Today you will be challenged

Today, like everyday you will be challenged. 

Challenged by illusion of the material. You will be tempted to look to time, space, and all things material for understanding; to judge your place in the world; and to make decisions about your life. 

Fight it. 

Go within. 

Remember there's magic within

You're alive for greater things, so don't judge your place in the world based on material things, look beyond by looking within. Madonna's the material girl is not what life is about, remember we are living in a wonderful world

Are you on autopilot or on a mission?

As I think about life as I approach my birthday I realized that over the course of my life I have come up with my own BS detector. It is not always right, but it has served me well over the years. 

My personal BS detector was honed by walking and living through some very messy times. Before I learned to trust my BS detector, I was full of fears, doubts and uncertainty that cost me time, money and faith in people. 

Over the years I've come to realize that "The BS" - the fears, uncertainties and doubts that try to grip us and rob us of our zest for life - had a much better chance of affecting me when I was cruising along on autopilot.

I realized that when I was passionate about things, and had a strong sense of purpose a mission I was much more immune to the siren song of "The BS".

So, what about you? Are you on autopilot or on a mission?

Three interesting questions to ask

Most people will not remember you in your prime of life--the exception will be your grown children and your siblings and partner. People will remember you for what you did in your final phase of life. Make it meaningful for yourself and for others!

Imagine that you have retired or are close to retiring, take a second, and think for a moment about your own life so far. As you look back here are some questions:

·       How did you write your own "background statement?

·       Did you have a mission? 

·       Can you explain what drove you to do what you do?

As you move to the final third of your life and as you live the last 30 to 40 years on earth, here are some questions to answer about this final phase of life:

·       How will people write your background statement?

·       What will people say is/was your mission?

·       Will you leave information for those you leave behind to explain what drove you to do what you do?

Boomers and Work, two different perspectives

As I move closer to my birthday and reflect on the past I realize that we, as boomers, have made many mistakes but we have also made many remarkable advancements that have led to the development of some of the most amazing technologies that have ever existed. For example my Android phone is closer to me than my heartbeat!

Yes, I am an older boomer but I have not let technology pass me by. I care deeply about the environment and climate change and though I enjoy my work, there is nothing more important to me than my family.

Over the years when I worked I have had to deal with many changes in the work place, some good, some interesting and some not so good. So what have we as a generation contributed to the value of work over the years? Here is a Generation X and a Millennial perspective, which speaks only to the good and interesting contributions of my generation. I am sure there are many bad points as well, but in the spirit of the season, I will not address those at this time.

The Gen X Perspective written by Sarah Schmid and published here:

ALL INCLUSIVE WORKPLACE

If you have watched the television show “Mad Men,” then you are already familiar with the way offices used to look and operate pre-boomers. In addition, if you think women were treated poorly back then, black people were treated even worse.

Boomers coined key phrases like “glass ceiling” and “workplace discrimination,” and, under their watch, people began to break through the prevailing all-white boys’ club culture. The diversity that is now championed in many offices is a direct result of the boomers’ fight for civil rights and social equality. And that’s had real business results: This new diversity of thinking helps keep companies from becoming stagnant when it comes to policies and processes.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE

Whether it is redesigning office spaces and workstations to accommodate employee needs, or offering benefits like daycare for children and eldercare programs to boomers with ailing parents, this generation pioneered the family-friendly workplace. Today, these kinds of programs are becoming crucial to maintaining productivity and morale — and to help businesses retain employees.

INSTITUTIONAL KNOWLEDGE

As more boomers retire, many companies will lose an enormous amount of institutional knowledge. Fields that require technical know-how will be most affected when the estimated 76 million boomers leave the workforce. As a result, many companies are putting more collaborative tools in place so that some of this knowledge can be easily shared — or even stored in the cloud. The impending departure of so many senior employees has lit a fire under management to implement new collaborative and cloud-based technologies before it’s too late. And that has irreversibly changed the way many offices manage information.

Just as the race to transfer knowledge to younger employees has forced companies to adopt new technologies, they will similarly soon have to implement changes that will allow retirees to continue to serve as consultants or part-time employees. According to an MIT report, some corporations such as Proctor & Gamble and Eli Lilly have already implemented programs that organize and pool retired talent for younger workers to access for help.

