So You Are Thinking About That Second Career? Stop Thinking and Just Do It!

We have all been there. We go to a job in a career we don't like or are suffering from burnout and lack in interest. Eventually some event happens that is out of your control and instead of going back to the same 'ol same 'ol, you start thinking, what makes me happy.

The majority of professionals simply go back to their misery but really what is more important? Money or happiness? It is actually your health and without great health, does it matter how much money you make?

Check out my video on my DeSocial Connector You Tube Channel about my journey into a new career and why you should stop thinking and come up with a game plan and just do it. In the meantime, here are some tips for making a career change at 50 - Think about more than money - Avoid fear - Be realistic - Update your skills - Be open to working with younger people - Perform a self-assessment - Determine the career you want to pursue. - Identify the requirements of the new career. - Just do it.

AIMC Entrepreneur Tip - So You Are Thinking About That Second Career? Stop Thinking and Just Do It! -

Why Being An Entrepreneur Is More Secure Than Being An Employee

 

So you want to start your own company?   Congratulations! There are few things more gratifying and empowering than building something from scratch that could change the world and get you closer to achieving financial freedom.   They say, “There’s no time like the present,” and when it comes to this topic, that’s absolutely true.   But wait! Isn’t it going to be scary going out on your own?   Probably. But I personally find it’s much scarier to be at the mercy of an employer, pretending you have job security.   Growing up, your teachers and parents likely told you to go to college and then get a job, because that’s how you could ensure a secure future.   And who were you to argue?   They all followed that path and so did the generation before them. It seemed like the smart thing to do. But what is job security?   The answer is: An illusion.   At some point, it dawns on every employee (probably while at their desk well past dinner one evening), that they aren’t in charge.   When you work for a company, you simply aren’t in the driver’s seat.   You work the hours they tell you to. You get a raise or a promotion when they allow it to happen You get access only to the resources they provide You get stuck with the team they hire You get vacation time when they approve it And you could get fired or laid off with no notice   Hmm, looking at it from that point of view makes you really think twice about the so-called job security you’re “lucky” to have as an employee.   Why would you let a money-hungry company determine your value, your worth, and your future? Sure, you could job hop around like millennials do – a CareerBuilder survey notes that employers expect 45% of their newly hired college graduates to stay with the company for less than two years – in order to move up the food chain of a corporation faster.   But what happens when they outsource your job overseas?   Or have a bad quarter and layoff half your department and stick you with twice the workload?   Or they decide that you didn’t earn your bonus this year because you missed one of your 14 goals?   Or the economy takes a nosedive and you can’t land another job because of the law of supply and demand?   As you can see, there are myriad variables that prevent you from controlling your own destiny when you choose the path of “job security” via employment.   So what’s your other option?  Starting your own business!   Sure, there are still plenty of variables to figure out and it’s not like you can control everything – but the sky’s the limit when it comes to your earning potential, and you’ll be in the driver’s seat of your OWN career for a change.   Giving up a 9-to-5 gig could actually give you more job security than you’ve ever experienced in your life!   Now, for most people, starting a business doesn’t happen overnight – unless it’s born out of necessity because you’ve lost your job and can’t find a new one quickly enough, which isn’t actually a bad way to go about it.   Most people start building a side business while maintaining their full-time jobs, and then eventually reach the magical “tipping point,” where they can’t take on more side work unless they quit their job and remove the safety net of a steady paycheck and benefits.   The good news is, it’s easier than ever to become an entrepreneur.   With self-employment, you can diversify your client base in a way that provides the job security you need to sleep well each night – if you happen to lose a client, you still have others that’ll keep the money rolling in while you look for a replacement.   Entrepreneurship offers a virtually unlimited income potential, because you can drum up more business if you need more money.   You also set your own prices, which means YOU can charge what your time and expertise are worth in the market.   Once your business is booming, you can cherry pick which clients you want to work with and avoid the ones who are difficult or don’t pay you on time.   You’ll never again be in a position where you have to endure something that frustrates you because YOU control the direction of your business.   Plus, you’ll be extra motivated to succeed because you’re (hopefully) working on projects you enjoy – if you aren’t passionate about your industry, you’ve chosen the wrong business.   You’ll also be setting your own schedule that works for your lifestyle (this is especially helpful for mothers) and bringing value to every client you work with.   It’s incredibly satisfying knowing that you’ve created your OWN job security and that you’re making a difference in your clients’ lives.   Now, you may very well be met with some opposition when you start down the path toward entrepreneurship.   Your friends or family might question whether or not you’re making the right decision and worry that you’re giving up the intangible “job security” everyone is always worried about.   Politely ask them, “What is job security, anyways?” and listen carefully to their response.   No doubt, they’ll list off things that contribute to a false sense of security, like a salary, benefits, and bonuses.   But you know the truth, and that’s what will set you apart and help you achieve the financial independence we all crave. So let's get started together.

