Seniorpreneur Project
Seniorpreneur Project
Posted 12/24/2007 - 10:42am
There are 337 members here in our Encore group. First of all, I would like to know who would be interested in developing some ideas for seniors to become entrepreneurs?
Joe Wasylyk
Seniorpreneur
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- by Joe Wasylyk
"Seniors as Entrepreneurs: Their Time Has Come"
Business Week highlights the boom in older entrepreneurs, both in the for-profit and non-profit realms.
Among those featured is 2007 Purpose Prize winner H. Eugene Jones, a former World War II bomber pilot who launched his first business in 1999, when he was 84.
Stacy Perman writes: “Jones devised Opening Minds through the Arts, a program that integrates art education into the core curriculum for at-risk kindergarten through eighth grade children. Initially operating in three Tucson schools, the program has since expanded to three dozen and works with 17,000 students.”
“You sit on a shelf waiting for the billions of years that this earth has been in existence, and you have your turn on stage for a nanosecond,” Jones says. “To waste it by doing nothing is unthinkable.”
David Bank
Editor, Encore.org
"Seniors as Entrepreneurs: Their Time Has Come"
Joe Wasylyk Seniorpreneur
I believe that we should all stand up and give H. Eugene Jones a Standing Ovation for coming back to the stage and doing a spectacular encore performance, as an entrepreneur or seniorpreneur at the age of 84. I have seen a lot of Seniors basically giving up at a much younger age possibly not knowing that their own knowledge or crown of life IS sufficient enough to change the world.
It would be interesting to find some ideas on HOW we can develop a program for Seniors(45 Plus) that could empower them to that higher level of accomplishment or self actualization, that can achieve the same or better results as H. Eugene Jones.
Joe Wasylyk
Seniorpreneur
Helping Seniors Learn to Use Web For Innovation
I think the concept of a mentoring/support network for seniors who are beginning to start second-life activities is good. It looks like the seniors who have subscribed to Encore are already comfortable using the internet to share ideas, but I think there are millions of people in the Baby Boomer Generation who still are not maximizing the potential the internet offers to support collaboration, creativity and innovation.
When I started my volunteer work 30 years ago someone recognized that I did not know much about what I was doing and suggested I find others, invite them to lunch, and see what I could learn from them. I’ve been doing that ever since.
Now when I approach a problem it is not with the answer, but with an understanding of where on the Internet I can go to find out how others may be addressing that problem, so I can build my answers from what I learn from others.
Thus, when I say use the Web for Innovation, I don’t claim to be an expert, but a learner. Below is a link to a section on the Tutor/Mentor Conenction web site with more than 100 links to web sites that any of us can learn from as we look for ways to solve problems, innovate new products and services, etc. http://www.tutormentorconnection.org/TMLearningNetwork/LinksLibrary/tabi...
This section is just one section on my web site. Most of the other sections relate to education, workforce development, poverty, diversity, violence, and ways that volunteerism, philanthropy, and tutor/mentor programs can work together in a communmity to help provide solutions to these problems. The web site is interactive, meaning anyone can recommend new links, or provide a rating of existing links.
I think that knowledge management and collaboration will be key growth industries of the next century. Why not adopt the career experiences of seniors and make this a growth area for senior entreprenerus?
Seniorprener
What has happened to this idea-no postings lately…I have gotten many ideas for my Rocky Road Sisterhood-Thank You! Now to the entrepreneur thread.Not all seniors are lucky enough to be rolling in cash and stocks.It would be great if the ideas and time-saving devices we have gleaned from years of experience could be transferred to cash via patents etc. which would also benefit everyone BUT it is very expensive to navigate the patent process.Civic Ventures(or some like group)should form a legitimate patent clearing house for seniors.There are ‘idea mills’ out there but they are not user friendly and all big companies want to see a patent BEFORE they will talk about your idea.I understand why things are this way but it is keeping many good ideas from the marketplace and profitability.
Seniorpreneur Project
Joe Wasylyk
Seniorpreneur
Sylvia, I believe that your right about the fact that we generally need a more cost-effective system for Seniors regarding the registration and administration of Patents for any new seniorpreneur ideas.
