This was supposed to be the day I announced my new business.
But.
Launch of my new business has been delayed. Why? A deadline-challenged consultant and a bad font choice, which spiraled into big-time schedule problems with the website and with printing. There’s nothing to be done but fix it and that takes time. So while we’re doing that, I wanted to share a few thoughts on how this venture is different from the norm.
As I put together my launch plan, I’m finding that my approach is hard for traditionalists to understand.
A calling more than a traditional business
I think that’s because the new venture (which I’m not disclosing until launch day) is more a calling than anything else. Yes, I had a big career in business before I retired. I was in senior roles when I left the business world, and I didn’t leave those skills behind. No, they’re part of me, still.
But this is different. It’s MY business and MY calling. Its products and services are meant to support healing. All kinds of healing.
It’s personal. Very personal, inspired in part by a friend who died last year. Because it’s personal, I want to be fully involved. I’m not interested in staffing it up to be big or growing it into some mega company so I can sell it.
And it’s not all about making money. No.
Nor am I interested in being famous. I don’t want to be on Oprah. If she had a real show these days.
I don’t want personal visibility. No, not what I’m about. At all.
Goals are different at this age
I’m retired, mostly. I don’t want my work to take over my life at this age. M and I have a beautiful life with significant amounts of travel. So the venture is scaled to my life in my 60s. Some services I’ll do personally but the products I have developed don’t need daily attention, just marketing. Of course, I’ve already got ideas for the next bunch of products — so more work ahead after this first offering is presented.
This heart-centered project needs to pay for itself and make a little money, but I don’t need it to pay the bills. It’s not our primary source of income and doesn’t have to be–and that gives me an incredible amount of freedom. Freedom to help people.
Because I don’t need to manifest wealth from this business, some people think I’m not serious about it. But nothing could be further from the truth. I’m DEAD serious about it. it’s just that my goals are a little different than the norm.
Initial reach will be purposely limited, because I’m planning a “soft launch.” That means that to some degree I’m restricting my audience until I am back from travel in May and early June. I want to see how demand shakes out on a smaller scale, first. We’ll be out of the country for a couple weeks –which won’t impact product availability– and then I’m taking my products and services to a meeting, where I’ll offer them to folks who are in my target audience. I’ll expand my reach after I’m back from that event in early June.
So, yes, this was the day I was going to tell you what I was up to. But I can’t. Not yet.
Wondering…have you launched a new business and what was that like?
I agree with you that goals are much different not just with age but also depends on what is going on in your life at the time. All the best with your new venture
It will be so interesting to see it all laid out Carol – you are such an interesting person with soul deep concerns for others. I hope the launch gets sorted out soon xx
I have had my own business for 35+ year (where I do try to make money) and several side gigs, where I just try to do the work the universe asks of me (and money isn’t part of it). In every endeavor, when we try to work with our whole heart, serve gratefully and do the best we can, the rewards show up in all sorts of ways. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Oh, what a teaser! I’m certainly curious about what your future plans are. I like the idea of active retirees coming up with innovative ways to keep ‘work’. I hope that your new adventure can fill the place of both business and hobby. That to me sounds like bliss. Good luck!
My “business” is my blog and selling “myself”. Sounds weird, but I love working with brands that I thoroughly enjoy and want to spread the word about them to others! My goals these days is continue to do just that but on a MUCH LARGER scale!
Best of luck in your new venture! I am excited to see what it is. And honestly, a setback is better than putting out a product that isn’t right… I have pushed back deadlines because of things like that as well.
I’m curious to see what you’re up to, and looking forward to when you’re able to tell it all. I’m glad it’s something from your heart, though – those are always the best businesses, the ones with a purpose.
You totally have to go with your heart – and I do think that’s easier to do when you’re older. My writing/traveling/blogging is not traditional, either, but I love it. Can’t wait for your new biz to launch. I know it will be amazing.
There are times wherein plans really go well and you’d have to keep adjusting. It’s a little disappointing but life goes on. I’m glad that you were able to bounce back and now have a better schedule to launch your business!
