The Case for the 60+ Female Founder

 

The Case for the 60+ Female Founder
By Dr. Letitia Wright

When you think about startups or new companies that get funded millions of dollars you might be thinking of the founders as only one category. I have used this shorthand to describe them, and many of my female colleagues know precisely who I am talking about. We think pale, male and just old enough to drink ale. But studies show that founders over 40 are doing the heavy lifting. They are starting successful companies at higher numbers. Why? Because they are more experienced in both business and life in general. They have connections, support and that creates more opportunities.

But I want to address a section of the female founder that I think is being ignored. And make a declaration that I am looking at you. The Female Founder who is 50, 60 or 70 years old. Why bother starting a business at that age? Here is why you would or would not:
Do it: If you spent your life working a job that was good but always had a desire for your own business and knew exactly what you wanted it to be. Because of obligations, you did not pursue your own business. Now your circumstances are different. You are not taking care of an entire household, perhaps it just you or you and your significant other. Now it’s time to set aside other people’s priorities and go for yours.

Funding an experienced person is a better bet for any investor. A mature person who partners with a younger tech-savvy person has an incredible edge. If you’re a female founder over 60, it might not be time to throw in the towel. Here’s why:

Don’t do it if: Your adult family still lives with you or family members expect you to pay bills or rescue them financially when times are tough. When it’s time to choose as to how to spend your money, you will not invest in your business, you will always choose your family, and your business will suffer.

Do it if: You have a high desire to contribute to the world and make changes. That does not go away just because you are older. Other friends might be slowing down and retiring, but if you’re not, then you need to do something good with your energy.

Don’t do it if: You have no desire to do anything but retire, stay home and relax. You have done what you wanted to do, and now you want, and you don’t want to be bothered.

Do it if: You have a solution or invention that you feel will make a difference, even if you don’t feel tech savvy.

Don’t do it if: You hate the fact that kids today have cell phones and internet and it drives you crazy.

Do it if: You’re open to having a friendship- not mentorship but friendship with someone who is 20 or 30 so that you can learn from them what’s happening right now.

Do it if: You have a curious mind and are open to partnering with someone in a new business.

Don’t do it if: You don’t like 20 or 30-year-olds, think they are stupid, entitled, stinking millennials ( they’re not)

Do it if: You are open to learning more and are ok with not being the smartest person in the room.

If you’re ready to talk about your next business adventure, a special Sky day VIP day with me might be in order,

Let’s talk https://wrightplacetv.as.me/SkyDay

The Starbucks Make-Over is Great for Publicity

Companies doing well tend not to change what is working. When logo changes are made, there is a lot of thought to it. The larger the company, the more money they are able to use in research and development of the new or changed logo. Smaller companies usually do not have enough capital to invest in much. The new trend with logo makeovers is to drop the letters or works. McDonald’s has many commercials and billboards where all they show is the arch. No hamburgers, no clowns, no mayors or thieves. Just the giant M. Starbucks has remade the logo without the words.

Starbucks coffee are the words that used to be inside the logo. Now, just the weird mermaid sits on your cup waiting for you to sip. The argument for them is that they are much more than coffee. You can eat breakfast there, listen to music, the Starbucks near me has a bookrack where you can take a book and leave a book on the honor system. The company wants to portrait that they are much more than coffee.  I have no idea what their real reason is for the change; perhaps it saves on printing costs. If you can find the fish, you can find their product. There is a large debate in the PR community about that. That debate has not hit mainstream yet.

When coke made a new formula (that sucked), it was news. When Sci-Fi channel changed to a strange name and new logo, the fans were enraged. They did not change it back like Coke did. It was great PR for a while. If you change your logo, get your back-story straight and tell it to the media. Why your logo has changed. What your new logo means, what your company is about. It’s better than a just-launched-my-business story because it gives the viewer a chance to see into the mind of the business owner. You will resonate with some and clash with others. It’s always ok to polarize people with your logo and message.  Your true customers will embrace it and others will walk away. This makes time for you to focus on real customers. As for Starbucks, I think they are betting on people being too sleepy before having coffee to notice the changes.

5 Reasons Why You Need a Fashion Recruiter

The fashion industry is fast-paced, high-profile, and intensely competitive. How do you know you’re meeting your fashion staffing needs with the best and brightest talent? Read on for five reasons why working with a fashion recruiter like CM InStyle makes smart fashion sense.

1. Access

This business is all about who you know, and fashion recruiters make it their business to know everyone — from major players to up and comers. A fashion recruiter can help you identify your company’s next creative geniuses, business innovators and tech superstars. Whether you’re looking to make a full time hire or to expand your contingent workforce, these fashion staffing experts put their extensive knowledge and networking connections to work to help you meet your creative recruitment needs.

2. Resource Management

Are your creative efforts best spent sorting through throngs of candidates looking for fashion careers or making the decisions that will lead your company to success? Because a talent acquisition specialist is devoted to whittling down the glut of applications to the top tier of salespeople, designers, buyers, planners, merchandisers and more, your creative team is freed up to focus on what you do best.

3. Personalization

The best fashion staffing experts understand that true creative talent can’t always be qualified and quantified in a portfolio or resume. It’s their business to know your business, along with delving deeper to identity talent that’s a perfect match between their specialized offerings and your unique staffing needs and overall company culture.

4. Speed

Retail recruiters and contingent fashion recruiters are keenly aware that deadlines wait for no one. Have a last minute staffing need? These industry experts are positioned to help you meet your deadlines — both in terms of short-term and long-term staffing needs. They’re also willing to remain on the trail until they’ve found the perfect candidate.

5. A Labor of Love

Because fashion recruitment is a true labor of love, fashion recruiters are relentless about following trends, understanding the market, and doing their part to accelerate the fashion industry. Combining a creative approach with practical business savvy and fashion industry foundations, they offer a best-of-both-worlds solution for contemporary fashion businesses looking to gain the leading edge.

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