However; before this stage it is necessary to get a seniors business education system in place to provide a business support system for seniors. Also, more time should be spent on idea development/mentoring and the research phase for new product/service development and marketing. It is very difficult for a Senior to work alone and as a result, maybe we should develop a clearinghouse for the feasability factor and the social, economic or environmental value of a specific business idea.
At the same time, we should consider the internal benefit for an individual Senior regarding the effect of their project on their own retirement nest egg. Any signicant losses can produce unwanted stress at this time of their life. This is why profit IS important to both the individual Senior and for the size of charity benefits to Society as a whole.
Joe Wasylyk
Seniorpreneur
Opportunity For Sharing Wisdom
Lois F.
I recently started a new venture, New Experience Nonprofit Services LLC (www.newexperiencenps.com), with somewhat of a new twist. My goal is to bring together the experience and wisdom of older professionals, in the form of Experience Councils, for the good of the nonprofit community, especially small to medium sized nonprofits who often do not have access to high priced consultants. Experience Council members are paid for their services and can determine their own availability. I am looking for individuals who might be interested in working as Experience Council members. If you or someone you know is interested in sharing wisdom with the nonprofit sector, please visit www.newexperiencenps.com and fill out an Experience Council application or contact me directly at l.favier@newexperiencenps.com.
re: : seniorpreneur Project
Jamaicanjap
I am a baby boomer and am also an Americorps VISTA. My current assignment is in Spokane, Washington where I am the Director of Fundraising and Community Development. I am doing major research into preventing child abuse, finding baby boomer volunteers to
work with abused/neglected foster children and finally to fundraise up to $5 million dollars for an addition to the Northeast Community Center. I need all the help and resources I can get. If you are interested in any of the above please contact me at :paulalreilly@yahoo.com
Fund Raising Challenges
Good morning Joe,
I want to let you know that we currently do not have any Grants To You chapters in Washington. Grants To You chapters provide free training to primerily well educated and trained seniors who have a desire to assist their favorite, local non-profit in their grant writing.
Should you know of anyone who would like to serve as a Chapter Coordinator for a new chapter in your community, please have them contact Shirley or me and 928/776-7976 or e-mail us at info@grantstoyou.org.
Best of luck on your extraordinary project.
Paul Baskin
Founder and President
Grants To You
Seniors as social entrepreneurs
Chet Safian
This message is addressed to my friends at both Encore Nation and the Purpose Prize Innovation Network.
A number of people have expressed interest in the blog entry submitted by Joe Wasylyk to develop a system to encourage senior citizens to become social entrepreneurs. The organization with which I am involved—The Alumni Network of Princeton Project 55—has established a successful model through which college alumni (particularly those over the age of 55) can develop an alumni-based agency which can unite alumni and current students to work together in the public interest. Such organizations now exist at Princeton, Washington & Lee, Tufts, Dartmouth, Harvard, Colorado College, Bucknell, Syracuse, Northwestern, Yale, University of Colorado, Stanford, Carleton, etc. Each organization is a separate, independent entity managed by alumni at each college.
These alumni groups have:
1. Placed thousands of students in paid positions at nonprofit agencies as either summer Interns (before graduation) or yearlong Fellows (after graduation) in paid positions at nonprofit agencies and nongovernmental organizations in the U.S., Africa, Asia and Latin America. The demand from agencies now exceeds the number of available applicants.
2. Provided mentoring and other educational services for thousands of at-risk public school children in Boston, New Haven, New York, Chicago and Southern California.
3. Established public interest law centers in 15 states and Mexico dedicated to building societies where opportunities are genuine and access to law is universal and equal.
For more information, visit the website at www.project55.org and click on The Alumni Network.
If any of you would like to initiate a public interest program at your alma mater or learn more about these exciting opportunities, please contact Chet Safian at chetsaf@aol.com or by telephone at 212-249-3117.
Expanding the role of universities and alumni
Chet,
Thanks for introducing the Princeton Project. I’ve worked with the group in Chicago for many years and have a Public Interest fellow from Northwestern University with me now.
