust pricing to ensure that it aligns with market trends and covers all costs associated with business operations. Don't be afraid to raise your prices!Cost Reduction:Identify wasteful spending and reduce it. Find places where you can cut expenses without sacrificing the quality of your goods or services. Maybe there's a brand that carries the same product or service for a lower price. Even temporarily buying the generic version of certain supplies or materials can also help reduce costs.Likewise, exploring different suppliers or negotiating better deals with existing ones can lead to savings and improved profit margins. Costs can be cut while productivity rises. Compare rates of supplies or software maybe you can get the same services or more features for lower rate. Try recycling office furniture or equipment instead of buying it new!Finally, boost operational efficiency by simplify your company's processes. The cost of recruiting and training new employees can be enormous. Costs can reduced by adopting cross-training programs or utilizing technology to automate certain tasks. In addition, outsourcing certain non-core functions can also help lower costs and improve efficiency. Consider recruiting volunteers for your next project instead of paying employees. By carefully analyzing and optimizing various aspects of your business operations, you can effectively cut costs without compromising on quality or customer satisfaction.In summary, although it might be difficult to change the financial path of a company there are small steps you can take that make a big impact. Reviving a business that is not making money, calls for a combination of adaptability, financial savviness, and strategic planning. Follow-up with existing customers to offer value and complimentary services. Review your finances and search for ways to generate passive income. Adjust your shopping habits and buy alternative brands to reduce costs. This can be an overwhelming task if done alone however, you can speed up the process by asking a professional for help. 

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Published - Tue, 01 Oct 2024

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3 Bootstrapping Ideas to Revive a Business That Is Not Making Enough Money
3 Bootstrapping Ideas to Revive a Business That Is Not Making Enough Money
 As we discussed on my previous blog post, businesses go through seasonal ups and downs. If your small business has slowed down and it's not making enough money, this article is for you!Relationship Marketing:Develop and put into practice ways to increase sales. This could include, following up with existing customers, revising business practices or offering additional services. Let's take a closer look into these ideas.Follow up with existing customers to increase sales and encourage repeat business. Doing so may look like sending post cards or personalized emails during special occasions that share company insights and offer exclusive discounts to show your appreciation. More importantly, customer follow-up may also involve conducting regular check-ins to ensure customer satisfaction and address any concerns or issues they may have. This can be done through phone calls or even in-person meetings, depending on the nature of your business and the preferences of your customers. By consistently staying in touch with existing customers, you not only strengthen relationships but also increase the odds of repeat business.In addition, customer feedback is another way to boost sales. A customer feedback survey presents a win-win situation for clients and staff because it allows them to anonymously share their opinions and recommendations. Surveys can be developed internally or outsourced for a fee. Small businesses can benefit from customer feedback surveys to gather valuable insights and make informed decisions for enhancing their products or services. Over time, the data gathered can help overcome future objections, upsell existing customers or increase positive reviews, which in turn builds trust and attracts loyal customers. Evaluate Your Finances:Evaluating small business finances involves reviewing financial statements to find potential problems. To identify the issues, look at your spending, income and cash flow. Check and make sure invoices and taxes are paid in a timely manner. Late payments will incur additional bank fees and cost you more overtime. Tax fees can also accumulate if not paid on time, leading to penalties and potential legal consequences. Don't be afraid to communicate with the IRS, state and city tax departments for requesting special accommodations when necessary. They can offer extensions, payment arrangements and more.Next, start generating passive income. Generating passive income can provide a steady stream of money without requiring constant effort. Traditionally, people began earning passive income by investing in real estate properties and stocks, but there are less risky approaches. Some approaches with lower risk are participating in reward and affiliate programs that offer incentives like cashback or a percentage of the sale. This would allow you to keep buying the same or similar products and earning money back!With the rise of e-commerce and the internet, it has become easier than ever to join a cash-back program or promote your favorite products for a small commission. Unlike real estate, these products can generate income continuously without the need for physical inventory or ongoing maintenance. Diversifying business income can add to your bottom line and maintain financial stability.Furthermore, compare your income and expenses to make sure you're making profit. Small business owners are known to undercharge for products and services. This can lead to lower profit margins and limit the growth of your business. It's important to regularly review and adjust pricing to ensure that it aligns with market trends and covers all costs associated with business operations. Don't be afraid to raise your prices!Cost Reduction:Identify wasteful spending and reduce it. Find places where you can cut expenses without sacrificing the quality of your goods or services. Maybe there's a brand that carries the same product or service for a lower price. Even temporarily buying the generic version of certain supplies or materials can also help reduce costs.Likewise, exploring different suppliers or negotiating better deals with existing ones can lead to savings and improved profit margins. Costs can be cut while productivity rises. Compare rates of supplies or software maybe you can get the same services or more features for lower rate. Try recycling office furniture or equipment instead of buying it new!Finally, boost operational efficiency by simplify your company's processes. The cost of recruiting and training new employees can be enormous. Costs can reduced by adopting cross-training programs or utilizing technology to automate certain tasks. In addition, outsourcing certain non-core functions can also help lower costs and improve efficiency. Consider recruiting volunteers for your next project instead of paying employees. By carefully analyzing and optimizing various aspects of your business operations, you can effectively cut costs without compromising on quality or customer satisfaction.In summary, although it might be difficult to change the financial path of a company there are small steps you can take that make a big impact. Reviving a business that is not making money, calls for a combination of adaptability, financial savviness, and strategic planning. Follow-up with existing customers to offer value and complimentary services. Review your finances and search for ways to generate passive income. Adjust your shopping habits and buy alternative brands to reduce costs. This can be an overwhelming task if done alone however, you can speed up the process by asking a professional for help. 

