Senior Geelong entrepreneurs have issued a call for baby boomers to defy retirement, go into business and take on tech-savvy start-ups.
Geelong Seniorpreneurs’ Bernard Kelly this week urged “modern elders” to convert their hobbies into businesses.
“If you’re serious about fishing, developing a line of fishing lures could well be your thing,” the niche publisher said.
“Some fine potters use a community kiln, or you can develop your own line of silk scarves – the possibilities are endless.”
As the population aged, fewer people wanted to accept retirement and become a “senior citizen”, Mr Kelly said
“(They) feel they are in (their) prime, understand their super may not be adequate if they live to 100 and dread the thought of becoming irrelevant.
“Consequently many seniors are now going the self-employment route, and starting new business enterprises.”
Geelong had a growing cohort of baby boomers who felt too young to retire, Mr Kelly said.
“Meaningful paid employment – as we used to know it – is now only a memory for this group.”
Many were instead using a “treasure chest of acquired wisdom and contacts” to monetise hobbies, Mr Kelly said.
“While many profitable hobbies find retail clients at craft markets, the vast majority are unknown to the general public.”
Growing niche markets, such as importing women’s motorbike clothing, allowed seniors “greater flexibility” than the “endless cycle of manufacturing and sales”, Mr Kelly said.
But solo entrepreneurs often struggled with isolation, Mr Kelly said.
“Maybe they’re looking for informed feedback about which business strategies won’t work (or) constructive criticism.”
Mr Kelly urged “modern elders” to join Geelong Seniorpreneurs at Corio Library from 10am to noon every Friday.
“There is always a new app that someone thinks is fabulous, and you can generally find wise counsel if you ask around,” he said.
“To any question, you’ll typically be jotting down in your notebook solutions to issues that might combine visits to Youtube, bulletin boards and TED talks.
“The dream of every solo entrepreneur – or at least those seeking rapid growth – is to offer something quite remarkable.”
Mr Kelly welcomed those interested to phone him on 0414 778 518 or email bernardkellygeelong@gmail.com