On my web site library I’ve a section with links to articles that talk about expanding the university role in community partnerships. The link is at http://www.tutormentorconnection.org/TMLearningNetwork/LinksLibrary/tabi...
In another section if show a concept map, illustrating the goal of helping kids in all poverty neighborhoods of Chicago be starting jobs and/or careers by age 25. You can see this at http://cmapspublic.ihmc.us/servlet/SBReadResourceServlet?rid=11783019627...
I’m using these maps the way archetects use blueprints to show the work needed from foundation to penthouse, in order for a building to be built properly. On each page of the blueprint there is a drawing showing what needs to be done, and what sub-contractors need to be involved. Every one on each page needs to do their job right, and each needs to be paid.
If we think of creating a pipeline to careers for high poverty kids, one end of the pipeline (the foundation) has to be anchored in many high poverty neighborhoods. The other end connects to many different business and career opportunities. Collaborative strategies need to be created to raise more consistent, more flexible, operating dollars, so that each organization has the funds to do their share of the work. This is a many-to-one strategy that reverses the traditional non profit world of one-to-many. I illustrate this at http://tutormentor.blogspot.com/2007/12/many-to-one-not-one-to-many.html
I’d like to help university/alumni groups, as well as business and professional associations, take ownership of this strategy, which would be an expansion of the good work they are already doing, but acting as an intermediary to connect university, business and alumni resources more strategically with a wide range of community organizations who are all needed in order to achieve the goal of kids in careers by age 25.
One of the first roles would be to expand on the concept maps I’m doing, so their are blueprints for Boston, New York, Detroit, Chicago and every other major city, showing where kids need help, and showing who is already trying to provide help.
With that information, groups like Princeton 55, and many others, could be mobilizing resources for many, many locations, are part of their own strategic ownership of this shared commitment.
As you and others browse through the various sections of the http://www.tutormentorconnection.org web site I’d be happy to answer questions if you email tutormentor2@earthlink.net, or post them here, or on the T/MC forums.
Dan Bassill
Tutor/Mentor Connection
Cabrini Connections
Chicago
Fascinating thread!
Joe, thanks for starting this fascinating and important discussion.
I wanted to let the Encore Nation folks who are interested in pursuing this topic know about another community on encore.org, the Purpose Prize Innovation Network, which has about 200 members (some overlap with the fast-growing Encore Nation- now almost 360 strong). PPIN is an outgrowth of The Purpose Prize, Civic Ventures’ program recognizing social entrepreneurs and innovators over the age of 60.
That would be another great place to explore the interests of creative, talented and experienced social innovators in collaborative projects. Please let us at Civic Ventures know how you think we can help.
Jim Emerman, Director, The Purpose Prize
Grants To You...another piece to the puzzle
Some five years ago, we recognized that many talented and well trained seniors spent way too much time in front of the television set. We also recognized that many had a desire to help their community but didn’t know how.
Thus, Grants To You was born. Since its beginning, Grants To You chapters have trained over 320 volunteers (most of whom are seniors)who have a passion for assisting their favorite, local non-profit in their grant writing efforts.
To date, these volunteers have raised over $250,000 in grant funds. At the end of 2007 we will have no less than 12 active chapters located in Florida, NY, AZ and CA.
The goal of Grants To You is to establish some 200 chapters throughout the U.S. To that end, we are seeking a national partner who would assist us in making that happen in a shorter time frame.
We are also seeking Chapter Coordinators throughout the country who would like to assist us in establishing and operating Grants To You chapters.
Wells Fargo Community Partners noted when awarding Grants To You with a $5,000 check that: “It was the most unique and exceptional non-profit they had seen and a “double barrelled winner”…helping seniors and non-profits and the same time”.
Please contact Shirley or me at 928/776-7976 or at our e-mail..info@grantstoyou.org if you have any interest or questions.
Paul Baskin
Founder and President
entrepreneurz
I have read the recent posts generated from Joe’s original post and it is interesting that most speak to entrepreneurship and not-for-profits. Perhaps this is where the Boomers leave their mark—-through hybridization of for and not for profit enterprise. I am eager to see what Seniorpreneurs can do. Count me in.
deb
entrepreneurship
It’s great to see so much interest on Encore.org! Should we start a group specifically on seniorpreneurs?