This is not just a result of boomers’ impending retirement: Self-employment and part-time work has exploded under boomers’ watch, as has the trend toward a more mobile workforce.

THE BABY BOOMER LEGACY

Boomers changed the workplace, and shaped the way that Generation X approaches work. In addition, while the road has been bumpy at times, my generation and those following should appreciate the strides made by the boomers that led to today’s new world of work.

The Millennial Perspective written by Ritika Puri and published here:

Having worked in non-profits, local government, and enterprise tech, I have always been surrounded by coworkers from all across the demographic spectrum.

My mentors, allies, and friends — the people nearest and dearest to my heart — are all millennials, boomers and Gen X’ers. We have had our generational quarrels, but at the end of the day, our differences are a speck in the dust compared to the admiration that we share for one another.

That is why topics like generation bashing and age discrimination feel like a punch to the gut. When I hear the stereotype of ‘younger people are smarter‘or ‘more tech savvy,’ I am inclined to disagree — strongly. (Sorry, Mark Zuckerberg).

With three generations currently active in the workplace, we’re in a unique position to learn from each other’s strengths and complement one another’s weaknesses. Unfortunately, I’ve seen my fellow millennial's sometimes take a polar opposite approach — mocking their baby boomer bosses for not knowing the ins and outs of Microsoft Excel, for instance.

We need to put an end to this attitude by focusing on the strengths that each person brings to the table — regardless of generation. From my personal, millennial perspective, here are some amazing ways that the baby boomer legacy has changed the world of wor.

BOOMERS WERE THE ORIGINAL TECH INNOVATORS

Boomers are responsible for making entrepreneurial ecosystems like Silicon Valley what they are today.

Having spent more than two decades in Silicon Valley, I've seen this ecosystem give birth to companies like Facebook, LinkedIn, Google and many others. And I've watched boomers — like my father — create this environment from the ground up in building transformative companies from nothing.

Now, I am an early-stage entrepreneur in Silicon Valley, and what I’m learning is that building a business is exhausting, grueling, and confidence-shattering — all at the same time. And yet, I persist — thanks to the people who have been right where I am now, generations before me.

Thanks to the boomers who were once me.

My boomer mentors taught me to be patient and to realize that there are decades of unknowns in front of me. My life can be anything, and it’s the stories of Silicon Valley’s boomers that help me stay optimistic when I simply want to quit.

BOOMERS UNDERSTOOD DISRUPTION — AND THE VALUE OF PATIENCE

By 2015, most boomers will have been through so much in life — raising families, buying homes, traveling the world and even becoming grandparents. And they have come of age during an incredibly turbulent time in history, which has inevitably shaped their thinking and approach to the workplace.

It’s no surprise that, as a result, they have changed how we approach work/life balance, reminding us of the holistic perspective: Business is, ultimately, a means to an end.

One of the most valuable skills that I’ve learned from my boomer mentors is to be more patient. I firmly believe that practicing this skill is what has helped me generate some of my biggest successes as a leader and manager to date. And, if I’m being honest, without this guidance, I would have probably driven myself crazy.

BOOMERS INVENTED CLIENT SERVICE

The boomers who have helped shape my career are great salespeople because they are cool, calm and collected. They are polite; they are fully present in client conversations; and they are always listening with an inquisitive mind.

As an entrepreneur, I am also a salesperson — a role in which basic manners go a long way. Thanks to some cues from my boomer mentors, I’ve learned a number of what today we call ‘hacks’ — things as simple as turning off my phone during meetings so that I am fully present, listen before speaking and making recommendations, and owning up to my mistakes. Boomers have taught me business tactics that should be obvious, but are not always the easiest to do.

The reality is that the ‘always on’ and ‘get things done’ attitude that millennials have can be quite abrasive — to anyone, in any generation.

What I’ve learned from boomers is to always be fully attentive.

THE BABY BOOMER LEGACY IN BUSINESS

Boomers are the tech world’s original innovators —they’re responsible for making the world of work what it is today. These masters of patience can help us millennials stay grounded as we forge our own paths in life. Yes, work cultures are evolving and yes, we’re witnessing radical transformations in the workspace. But that doesn’t mean that boomers have nothing to offer in shaping the new world of work. We’re in a great position to learn as much as we can, across the generations.