Leadership. What happened to Leadership in the Corporate World?

There is a lot of talk today about the inequality between the rich and the poor especially in some of the large cities such as Boston, Miami or San Francisco.  The same concept can apply at the typical corporate company.  Corporate executives seem out of touch with their employees.  They are great at reading reports and look at their employees as numbers or even operational expenses versus investments in the future of their company. 

The "workabees", you know the ones that do the day-to-day work, trudge through their day with no inspiration to work hard.  Typically, they would have to look outside of their jobs for inspiration whether it is reading a great book from Tony Robbins or attending an event with entrepreneurs or even through their church.

The problem today is that most executives are simply not exciting.  They wear a suit, drive a BMW, and have no idea what their teams do.   This is a fact.  It hurts and it is blunt, but it is true.  What do you think the problem is?  Do you think they are too busy thinking about EBITDA and not about inspiring their team to be ambitious, think outside of the box and participate in helping their company succeed?   If you said yes, you are right.

There are leaders that set great examples, are extroverts, and are regularly seen "in the trenches" with their team.   The leaders that led those companies experience much higher retention and success in their field.  These leaders write books, network at events and are interested in people, not balance sheets.  They walk the floor and are able to have conversations with anyone on their team and know a thing or two about them outside of work.   This type of relationship goes a long way since the employee feels valued and will do anything for their leader.    Unfortunately,  real leaders are few and far between.

So what do you think the problem is?   Are leaders trained to be authoritative? or to be mentors?  Are they trained to be anything at all?  The missing link is that most executives are simply lacking the communication skills to be able to motivate and adapt to the teams that they run.  These same executives are also run companies that are hurting, going out of business or are getting bought.  There is always constant change, and not for the better.    Talk about no motivation.

As someone that is looking to always be inspired, I suggest using tools like LinkedIn or Glassdoor to see what people are saying about the leadership at their company.  If they feel inspired and valued, then you know it may have something to do with the leadership at that company.   Always remember, a company's success always starts at the top.  Don't waste your time at any company run by out of touch executives.   Make the most of your career with real leaders guided your way to success.

Why Business Networking & Residual Income is Essential for Your Retirement

We are in a much different world today compared to your grandparents or even your parents world was like prior to 50 years ago. 

Back then, one parent worked full-time at one job or ran one business and was the primary breadwinner while the other parent stayed at home and took care of the household.   The family can easily survive on one income and the parents were able to retire knowing their company pension & Social Security was all they need to have a nice retirement of golfing and sunshine.  There was really no such thing as business networking in the format it is in today and if you had a side hustle, you may been classified as a greasy old car salesman and did not fit into the norm.   Honestly, it was a good life since it seemed there was less stress and family values were a priority.

Today, there is a lot of more pressure and the norm is change, whether it is your job, business, financial situation.   Less than 5% of professionals stay at a job more than 10 years and 60% of Americans live check-to-check and are not saving for retirement.  Most professionals are in a state where they need to be proactive about their career and their success and not rely on their company to be loyal to them and build their career path.  Everyone today needs to be the CEO of their own domain and those that don't, are left behind and fall into that "check-to-check" and "no retirement" demographic.

The good news with today's world is that there are more options than ever to build your own domain.    The options that stand out today are Business Networking and Residual Income.  There are more opportunities than ever to build your own legacy and retirement success using these tools.   You can networking offline at events, especially in big cities and online via social media platforms like LinkedIN.  In terms of Residual Income, whether you earn residual income via real estate, network marketing or online learning, the sky is the limit to build a financial component that makes you money while you sleep.   Residual Income used to be a dirty word back in the days of the one income family, but now it should be part of every professionals financial plan to stability.