There are a wealth of resources in the Encore network, including the network of Purpose Prize fellows, many of whom are non-profit or for-profit entrepreneurs. I’ll cross post a comment there to see if they want to join the conversation.
Two quick ideas: David Nelson, a 2006 Fellow, is the COO of the National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship, which is focused on youth, but I’m sure he’s got some ideas.
And the Kauffman Foundation (based in Kansas City) is all over entrepreneurship. A survey they did last year found that people 55-64 were the MOST likely to start new businesses.
More in the new year…
—David
For-profit or Not-for-profit?
I have been engaged in building adult-centered universities for the past 25 years, first our own for-profit institution and, subsequently, assisting not-for-profit (NFP) universities innovate under similar models. In the case of assisting others, the expressed desire of university leaders is to behave like the for-profits in terms of growth, margin, market agility, operational efficiency, and focus on meeting the needs of the marketplace. These college presidents, CAOs and CFOs are quick to grasp the fact that the structural (corporate) differences between for-profit and 501©(3) pertain only to IRS rules on how profits can be dispersed and managed. Little else.
Part of our focus in providing such assistance is gathering and continuously analyzing relevant business metrics. One would think that enlightened NFP university leaders would be able to approximate the performance metrics of their for-profit colleagues. Sadly, it is not to be.
At best, leading NFP universities perform in the range of 45% to 55% against aggregated standardized for-profit benchmarks.
What does this mean? What is our generalization after 25 years of work helping the NFP universities?
First, one must respect that this is deep knowledge, not opinion or generalizations from small samples. Second, while we are still learning, we are clear about the following. One cannot fake or simulate being a for-profit institution. There is no substitute for the bracing reality, focus, and energy that come from actually being in the marketplace and running the risk of true demise any time you fail to meet its needs. Properly led and managed, such engagement can lead to high levels of agility, productivity, quality, and efficiency, significantly greater than NFP analogs.
I note comments in this discussion from individuals who, at once, seem to believe in the marketplace yet believe one can step outside it with impunity. It is not something one would think after building and managing a large organization with tens of thousands of employees. As much as it appeals to my oldest beliefs, I have yet to witness an instance in which a command micro-economy met its constituents’ needs as well as a market economy (not a simulated market economy), given that the market economy enjoyed robust competition. (Creating robust competition in higher education, by the way, is our firm’s mission and reason for being.)
If we believe in Encore’s constructs, I suggest that we give some consideration to the idea of developing for-profit entities to instantiate them. We can do what we will with the profits but it is essential that we are good enough to earn them without thrusting our hand out for taxpayer assistance; i.e., charity.
RT
——————————
Robert W. Tucker, Ph.D
President
InterEd, Inc.
800-516-9571
Expanding the vision
I recently posted a little about what I am currently doing and some of the things I am interested in doing in the future. I briefly mentioned volunteer work that I do in the Yucatan (www.ManoAmiga.net).
What I really hope to accomplish is to marry my two interests: Entrepreneurship
& Volunteer work
The larger picture is what I call the DAR Program (“dar” being the Spanish word for “to give”).
D for Development
A for Aid
R for Relief
Mano Amiga has been working in Mexico for almost 20 years helping individual families and neighborhoods with RELIEF (disaster relief after floods and hurricanes) and with AID (over 1,000 new concrete roofs constructed in the Yucatan… labor and materials provided by church and school groups from the US). These programs will continue.
Next on the plate is DEVELOPMENT… the providing of new, immediate jobs and long-term equity for the local Mayan people through the implementation and development of new businesses in the Yucatan.
We have identified four areas where there seems to be opportunity for Seniorpreneurs to develop local businesses while providng jobs, training and equity-opportunities and/or profit-sharing for the local Mayan people.
These areas are:
Agricultural/Horticultural
Food Service
Light Manufacturing (wood products)
Medical
It makes sense to me to help the people here.
It makes sense in at least three ways.
1. It’s fun, interesting, rewarding and exciting to develop new programs.
2. If Mexicans have better job and equity opportunities in their communities, they are less likely to seek better lives in the US. Most Mexicans want to stay close to the family and if they have local opportunities they will take advantage of them.