Another way to think about April 1st

April 1st, is a day when we play practical jokes on others or others play practical jokes on us.While there are many ways to live life, most of the options fit into one of two categories:

So are you the one who has the joke played on you? Are you the one who lives your life in a reactive manner, constantly at the mercy of the people and circumstances around you.

Or are you the one that plays the jokes on others, do you choose to be the master of your life? Are you focused, resilient, and are you creating the type of life you deserve. If you control yourself, you control your destiny.

Being successful is rarely about working harder or longer. It's about spending your time effectively. If your levels of success and happiness leave you less than thrilled, consider making some positive changes.

If you're the one who has had the joke played on you today are you ready to take control of yourself and your life:

• Recognize that the issue isn't that you're not "good" at being successful. You've simply been good at being unproductive. To bring about the results you're currently experiencing, you've had to do certain things consistently for quite a long period of time. Consistently taking a new set of actions will bring about new results.
• Take responsibility for your results up to this point. While most of us would like to blame others and put the responsibility on them, it's much better to take responsibility.
• If you take responsibility, you can fix it. If you really believe that your circumstances are someone else's fault, what can you do?
• Even if it is someone else's fault, they're unlikely to do anything to rectify the situation. It might not be your fault, but it's still your responsibility to fix it. 
• Understand the actions you least want to take are likely the actions that will improve your life the most. Think about that. The things you're really dreading might be the very things you need to do to turn your life around. 
• Focus on effective actions. These are the actions that will take you on the most direct path to your goals.
• For example, suppose you're trying to lose weight. The most direct path may simply be to eat a small number of calories of healthy food and spend some time exercising each day. An entire industry of crazy diets and exercise programs has been created because people can't get themselves to take the direct path.
•  In most cases, effective actions are obvious. The challenge lies in getting yourself to take them.
• Embrace discomfort. We're all attracted to being comfortable. Unfortunately, the road to progress travels through the land of discomfort. We're generally only comfortable with the things we do on a regular basis. However, those are the same things that have led to the life you're currently living. 
• Discomfort is really a state of mind. This perceived lack of comfot can be overcome by overruling your mind. Like any new activity, taking action in spite of discomfort gets easier with time. 
• Realize that life is short. Imagine you're 80 years old. How do you think you'll look back on all the things that are challenging you now? 
• Think about your life 20 years ago and the things that you found challenging back then. Are they the same types of issues?

Mastering yourself is a challenging but rewarding process. Imagine if you could get yourself to do all the things you know you should be doing. How would your life look a year from now?

Take the time today to take one mildly uncomfortable action you've been putting off - even if it's just sitting down and paying your bills or calling your mother - AND JUST DO IT! 

Then, create the habit of doing something uncomfortable, but productive, each day. Over time, the really challenging things will become easier. And next year you will be the one playing the joke not being on the receiving end of the joke.

Master yourself and create the life you desire.

Thought to ponder

You get what you pay for, and you pay for what you think about. 

Life and love lessons

1. Love is not about “finding your other half”. We've been misled to think that love is like addition… 1/2 + 1/2 = 1. No, no, no… Love is more like multiplication… so 1/2 * 1/2 = only 1/4. We need to work on ourselves, so we become whole on our own (do not need or rely on someone else to complete us)… when we do that, we begin to attract other individuals that are whole as well… Realize that 1 * 1 = 1

2. The more you chase, the more they run. Work on attracting (pulling) people to you instead of chasing after them.

3. If you never ask, the answer is always no.

4. Money is just a means to an end. Sure, it’ll be great to have a lot of money but what we really want isn't the money in and of itself… what we want is what that money can do for us… what it brings us.

5. There’s no use trying to logically convince a woman. You can’t change a girl’s mind unless you change her mood first. Wait… that works for everyone…

6. Besides “I love you”, the next best thing you can say to someone is “Thank you”. People love to feel appreciated. Why deny them such a wonderful feeling, by withholding two words that don’t cost you anything?

7. Don’t cut off your nose to spite your face… and don’t grab your crotch in public. You’re not Michael Jackson.

8. Facebook isn't real life. Real life is when you go out and do crazy stuff. Facebook just reminds you of all those crazy stuff you did.