I wanted to share my story.  Prior to 2007, I had one source of income from one job and once the work day was over, I did the typical activities like watching TV, going to the gym or hanging with friends.  In 2007, I went to my first networking event and then in 2008, I was introduced to residual income.  It was a whole new world, but slowly but surely it caught on, and now today in 2019, I run a successful business networking group and currently have multiple sources of income (most residually) with the goal to retire from the typical corporate job in a few years, much earlier than most of my colleagues I graduated with.

The model I have built for me and my family in order to have an amazing and financially free retirement is my business networking and side hustles I am doing alongside my primary job.  Now don't get me wrong, I still want to have a "working retirement" focusing on my passion of helping others whether is with their health, their business or their financial situation.  However, I feel like it is absolutely essential to build a residual income today.  Social Security is good enough to buy your monthly groceries.  Nobody has a pension anymore, and you how your retirement portfolio is doing.   The stock market today is absolute drama and most companies don't even match your 401k contributions anymore.  You are essential on your own to make sure you are not a Walmart greeter just to make ends meet at the ripe old age of 82. 

So where does business networking come in?  It is the referral base, the lead generator that introduces you to the right people that can use the products and services you provide via your side hustles.   Hopefully, you are building side hustles that truly provide you with residual income.  Real Estate investing is the most popular, but network marketing is the least risky.  I encourage you to take the idea of building a residual income seriously and if you are approached with an opportunity to build something, don't close yourself off, since it may be your path to controlling your own domain.

A Perspective on 2018 and Looking Ahead to Great Success in 2019 w/ DeSocial Connector

By now, you have probably received your share of Happy New Year wishes and email newsletters providing great advice on how to start the new year off on a positive and successful note.    As soon as the Christmas and Chanukah holidays are over, the next focus is the New Year ahead.

2018 was a challenging year from me personally and professionally in a good way.  But through adversity, I learned how to navigate through the bumps in life by always looking ahead and not to dwell on the past.   I made some mistakes, but rather looking at them from a negative perspective, I learn and spin it into a positive outcome.

Through my various business ventures, I am involved with Health/Wellness, Digital Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Business Networking.  What I like to do is provide a tip for each venture for you to focus on in 2019.

Health/Wellness:    Exercise in the morning whether it is at home, at the gym or going for a run and take a multi-vitamin supplement.

By exercising in the morning, you are kick starting your day by being less stressed, more alert, and full of positive energy.   If you wait till after work, you are more likely to skip working out and go through a stressful day.   I have noticed since I have been exclusively working out in the morning,  I have leveraged my time for resulting producing activities in the evening.

Finally, take a multi-vitamin supplement in the morning.    By taking a good vitamin, you are strengthening your immune system and will allow your body to recover from your workout and the stresses of the previous day.   Unfortunately, most food today and especially your breakfast cereal do not have the vitamins you need to get through the day.


Digital Marketing:   Keep it positive and offer advice to your social media connections.

Unfortunately events in 2018 brought out the worst in people especially with the political situation going on and it was reflected in the social media posts..  Social Media has exposed the worst side of the First Amendment.

Going into 2019, follow a simple strategy, if what you like to post is negative and can offend anyone, do not post it.  It is that simple.   Instead post something that is positive and encouraging.   If you have a skill such as financial advice or how to exercise, provide some tips for your connections.




Entrepreneurship:  Even if you have a day job, start a side business.

You hear the stats all the time.  3 out of 4 millionaires have multiple streams of income or no job is safe anymore.   We are now in an entrepreneur economy and we are not going back.   The days of working 9 to 5 at the same job and then going home to watch TV or have a hobby and expecting Social Security and that 401k to cover retirement are OVER.   I experience it all the time, good friends of mine at the same job for years and years and they look at me like I am some crazy unstable person with multiple ventures and going from job to job.   But that is today's reality.