3. It is the right thing to do. Helping others less fortunate gives us back much more than we give.
So far, this Encore group seems to have plenty of ideas and opportunities.
But if anybody is interested in a warmer climate, with low cost of living and many real estate bargains along with lots of volunteer and entrepreneurship opportunities, get in touch.
Denis Larsen
Casa Hamaca (www.CasaHamaca.com)
aNeed2Heal (www.aNeed2Heal.com)
Mano Amiga (www.ManoAmiga.net)
Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico
Dimensions of senior-preneurship
As we all can see from the recent posts, there are many ways to define this concept. Each of those responding brings something different to the table. The beauty is that we aren’t retired elders; we’re individuals who choose to continue to stir the pot with new ideas and projects that contribute value.
I’ll look forward to participating in this virtual group of engaged seniorpreneurs.
For those celebrating Christmas – happy holidays to you!
Monica
337 members in your Encore group?
12.24 Mr. Wasylyk— I am most fascinated in finding out how you were able to put together an Encore group, first of all—and I am doubly fascinated about how you got it to have 337 members. I am VERY new to this whole idea though I am fascinated by Marc Freedman’s book and many of the amazing things that I have read about on this website. Please feel free to contact me at searslaurence8@gmail.com. Thanks, Larry Sears
Want to start your own non profit chapter?
Meals Fur Pets.com is a IRS approved 501c3 non profit.
Please view our web site to gain insight into our mission.
We will go National in 2008. We need entrepreneural seniors who want to establish and operate chapters in their own area
non-profit future
I have been working for a non-profit for many years and now, at 60, i find myself “Interim Executive Director” while the Board of Directors tries to figure out what to do. I am attracted to innovation and creativity and tired of slogging along from crisis to crisis in funding. I do my best by hearing others’ creative ideas and interacting with active minds. I feel like “entrepreneur” describes my work as working for a small non-profit is more like running one’s own businesses as opposed to working for a large company. I actually like multi-tasking – keeps me fresh and alive. Don’t know what I’m looking for but will keep reading…
Changing the paradygm of how non profits are supported
I’ve been the ED/president of a Chicago non profit for the past 17 years. However, I also had a 17 year career in advertising for the old Montgomery Ward company. I’ve never understood the logic of hundreds of non profits competing with each other for limited resources. At Wards we had one team of people working to make sure our stores were near customers, filled with goods and services people wanted and with well trained people. Another group of people spend over $250 million a year in advertising to draw customers to these stores each week.
I’m applying that concept to my non profit work. I’ve built a database consisting of more than 200 tutor/mentor locations in the Chicago region, which is available in the Program Locator at http://www.tutormentorconnection.org. Using this I enlist business, faith leaders, lawyers and others to become advocates/advertisers, who help build daily visilility for tutoring/mentoring so more people will use the Program Locator to choose what neighborhood they want to help, and which programs in that neighborhood they want to help.
In a network like this we have many people who could be intermediaries mobilizing others to become volunteers and donors at various youth programs in your communities. I encourage you to take a look at the ideas on the T/MC site and see if you can become entrepreneurs and innovators in building more consistent support in your own community for these types of programs.
Another Way to Attract Mentors
Dear Tudormentor,
My non-profit, Grants To You attracts primerily seniors who have a desire to assist their favorite, local non-profit in its grants writing efforts.
Our nationwide network of chapters have graduated over 320 volunteers who have raised over $250,000.
We are seeking a nationwide partner to assist us in expanding our chapter based from 12 to 200.
Please see grantstoyou.org to learn everything about us and then contact Shirley or me if you have an interest in helping or if you have questions.
Why not start a Grants To You chapter
Hi Rose,
Perhaps you are not aware of Grants To You. GTU through its local chapters provides free training to primery seniors who have a desire to assist their favorite local non-profit in their grant writing efforts.
We are seeking volunteer chapter coordinators to help us establish and operate chapters throughout the country,
Please visit our grantstoyou.org Web Site and then give me a call at 928/776-7976
Happy Holidays,
Paul Baskin
Founder and President
Grants To You
senior entrepeneurs
I’d love to take part in developing ideas for senior to be entrepeneurs.