9. If someone slapped you, you get hurt once. If you keep replaying that movie of the person slapping you in your mind over and over again, you get hurt a thousand times. So when is NOW a good time to stop slapping yourself and start letting go?

10. Nobody likes doormats. Nobody respects doormats. Stop agreeing with everything I say. Have an opinion. It’s attractive.

Kind thoughts

You know a kind word can move mountains and change lives. But for  those times when they've escaped you, when the right thing wasn't said, or the time wasn't right to say it, kind thoughts can do the same.

And better, thoughts have a way of lingering, seeking, and finding their intended beneficiary, unfettered by time and space. So it's never too late to think 'em, nor are you ever too far away.

Just a little something  my friend told me.

Boomers are in a dangerous stage

Baby Boomers, between 1946 and 1960, are in their late 50's a dangerous age. The oldest is 67, (soon to be 68) the youngest 52 with the medium age 57. At the beginning of the century those older than 50 controlled 80% of the personal wealth. 

By understanding the Baby Boomers you will have a sense of what will be happening in our society over the next few years and why I am hopeful that the promise of the "just society" will return for our grandchildren.

1. The home is seen as a sanctuary from the outside world.
2. The average boomer worked at least 49 hours a week in 2001 compared to 40 hours in the 1960's. Time becomes very precious.
3. As a group, we believe in the youth, so as we mature we will fight the aging process.
4. Concern for the environment, and the ecology which had its roots in the 60's is alive and growing today
5. With more disposable income, people will pay for quality but with less income, we will still demand quality
6. Baby boomers are getting others to do the more routine tasks for them.
7. Once the first group of baby boomers pay off their mortgages they will have more disposable income. They will use this income on personal items. Sports such as golf will be very popular
8. As career and ambition mature, baby boomers will become more concerned about family. The traditions of the 50's are coming back into style. People will spend more time with their families.
9. Baby boomers want to be the same but different.
10. Affordability Not all us are rich, nor were we all YUPPIES. Government taxes, the cost of living, and other life pressures will force us to either go into more debt or cut back on spending and look for the bargains.

Based on the latest stats, many of us are choosing to go deeper into debt, but as the majority get closer to retirement, the spending spree should start to slow down

Why are businesses ignoring Boomers?

I have posted articles by Zoomer Marketing before, they have ideas that make a lot of sense, and make you think. This is one of those ideas. Business that can overcome these prejudices against the Boomers will do  well, those who cannot will have trouble. 

Baby Boomers are a huge demographic controlling most of the disposable income in North America, even globally, yet their spending power is largely being ignored.  Some common myths that explain this ridiculous phenomenon...

Stereotypes that older folks are ‘stuck in their ways’ -  This current crop of older Americans is more adventurous than ever, more willing to try new things. And with the financial power they hold, reaching out to them should be a no-brainer for marketers. The idea is that older people are set in their ways — less likely to try something new, and less likely to be influenced by marketing messages is false.

It’s not sexy - Meryl Streep, 64 will be a senior this year. Diane Keaton and Helen Mirren both 68, seem to get better with age. Mick Jagger and Tina Turner at 70 are top entertainers and cultural icons. In the political arena, Wolf Blitzer, Al Gore and Hilary Clinton, are all examples of Boomers leading vital, important lives. A new wave of Boomers is about to become commonplace and reshape antiquated views about aging.

The youth bias - The bias toward youth has long been part of the marketing business. Yes ageism is still widespread, in the media and North American society in general. Stereotypes are hard to change but if any group can do it, it’s Boomers. They do have an appetite for innovation and zest for living. Indeed, ‘retirees’ can socialize, travel, surf the internet and learn new things very much like a teenage of today.

They’re believed to be not into technology –  Wrong - more than 40% of Apple Inc. products are bought by Boomers according to data tracker Nielsen. Mature consumers are similarly sensitive to being stereotyped as invalid, retired and technophobic.

They are perceived to be cheap –   Wrong again, this new wave of Boomer Seniors is not the depression surviving senior citizens of yesteryear.  Today’s Boomers don’t want to just spend money on the things they need; they have the dollars and the desire to splurge on the things they truly want. This is a powerful and virtually untapped market. Plus, Baby Boomers are inheriting a lot of money and certainly don’t have the same inkling as their parents to pass on their wealth. They are more inclined to spend it and enjoy it with their children and grandchildren.