Do you have a hobby or a drive to dictate what you earn.  Do you want to have control of your own financial destiny?   If so, start a side business alongside your day job.  It is that simple.  With the internet today, you can do anything from anywhere.   What the side business will allow you to do is build another income that can be used toward retirement or investments such as real estate while the day job pays the bills.   There are so many options out there for side businesses whether it is consulting or network marketing or even owning a traditional business.   If you like, contact me if you like to discuss some options.



Business Networking:  Go to networking events even if you have never been and make friends.

Just like I mentioned in the entrepreneur section of my blog, we are in a different economy now.  The traditional way to connect with people and to look for work has changed.   Gone are the days of looking through a newspaper or on monster.com for your next opportunity.   You have to network at events to meet professionals and build great relationships.  It is extremely likely that your next opportunity will come from someone you met at a networking event.

Everyone at networking events are there for the same reason, to meet professionals and build relationships with like minded professionals.  So with the new year upon us, make 2019 the year you attend at least one networking event a month and build that contact list.   Linkedin is the best social network to track the people you meet and stay connected to them.  Finally, join my group on Facebook and contact me if you need help getting started in the world of business networking.
So hopefully,  I was able to provide some great tips to start the year for you.  It will be exciting year ahead with lots of great change.  Let's connect and help each other out and be successful together!

Why Having a Side Hustle is Good For You

My life totally changed in 2007.   I was at the end of my tenure at a large retail company in IT and I was getting antsy.  I needed something different and thought there was more to life than going to a 9-to-5 job, go home and watch TV or blow time at the local bar sipping cheap beer talking about the drama at the 9-to-5 gig.

One day, I decided to go to a networking event at my alma mater just to try out something new and meet some different people.   At my first event, I knew I was in a different environment.   The other professionals in the room were positive, friendly and they all had something different.   They all seemed to have something they were passionnate about.   Most of them worked a 9-to-5, but it was what they were doing after 5pm that got them all excited and positive about what life will bring.

So what was it that got them all excited?   The side hustle!

In 2018, research has shown that more American millenials have a side hustle than ever before.  And it is not just millenials, baby boomers are doing it to, since they know the corporate world is in their rear view mirror.  The side hustles may be freelancing, teaching, doing Uber or starting a side business in real estate, network marketing or franchising.   Studies have shown that having a side hustle provides a lot of mental health benefits since it is something to look forward to and indulge in your entrepreneurial spirit.

Here are five benefits I have experienced since I have started my side hustles alongside my day job.

1. I have gained control of my life.

When you care deeply about your work as I do, it can be frustrating when you aren't able to call the shots or make an impact the leaves you feeling fulfilled.  This might be especially true if you feel stunted in a toxic culture, are miserable as the result of a bad boss, or are stuck in a situation where you simply don't have the freedom to do things the way you want to on the job.  I am familiar with these struggles firsthand, and by having my side hustles, I have the ability to call the shots and control my own domain.

2.  I have grown personally and professionally since I started my side hustles.

Professional learning opportunities are one of a job's best perks, whether you have teammates who teach you new skills or enjoy access to books and classes throught your company.   Sure, that was great back in the 1990s when I travelled all over the world for classes and seminars that my company paid for.   Unfortunately today, the information you need to know to do your job well might not always be of interest to you.   Having a side hustle that challenges you in an area you're genuinely interested in is exciting and give you a sense of purpose.  I have done my share of reading and have enrolled in numerous classes on digital marketing and health/wellness which are my passions.


3.  I am not so stressed anymore.

I am now doing something that makes me feel energized, proud, and confident that helps me combat any work worries at the 9-to-5.   If you are doing something you enjoy while making money doing it, you won't be as stressed as if all you do is go to your job and then go home and stress about your job.  Working on your passion brings you a much needed  mental break from day-job-related stress.

4. I am definitely not bored with life, far from it.

If you have been in your current role for a long time but love what you do but crave more variety?   A side hustle can you explore skills or talents that you enjoy but don't get to use nearly enough.  You should keep things interesting by pursuing a side hustle that is a complete departure from your usual work routine.   I have a great example.  By day I manage an IT organization at a health care company.  By evening, I run a digital marketing company as well as a health/wellness company.   I don't stop there.  I also run one of Boston's most successful business networking groups.   Like I mentioned, I am not bored.   Because of my side hustles, I come back to my 9-to-5 more refreshed.