An invitation to Idea Development
I spent most of my working life as a freelance creative consultant, developing new consumer products and services for Fortune 500 companies.
The new ideas developed were not just “what if” ideas, but were reality based ideas for new and developing markets.
I currently own and manage a combined bed and breakfast and healing center in the state of Yucatan, Mexico. I also volunteer in the Yucatan with an international organization that facilitates church and school volunteer groups.
Every week or so, a new idea comes up that seems worthy of being followed up. Most of these are business ideas… not product ideas. Some of these ideas require some skills, others require some capital… some require some researching… others require some hard work… most require a mix of all the above. The needed skills are skills I do not have. But the required skills are not hi-tech skills. The needed skills are, for the most part, down-to-earth ones.
Working as a freelance consultant, I was never in a position to capitalize on my own creative ideas and work. I’d like to change that. I would love to host a week-long seminar at my bed and breakfast for some open-minded individuals looking for joint-venture possibilities. I would like to present at least six ideas to the group and get both feedback and interest in joint-venture projects. I’d like to hear from others with their ideas as well. Most of my portfolio of ideas are tied to opportunities I have found here in the Yucatan.
Valladolid is literally in the center of the Yucatan, equal distance from the international airports of Cancun and Merida and an easy drive of less than two hours on a modern, hi-speed road from either airport. The state of Yucatan is regarded as the safest state in Mexico and at least one international-living writer believes that Valladolid is the best city in Mexico in which to live. I agree with both of those thoughts. I also believe that this area is ripe for new ideas and new businesses.
I have wireless internet connection in all guest rooms as well as in common areas. There is a meeting room suitable for idea development. See the www.CasaHamaca.com website for further information about the facilities.
If you are interested in an idea-development seminar, please respond both to this group and to:
mexicodenis@mac.com
Denis Larsen
Casa Hamaca (www.CasaHamaca.com)
aNeed2Heal (www.aNeed2Heal.com)
Mano Amiga (www.ManoAmiga.net)
Valladolid, Yucatan, Mexico
Seniorpreneur Project
I have had 25 incredible years in nonprofit management and fund raising and have been working part time as a consultant the last two years. It is immensely frustrating to see the nonprofit field—at the local level—continue to operate in a 1980’s or, at best, 90’s mode of charitable giving/services. The issues of this amazingly expanded sector need new leadership. My belief is that with the entrepreneurial spirit and significant experience in groups like this we can find good solutions and new directions. I am sure that this is not the for-profit business model..we have had great thinkers trying to make the social sector efficient in a business way. Edwin Friedman’s book, A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix, has been especially exciting for me in looking at the possibilities for change and leadership.
It is exciting to contemplate teaming with interested colleagues in this project to help re-think the ways small to medium size nonprofit can revitalize the civil society. Too many thoughts for a short post, but look forward to seeing where all this goes.
senior entreprenuers
I started my first business at age 50. It lasted just 6 years due to family issues. I started my second career at age 57, Ignite The Community Spirit. I had it for 12 years and authored two books on creative community service. I loved traveling the US and speaking to groups while selling my book. I am now ready to launch another idea at age 72. I am a Creative Coach and will begin an online newsletter. I have worked with people from 40 plus on new careers and would love to be a part of this project.
Joy in Tucson
Senior Entrepreneurs
Joe Wasylyk Seniorpreneur
Joy, I agree with your idea that Seniorpreneur Education will require a Creative Coach hopefully; a person or group that understands the Seniors mindset required to work on entrepreneurial projects. I am very interested in individuals or groups that are planning to expand this movement through vehicles such as an online newsletter. There have been many fantastic ideas already submitted here that will require some serious thought for their implementation.
Now, I’m thinking if we should get different levels of Government involved OR is there enough synergy here to go at it independently? Thanks!
Joe Wasylyk
Seniorpreneur
Seniorpreneurs
I am very interested in this concept. I have been self-employed most of my working life and currently am looking for a new venture. Also can do analysis to assist others in same
Meir Horowitz