The ‘golden’ opportunity -  As wealth and power is now in the hands of Seniors, marketers would be wise to pay more attention to Boomers. If you’re not addressing this market you’re enormously disadvantaged. A huge opportunity exists now for enlightened and savvy organizations that can embrace and are receptive this older demographic. It’s more than lip service and you’ve got to appeal to them the right way.  So how do you do it? Find out how and more tips at zoomermarketing.com

Lessons that could be learned early in life

Most of the time, people don’t assess the situation they’re in until a crisis hits. And this usually comes at a time when it’s already too late to alter their course of action. The chances we miss, the relationships we didn't cherish or unfinished tasks we didn’t complete. Nobody wants to learn things too late in life and mourn on the regret of not having taken action on something

Here are 7 things that you don’t want to learn too late in life.

1. Stop shoulding on yourself
We go through life learning at a young age all the things that we should do and even punished for not doing them. Then we look around other people’s lives and see that they’re doing the same thing, so we don’t question it. But we don’t stop to ask ourselves if this is what we truly want.

Do you really want to be a lawyer, or has your parents just instilled this belief upon you? Do you really need college for your passion, or has society made you think it’s mandatory for success. Will Smith’s parents almost forced college on him, but after much fighting they gave him the opportunity of one year to chase his musical dreams. I’m assuming there would be no Fresh Prince if Will Smith shoulded himself.

There’s a new American dream now. This generation has chiseled and revised the American dream into something more viable: living your passion. We take the lessons of the old timers about hard work, dedication and sacrifice, and put it into something we absolutely love doing. Demand something more for yourself from the smidgen of time we’re privileged to have here on this earth.

2. Facing your fears
The skill of facing your fear is one of the most obvious, but sometimes the most crucial. It doesn’t matter who you are – elite athlete, millionaire, or Chuck Norris; we all have some type of level of fear. A level of discomfort when a situation arises. But without putting yourself face to face with your fears, you can never fully get to where you want to be. There really are no shortcuts.
Most people will probably fear failure. It can paralyze you from moving forward. It can chew you up and spit you out. But look at it this way, failure is something that is absolutely essential for you to be able to enjoy success. Would sunny days feel so special, if there weren’t rainy ones?
None of us are perfect, we all make mistakes. But with every mistake, every failure, it slowly transitions into wisdom. The wisdom of knowing how to do it better. The wisdom that those same failures you encountered, developed you into the person you are today.

3. Small steps for big changes
Small steps aren’t about limiting yourself from growing to large, too quick. It’s a matter of being able to start (especially with something you fear). It’s about growing momentum and putting yourself into a position where you know you can succeed. The thought of doing everything at once exhausts my brain just thinking about it. I used to put way too many things on my to-do list, attempt to get everything done, and end up procrastinating because of how much there is to do.
Break the monster down into bite sized pieces. Want to accomplish more? Start with just two of the most important things on your to do list. Want to change your diet? Start with one healthy meal a day.

I know my lazy days are going to come. But by breaking a goal down to just 10 minutes a day will help you persist in the long run. So when I don’t feel like working out, I say to myself just 10 minutes a day. Those 10 minutes almost always turn into a full blown workout!

4. This is your moment
You can learn a thing or two from a child. Their minds only fixate on the playground around them. They’re not thinking of their next homework assignment or what they cried about yesterday. They just go out and purely enjoy themselves in the moment: running, laughing and playing.

Every moment that passes by you, is another moment that you can’t get back. It’s a moment that you could have seized. These moments pass us while our minds are somewhere else. You miss the interesting people around you, the beautiful environments, and most of all the life that you’re living.

5. Don’t make things bigger than they are
Yes, we can learn from a child, but that’s not to say we are children. When a child gets upset, they’re upset. They get consumed by what upset them and they think it’s the end of the world. But as we get older, we live through many stressful things in our lives. We learn the ability to cope and withstand things. We now know that we should not be throwing that tantrum when you don’t get the piece of chocolate. But, sometimes we still carry that type of mindset into minor problems we face throughout the day.

When we experience stress – a physiological response of fight or flight is triggered. This is actually very natural, and probably helped our ancestors survive. The part of the brain that creates this response cannot fully distinguish it as a real threat or a perceived threat. But understanding that this physiological reaction is a natural part of us can help us see that nothing is actually attacking us. Life really isn’t as serious as you think it is.

