THE WHEN
Have you ever wondered if there is an ideal age to start your own business? Maybe you think it’s too late because you’re past your prime, or too early because you lack experience. But the truth is, there’s no perfect age to start, only the perfect time for you.
“It’s never too late to be what you might have been.”
– George Eliot
Let me tell you something, my friend, in my opinion 40 is the new 30. And when it comes to starting your own consulting business, age is just a number. But if you ask me, 40 something is the perfect age to take the leap and ditch the rat race for good.
Why, you ask? Well, let me break it down for you.
First off, you’ve got experience. You’ve been around the block a few times, you’ve seen it all, and you’ve got the scars to prove it. And that’s a good thing! When you start your own consulting business, you want to be able to offer your clients some serious expertise. And at 40 something, you’ve got that in spades and it shows on your CV and you can demonstrate your achievements and track record. Hopefully you will also have a significant professional network that you will be able to leverage in your new venture.
Secondly, you should have some semblance of financial stability. Now, I’m not saying you’re rolling in dough (if you are, let’s talk about how you can invest in my company !). But by the time you hit 40, you’ve likely paid off some debts, built up some savings, or have a stable income from a job or investments. And that means you’ve got a bit more wiggle room to take the risk of starting your own business. We’ll talk further about that later on.
And speaking of risks, let’s talk about family commitments. By the time you hit 40, your kids (if you have them) might be a bit more self-sufficient, mine are not so that’s not a show stopper. But maybe they’re off to college, or they’ve flown the nest altogether. And that means you’ve got more time and energy to focus on building your business without feeling guilty about neglecting your family. But if like me you do still have kids at home and one of the reasons you want to go it alone is to spend more time with your family, it is still possible…not every day but you can make it work. I know, I’ve done it.
But wait, there’s more! Technology has come a long way, baby. And that means you don’t need a fancy office or a team of minions to start a consulting business. You can do it from the comfort of your own home (or your local coffee shop, if you’re feeling cool). And that can be a game-changer for anyone looking for more flexibility in their work.
And finally, let’s talk about the entrepreneurial spirit. By the time you hit 40, you’ve likely been in the workforce for a while. And let’s be honest, sometimes it can feel like you’re spinning your wheels. But starting your own consulting business can reignite that spark of creativity and give you the autonomy and control you crave.
So there you have it, folks. For me 40 something is the perfect age to start your own consulting business. And if you don’t believe me, just look at some of the success stories out there. Take John Paul DeJoria, for example. He was living in his car at age 33, but by the time he hit 40 he had co-founded Paul Mitchell hair products and Patron tequila. How did he do it ?
The Remarkable Rise of John Paul DeJoria – From Rags to Riches
It was a story that seemed straight out of a Hollywood script. A man who started with nothing, faced numerous setbacks, but through sheer determination, creativity, and a sprinkle of luck, rose to become a titan in the world of business. This is the incredible tale of John Paul DeJoria, the founder of Paul Mitchell hair products and Patron tequila, and how he turned his dreams into a reality.
John Paul DeJoria was born in 1944 in Los Angeles, California, to immigrant parents of Italian and Greek descent. His early life was marked by poverty and struggle, growing up in a foster home and even living in his car at one point. But DeJoria was not one to be held back by his circumstances. He had a vision, a dream of creating something big, and he was willing to do whatever it took to achieve it.
DeJoria’s first foray into entrepreneurship was selling Christmas cards door-to-door at the age of nine, earning his first taste of success. He later worked as a newspaper delivery boy, a janitor, and even joined a street gang, but he always had an entrepreneurial spirit burning within him.
DeJoria’s breakthrough came in the late 1970s when he co-founded Paul Mitchell Systems with his friend Paul Mitchell, a renowned hairstylist. Despite facing financial challenges and industry competition, DeJoria’s tenacity and salesmanship helped him secure distribution deals with salons across the United States. He traveled tirelessly, often living out of his car, and even slept on park benches to make ends meet.
DeJoria’s business philosophy was simple but powerful – offer high-quality products, provide exceptional customer service, and create a brand that stands for something meaningful. He believed that success came from building genuine relationships, treating people with respect, and giving back to the community.
DeJoria’s perseverance paid off, and Paul Mitchell Systems became a multi-million dollar company, revolutionizing the hair care industry with its innovative products and commitment to sustainability. Today, Paul Mitchell is one of the most recognized and respected brands in the beauty industry, with a wide range of hair care and styling products sold in over 90 countries.