Tue, 01 Oct 2024
Reinventing Yourself Online After 50: How to Embrace Technology and Boost Your Income
Reinventing Yourself Online After 50: How to Embrace Technology and Boost Your Income
In today's digital age, social media has become an essential tool for businesses of all sizes to reach their ideal audience and grow their brand. However, for adults over the age of 50 who may not be as tech-savvy as younger generations, the idea of using social media to promote their business can be intimidating and overwhelming. Adapting to new technologies is vital in order to stay relevant in any industry and make money online. Especially for entrepreneurs in this age group nearing  retirement who fear living on a fixed income. This article will discuss how to reinvent yourself online and leverage the power of technology.One of the first steps to reinventing yourself online after 50 is to embrace technology. The rapid changes in the digital world may intimidate many older adults, but with the right attitude and tools, you can learn to navigate the online environment with confidence.  The fear of not knowing how to effectively navigate the internet and find customers often holds Retirees back from getting started and taking advantage of the numerous benefits it can bring to their small business. It’s important for you to overcome this fear and embrace the power of social media for business promotion. Especially considering the extra income that could be generated to supplement your retirement. With the right approach and guidance, anyone can learn how to effectively use social media to grow their business and improve their financial situation. Embracing technology involves identifying what is causing your fear. For instance, many entrepreneurs over the age of 50, are concerned about privacy, lack of technical skills, confusion about where to start or feel overwhelmed by the fast-paced nature of social media. By addressing these specific fears and getting tailored support, individuals can gain confidence in utilizing social media as a powerful tool for business growth.Retirees can overcome their concerns about internet privacy by learning how to manage privacy settings on social media platforms, setting strong passwords, avoid clicking suspicious links or sharing bank details and tax information online without verifying the sources. Furthermore, it's always important to use anti-virus software for the prevention of computer viruses on any internet devices including smartphones and tablets. Another way of reinventing yourself is to identify your strengths and passions. Whether you enjoy working in academics, music, faith, photography or design there are countless opportunities to monetize your skills set. Have fun! Tap into your strengths and expertise to make money online. You can use the internet to upload and share audio, text or video content on social media pages. In addition, you can become a freelance tutor, artist or faith-based counselor through Freelancing websites. Next, small  business owners over the age of 50, can educate themselves on the different social media platforms available and how they can be used to promote their businesses.  Digital marketing strategies like email, websites, mobile apps, social media networks and e-commerce sites allow businesses to reach a wider audience, showcase their products or services and make sales online. It's important for entrepreneurs to understand the basics of how these platforms work to effectively hire marketing staff, connect with customers and grow their business. There are numerous online resources, tutorials, and workshops available that can help you learn the basics of social media marketing and how to create engaging content that will attract your preferred audience.Social media networks and review sites like Facebook, Google My Business, Yelp and LinkedIn are most commonly used for business promotion. Companies have also seen success using other social media networks like Alignable, Nextdoor, Pinterest, Tik-Tok and YouTube. These digital programs allow businesses to share business hours, discounts, events and other media. By using social media effectively, businesses can increase brand awareness and drive sales. Finally, adults over 50 can reach out to experienced, more tech-savvy individuals or hire marketing staff to help navigate the world of social media and develop an effective business strategy. Hiring a digital marketing consultant will help you get started, overcome fears related to marketing, identify areas of opportunity and shorten your learning curve. As a result, this may speed up the process, assisting Retirees in staying consistent and engaging with their audience. Posting regularly, responding to comments and creating meaningful connections with your followers can help build trust and credibility for your brand.In conclusion, overcoming the fear of using social media to promote your small business is essential for adults over 50 who are looking to reinvent themselves and make money online. Whether you enjoy working in academics, music, faith, photography or design there are countless opportunities to monetize your skills set. Identifying the fear, educating yourself and applying security practices puts you on the path to success! Reinventing yourself online after 50 is not just about making money, but also about staying connected with the world around you. Remember, it's never too late to start a new chapter and pursue your dreams.