The problems that you have now aren’t going to matter in a year; it might not even matter by next week! One moment your heart is racing a mile a minute, the next you’re laughing at the incident. I remember all the times arguing with my significant other. The arguments were small, but it led to many big fights. Looking back, I could have replied with just a simple “okay,” and it would have been fine.

6. The world doesn't revolve around you
You have to understand that people don’t think of you as much as you think they do. They have their own minds, insecurities and problems to think about. To them, they are the main character of their own story and if they are thinking of you, it’s probably because it interconnects to their own lives.

Even if this thought makes you feel less significant, it helps you put into perspective that all the worries and regrets of what people think of you are only the construct of your own mind. Understanding this lets me feel less anxious about other people judging me and helps me gain confidence in my every day actions.

7. Invest time in others
How would it feel if you were sick in the hospital and not a single soul came to visit? Invest some of the time you have in caring for the people close to you, even if it means sacrificing some personal time. Treasuring your relationships with your loved ones is something that should never be overlooked. You know the saying “Live like it’s the last day of your life” – take that up another notch and treat your loved ones like it’s their last day on earth. They will notice.

Final Thoughts
As every passing chapter comes to an end, you’ll realize that you’re not going to regret the things that you've done, but rather the things that you haven’t. Because the difference between a person that becomes who they want to be and the person that doesn't, is their willingness to take real steps every day to achieve it.

Best Retirement writers in Canada 2013

I recently came upon this site from the Saskatchewan (my home province) pension plan which contains some good advice on planning for retirement, and I thought I would share it. Back in December the site listed some of the best Canadian retirement writers  in Canada and I am honored to have been selected as one of these writers. I would encourage you as you plan for retirement to take a close look at the other writers in this list and to visit this site.

Week after week we link to these and other fine bloggers who freely share their time and considerable insight with us. To get to know some of these people a little better in 2014 savewithspp.com will present a series of podcast interviews with prominent personal finance bloggers.

Retire Happy. Follow financial expert, author and speaker Jim Yih on Twitter:@jimyih

MoneySense. Follow MoneySense Magazine editor Jonathan Chevreau:@JonChevreau

Boomer and Echo. Follow mother-and-son financial writers Marie and Robb Engen: @BoomerandEcho

Sheryl Smolkin. Follow this lawyer and financial journalist: @SherylSmolkin

Unretired Life. Follow coach, consultant, speaker and author Eileen Chadnick:@unretiredlife

I’m a sonic boomer… not a senior. Royce Shook writes about issues important to Boomers, grandparents and others, who are changing what retirement looks like.

Canadian Dream Free at 45. Follow engineer and financial writer Tim Stobbs on his journey to early retirement: @canadiandream

Everything Zoomer. Follow executive editor and travel writer Vivian Vassos (@vivianvassos) and associate editor and arts and culture writer Mike Crisolago (@MikeCrisolago)

Grey Routes and Tips. Follow travel-for-grownups writer Jane Canapini:@janecanapini

Do you honor appointments with yourself?

How do you start your day?

I vote for funny, easy, and breezy.  
For smiles, giggles, and winks.
Serendipities, happenchance, and surprises. 
Friends, strangers, and admirers.
Pink, purple, and green. 
And crazy, sexy, cool.

This morning.

Or Tommorrow,  if you have slept in and read this late.

But that's just me.

The day has already started, for what did you vote?

 By the way spend, at very least, 30 mins. with yourself each day. How is it that you honor appointments with others ahead of commitments that you make to yourself? Do you hold a subconscious belief that the time for others is of greater value than the time spent on or with, yourself?

How do you market to Boomers?

Boomers are a big part of the consumer market, but they are not being reached by many businesses because they don't understand how to market to us. If you have a need to reach my generation  and need help I would recommend Elisa Wilson Prashad who is a Toronto-based ‘senior marketing specialist’.  Her firm is solely aimed at helping businesses effectively reach boomers and seniors.

While familiar with both traditional and online media, her company's niche is in understanding how to create maximum effectiveness and ROI with older consumers. Having used most media platforms across the country, I can share some real insights into seniors’ consumer
response from each. I understand the drivers and psychogenic issues that are important when selling to this older demographic.