But DeJoria’s entrepreneurial journey didn’t stop there. In the 1980s, he turned his attention to the spirits industry and co-founded Patron tequila. At a time when tequila was largely seen as a cheap, low-quality spirit, DeJoria set out to change the perception and create a premium, ultra-premium tequila brand.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including financial setbacks and regulatory hurdles, DeJoria’s unwavering determination and strategic marketing efforts paid off. Today, Patron is one of the most successful and recognized tequila brands in the world, commanding a significant share of the luxury spirits market.
DeJoria’s success story is not just about building profitable businesses, but also about his philanthropic efforts and commitment to giving back. He has been actively involved in various charitable causes, including environmental conservation, homelessness, and supporting local communities.
DeJoria’s journey from rags to riches is a testament to the power of resilience, perseverance, and a relentless pursuit of one’s dreams. His story is an inspiration to entrepreneurs and dreamers around the world, showing that with passion, determination, and a clear vision, anything is possible at any age.
As DeJoria himself once said, “Success unshared is failure.” He firmly believes that success is not just about personal wealth, but also about making a positive impact on the lives of others. His incredible story serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, with the right mindset and unwavering determination, you can overcome challenges and achieve great things.
However it’s never too late, how about Arianna Huffington, who launched The Huffington Post at age 55?
Arianna Huffington – A Late Bloomer’s Journey to Revolutionize Digital News
Arianna Huffington, a name that has become synonymous with online news and media, is a true testament to the adage that it’s never too late to pursue your dreams. Her journey to launching The Huffington Post at the age of 55 is nothing short of remarkable, filled with determination, resilience, and a passion for revolutionizing the digital news landscape.
Born in Athens, Greece, Arianna Huffington had an early passion for writing and storytelling. She moved to the United States to pursue her studies at Cambridge University and later embarked on a successful career as an author, political commentator, and entrepreneur. But it was her groundbreaking venture, The Huffington Post, that would make her a household name in the world of media.
Arianna Huffington’s journey to launching The Huffington Post was not without its challenges. She faced initial skepticism and resistance from the traditional media establishment, which dismissed online news as a passing fad. However, Huffington’s unwavering belief in the potential of digital media and her tireless efforts to bring her vision to life were instrumental in her success.
One of the anecdotes that captures Huffington’s determination and resilience is the story of how she raised capital to launch The Huffington Post. Despite facing multiple rejections from potential investors, she refused to give up. She persisted, tapping into her extensive network of contacts, and eventually secured funding from renowned venture capitalists, including Kenneth Lerer and Jonah Peretti.
With the launch of The Huffington Post in 2005, Huffington aimed to create a platform that would disrupt the traditional news industry by providing a space for diverse voices, opinions, and perspectives. The website quickly gained traction, thanks to its unique approach to news curation, engaging content, and innovative use of social media.
Huffington’s innovative strategies and relentless pursuit of excellence were key to the success of The Huffington Post. She focused on building a strong team of writers, editors, and contributors who shared her vision and brought fresh perspectives to the platform. She also fostered a collaborative and inclusive culture that encouraged creativity, experimentation, and innovation.
One of the hallmarks of The Huffington Post was its commitment to covering a wide range of topics, from politics and news to lifestyle and wellness. Huffington believed in the interconnectedness of all aspects of life and emphasized the importance of addressing the whole person, not just isolated issues. This holistic approach resonated with readers, and The Huffington Post quickly gained a loyal following.
Huffington’s leadership style also played a significant role in the success of The Huffington Post. She was known for her hands-on approach, actively engaging with her team, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement. She also prioritized the well-being of her employees, introducing measures such as nap rooms and mindfulness programs to promote work-life balance and reduce burnout.
Despite her success, Huffington faced her share of criticism and setbacks along the way. She was not immune to controversy, and The Huffington Post received its fair share of criticism for its approach to news coverage and editorial decisions. However, Huffington remained steadfast in her mission to provide a platform for diverse voices and perspectives, and she used criticism as an opportunity to learn and grow.
Huffington’s relentless pursuit of innovation and her commitment to making a positive impact on society extended beyond The Huffington Post. She went on to launch Thrive Global, a wellness and productivity company that promotes well-being in the workplace, and she has been a vocal advocate for causes such as gender equality and mental health.
As I reflect on Arianna Huffington’s remarkable journey, I am inspired by her resilience, tenacity, and unwavering belief in the power of digital media to democratize news and foster meaningful conversations. Her late bloomer’s journey to launching The Huffington Post.