I am really curious to see what your business is going to end up like. I can say that this blog is very beautiful and well done. I am sure that the final product will reflect all of the care that you have already given it.
Wishing you much success with your new venture. I feel like businesses should be personal and not ALL about the money. Having run a successful small business for my family, we found our key was the personal touches.
Well good for you, I like that it is personal to you and that you are doing it because you are passionate and not to make money. I am sorry to hear about your friend x
Here you’ll find my blog, some of my essays, published writing, and my solo performances. There’s also a link to my Etsy shop for healing and grief tools offered through A Healing Spirit.
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I wish you the best of luck in your new venture. I hope it launches soon 🙂
Thanks, Robin! Me, too.
I agree with you that goals are much different not just with age but also depends on what is going on in your life at the time. All the best with your new venture
Everything looks different at this age…
How exciting! Iknow just what you mean here. I’m so happy for you Carol. I can’t wait to hear more about it and soon!
Yes, one size does not fit all, if you know what i mean!
It will be so interesting to see it all laid out Carol – you are such an interesting person with soul deep concerns for others. I hope the launch gets sorted out soon xx
I’m touched that you think so!
Good luck with your new business! Can’t wait to see it take off!
Very excited to see your
Vision evolve!
I have had my own business for 35+ year (where I do try to make money) and several side gigs, where I just try to do the work the universe asks of me (and money isn’t part of it). In every endeavor, when we try to work with our whole heart, serve gratefully and do the best we can, the rewards show up in all sorts of ways. Can’t wait to see what happens next!
Oh, what a teaser! I’m certainly curious about what your future plans are. I like the idea of active retirees coming up with innovative ways to keep ‘work’. I hope that your new adventure can fill the place of both business and hobby. That to me sounds like bliss. Good luck!
What a great idea, wishing you the best of luck!!
My “business” is my blog and selling “myself”. Sounds weird, but I love working with brands that I thoroughly enjoy and want to spread the word about them to others! My goals these days is continue to do just that but on a MUCH LARGER scale!
Wishing you the best of luck in your new business venture. Got me curious though!
Oh boy, I’m excited to see what you’ll do next! I think it’s wonderful when people follow their heart and fulfill THEIR OWN dreams! Fantastic!
Good luck with your business. I wish I had advice, but I’ve never done it before.
Best of luck in your new venture! I am excited to see what it is. And honestly, a setback is better than putting out a product that isn’t right… I have pushed back deadlines because of things like that as well.
Best of luck! Don’t let the little things get you down and just keep plugging away!
I’m curious to see what you’re up to, and looking forward to when you’re able to tell it all. I’m glad it’s something from your heart, though – those are always the best businesses, the ones with a purpose.
Best wishes on the launch! Can’t wait to discover just what you are up to!!
You totally have to go with your heart – and I do think that’s easier to do when you’re older. My writing/traveling/blogging is not traditional, either, but I love it. Can’t wait for your new biz to launch. I know it will be amazing.
There are times wherein plans really go well and you’d have to keep adjusting. It’s a little disappointing but life goes on. I’m glad that you were able to bounce back and now have a better schedule to launch your business!
I hope the launch gets sorted soon, it’s so good to see you putting the work in and I want to wish you good luck with everything!
We are looking forward fot its launch. Congratulations, you are almost there.
I am really curious to see what your business is going to end up like. I can say that this blog is very beautiful and well done. I am sure that the final product will reflect all of the care that you have already given it.
My best wishes for your new adventure! Hope it starts soon and you will reach all the goals you desire!
Wishing you much success with your new venture. I feel like businesses should be personal and not ALL about the money. Having run a successful small business for my family, we found our key was the personal touches.
Well good for you, I like that it is personal to you and that you are doing it because you are passionate and not to make money. I am sorry to hear about your friend x
Goodluck with this. I love your perspective of things. I guess it comes with age.
Interesting use of the word dead serious. Glad you are waiting until you are happy with the look and feel. Firsts are fleeting.
Looking forward to the launch of your new business. You’re almost there!
Omg wishing you the best!!! Starting anything form scratch is tough!!!! It will all work out!