 Here is an article that she wrote on her website, that I think is interesting and insightful

Do you know how to drive Boomers to your business? The Baby Boom generation are now becoming seniors at a rapid pace.10,000 Americans are turning 65 every day. What is your company’s strategy to attract this growing wave of older consumers?  Here are some ideas to get you going 

1. SPEAK THEIR LANGUAGE –What is a ‘Senior Boomer’? Today’s seniors are active and not at all as frail as previous generations. This as we know is due in large part to better medical care, improved overall health, and advancements in new drugs and disease prevention. These new healthy 'Senior Boomers’ wholeheartedly reject negative stereotypes of aging. Companies need to be vigilant in the way they use language so as to empower this group and avoid turning off potential older customers.

 2. KNOW WHERE THEY’RE COMING FROM - Boomers are worldly, rich in life experience as well as financially. They possess sizeable amounts of disposable income, they are astute life-long consumers and they are looking for the right avenues in which to spend it.

This generation of ‘hippies from the 60’s’, have challenged cultural norms throughout their life. They are now breaking down the stereotypes of aging in Western society. Think about tapping into offering unique experiences to win Boomers over. There’s a good chance you will also retain them as loyal clients.

3. ONE SIZE DOES NOT FIT ALL– Boomers are a diverse group, all with individual interests, hobbies and convictions. That being said, there are commonalities of this age cohort that once understood, can be used to best target them. As a niche agency that helps businesses succeed with the 65+, Zoomer Marketing creates strategic outreach with a deep understanding of unique psychogenic and physiological issues that are important when selling to this older demographic.

4. YES, THEY ARE ONLINE – Seniors today spend more time on the internet then their ‘wired’ grandchildren. Do you know what the viewing habits of Boomers online are? This is key to winning them over to your business.

Have you thought about how your business will effectively target Boomers in 2014? Zoomer Marketing offers proven success in strategic outreach in a variety of media platforms to create maximum effectiveness and ROI. Visit their website at www.zoomermarketing.com  and book a complimentary initial consultation to help your business grow its Boomer customers. 

Winter blues

Winter can be depressing especially on the West Coast, with day after day of rain, with out seeing the sun. However, in the dark days of winter it is good to remember that sometimes on a day during which nothing seems to happen, everything gets better.

You just need a little more time to see the manifestation.

A powerful quote from Mother Teresa

A powerful quote from Mother Teresa as seen on a sign on the wall of the children’s home in Calcutta:

“People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self centered; Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, People may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives; Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies; Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you; Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight; Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous; Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow; Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, at it may never be enough; Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis it is between you and God; It was never between you and them anyway.”

Should we listen to our Scientists?

Today on my thought for the day comes from a Buddhist:

It is our earth, not yours or mine or his. We are meant to live on it, helping each other, not destroying each other. - J. Krishnamurti...

As I read the stories of the disaster that is shaping up in the Gulf I think these words have some meaning, I know there will be quick to lay blame and take up the rally that the people responsible should be punished. There will be time for authorities to investigate latter now is the time for people to help.

In Canada the government of the day appears to be at least thinking of allowing oil rigs off the North Coast, and perhaps this is a wake up call to them to not move in that directions. In BC there appears to have been an abandonment of the principles of environmental stewardship by the Federal government. 

We have fish farming that appears to write checks to support the government in power so they can ignore the science and destroy our wild fisheries. We have companies who support the government apparently being given free reign in the run of rivers hydro projects that are destroying local rivers and wild live to sell power to our southern neighbours. We have Can West Global Media that controls the Major newspapers in BC and most of the local papers as well as one of the three major TV stations that does not appear to report anything that is anti-government so the majority of the public in BC are not aware of many of the major issues. 

The Blogs that I read and recommend to you are helping to set the record straight, but I am not a political blogger, I will leave that to the passionate people who I have linked to here.  Boomers took on challenges and fought hard to build a more compassionate society. 

Over time we became complacent and focused on the task of consuming not caring about others. As our society goes through the normal economic cycles of boom and bust, we are becoming more fearful and as we do we forget what we, at one time stood for. I am hopeful that the boomers will start to reconsider their consumption and start to reconnect to the values we held true in our youth. When we do, look out, we will come back with a roar:-)