5.  I have built some amazing relationships since I have started my side hustles.

Sure, your day job might introduce you to plenty of smart people in your industry but believe me when you explore your entrepreneurial pursuit, the new friends and contacts that you make are a whole different mindset.  The old saying is it is all about who you hang with.   Since I have tapped into my new social circles, I feel much more connected, fulfilled and happy.

So you WANT to be an Entrepreneur, but are you READY to be an Entrepreneur?

Most people dream of running their own business and not have to deal with the 9-to-5 routine of sitting in a cubicle and taking orders from someone they could care less about. There have been many times they think, why should they work hard to make someone else successful?

Of course, most people stick with the 9-to-5 routine since it is safe (well generally) and familiar. The idea of starting out on their own scares them into thinking what if it doesn't work out. Most 9-to-5 professionals think entrepreneurs are crazy and sometimes think starting a business especially in network marketing is a scam. But they know deep down inside, they are thinking they want a piece of the entrepreneur action.

But how do you know you have what it takes to own your own business and be a successful entrepreneur? After all, 90% of all startup businesses fail. Owning a business is very hard but very rewarding if successful.

The most important skill to start off with is perseverance but there is a lot more questions to ask yourself before you take the plunge from going from employee to entrepreneur.

Here are six questions to ask yourself before investing time in a new business.

1. Do YOU want Ongoing RESIDUAL INCOME?
Unless you are self-employed where you trade time for money, most businesses, especially network marketing businesses, allow you to make money while you are not working. The idea is to be able to build an income that is result of an organization that you built or real estate that you own that provides a regular residual income. Of course everyone is going to answer yes to this question, but let's move onto the other questions to test your entrepreneurial will.

2. What is Your WHY?
This is probably the most important question of the list. Without a why, there is really no goal. Without having a why is like driving down a dark street with your headlights off. Sure, you may see some success but you will not not know why. Before venturing into your own business, why are you doing it? Financial independence? To have a flexible life? To help others? Write it down and put it on the wall of your office or in car. This is your inspiration to be successful.

3. Do YOU have an Entrepreneurial Mindset?
Are you afraid to fail? Are you afraid of the fact you may have no income for a little while when you are in the startup phase? Are you not coachable? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may not have the mindset to be an entrepreneur. Another question to ask yourself is what books you like to read? Do you read business books or fiction books? Do you read books that improve your mindset? If you rather read a Harry Potter book or watch mindless TV, then you do not have an entrepreneur mindset.
Now if you have a strong why, enjoy hanging out with successful positive people and are willing to give up the party to work on your success, you are on your way to an entrepreneurial mindset.

4. Do YOU want to CREATE LEVERAGE?
This question is similar to the question about residual income. You create leverage by building an organizational structure or a business structure (in the case of real estate ownership) where you may everyone doing a little for a common goal of building a more successful business. This is how network marketing works where you build an organization where everyone follows a system to build their business. So the question for you is if you are an organizational builder or prefer to be self-employed? Do you want your money to work for you or do you want to work for money? Wealthy people became wealthy because they understood leverage.

5. What are YOU willing to temporarily GIVE UP to get these things?
This is a tough one. Entrepreneurs do not work 9-to-5, they work 24x7. Friday nights may mean working on your business plan versus going to the brewpub. You always need to be on and there is no time to "chill out". There is no "I'll do it tomorrow or next week". You need to give up the mindless activities and focus on activities that will grow you. Your mindset should be on your why and how to create leverage.

6. Are YOU Ready to Make This Happen?
Bottom line, there is no tomorrow or next week. If you want to be successful in the business world, you need to working on it all the time. Every time you take a break, your competition is getting ahead. Of course, you are wondering when can I get my beauty sleep? That is where time leverage comes in, Hint hint.

You are the CEO of your life and you have to have the mindset to create leverage right now or you might as well go back to that 9-to-5 safety net. Entrepreneurship is not for everyone. Ask yourself if you want to be an entrepreneur, are you ready to be an entrepreneur?