Tue, 01 Oct 2024
10 Survival Tips For Your Home-based Business
10 Survival Tips For Your Home-based Business
 According to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), nearly 1 in 5 U.S. businesses fail within the first year of opening and 45% fail during the first five years. As one of the few entrepreneurs who managed to Survive not only these statistics but staying in operation during a global pandemic, I wanted to celebrate 7 years in business and offer you strategies to keep your Home-based Business open!!! Continue reading or watch video below.Humble yourself, be teachable and willing to learn from others who have succeeded in the same industry. Surround yourself with a network of mentors and fellow entrepreneurs who can provide guidance and support. Additionally, constantly adapt and evolve your business model to meet changing market demands and trends. By staying proactive and open-minded, you can increase your chances of long-term success in the competitive world of home-based businesses.Observe your surroundings and be present to what’s happening with colleagues, staff and customers. This will allow you to identify new opportunities and potential challenges that may arise. By actively listening and engaging with those around you, you can better understand their needs and tailor your business strategies accordingly. This level of attentiveness will also help you build strong relationships and foster trust, which are crucial for long-term success in any industry. Enjoy the process of building your business and don't be afraid to have fun along the way! Keep in mind that entrepreneurship is a journey, and it's important to enjoy the ride. Embrace the challenges and setbacks as learning opportunities, and celebrate your successes along the way. By maintaining a positive attitude and finding joy in what you do, you'll not only have a more fulfilling experience but also attract others who share your enthusiasm. Prioritize the highest quality customer service to ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty. Access your customer journeys and evaluate your processes from their prospective. Doing so may help you prevent a problem. This includes promptly addressing any issues or concerns, going above and beyond to exceed expectations, and continuously seeking feedback to improve your offerings. Remember, happy customers are more likely to become brand advocates and refer others to your business. Honor your commitments and deliver on your promises. This builds trust and credibility with your clients, showing them that you value their time and investment. Additionally, maintaining open lines of communication with customers allows for transparency and helps to resolve any potential misunderstandings or conflicts in a timely manner. By consistently providing exceptional customer service and fulfilling your commitments, you can foster long-term relationships with your customers and establish a strong reputation in the market.  Click Here to Watch VideoBe friendly. This has helped me attract, retain and get referral business. Simply responding with terms like ‘Hello’, ‘thank you’, ‘please’, ‘great’ and 'I appreciate your business' can go a long way in making your customers feel valued and appreciated. Also, take the time to personalize your interactions and show genuine interest in shopper's needs and concerns can further enhance the customer experience and strengthen your relationship. Don’t believe the hype! While it is important to showcase the positive aspects of your products or services, it is equally important to be honest and transparent with your fans. Avoid making exaggerated claims or promises that you cannot fulfill. Instead, focus on delivering genuine value and exceeding customer expectations. This approach will help build trust and credibility, ultimately leading to repeat customers and referrals.Remember this is a marathon not a sprint, so it's important to allow yourself some grace. Most businesses were not an overnight success! Building wealth takes time and effort, but the long-term benefits are worth it. Stay committed to providing exceptional experiences and continuously improving your offerings to stay ahead of the competition. By staying true to your values and consistently delivering on your promises, you can establish a solid foundation for long-term success in your business. Decide what happiness means to you. Do some inner work/Self reflect and identify the things that truly bring you joy and fulfillment. This self-reflection will help you align your actions and decisions with your personal definition of happiness, allowing you to live a more authentic and fulfilling life. Remember, happiness is subjective, so don't compare yourself to others' standards or expectations. Embrace what brings you genuine happiness and make choices that align with your own values and aspirations. Charge for your services. When you charge for your services, it not only validates the value you bring but also attracts clients who are able and willing to pay what its worth. This can lead to more meaningful and satisfying interactions, as you are working with individuals who truly appreciate and benefit from what you offer. Additionally, charging for your services allows you to sustain and grow your business, enabling you to continue pursuing your passion and bringing joy to both yourself and others. In summary,  entrepreneurs should humble themselves, be teachable, and surround themselves with others who can help them be mentally strong , retain customers, and get paid! They must be willing to adapt and evolve their business model to meet changing market demands and trends. As a result, Small Business Owners will build stronger reputations and live a more authentic  lifestyle. 

Tue, 01 Oct 2024

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