Month: December 2024

Our generation went from being the most coveted consumer in the world to literally being invisible in the media. From our 20s up to our late 40s our generation was put in a spotlight that led us to believe we could accomplish anything.

In the last 20 years, all of that has changed.

When we are shown in the media, it’s likely we are being portrayed as barely mobile, destitute, and technologically inept. And far too often we are shown as being socially awkward and unsexy.

According to the media the picture of our lives after 60 is a sad, lonely, and isolated tale. Is this narrative true or false?

This article and accompanying video are part of a new series titled “The Invisible Customer With All The Money®”, which focuses on how we, as women over 60, can begin telling ourselves a new and better story about what we can be, do, and experience through self-love.

Buying into a False Story

If you buy into the false story the media is selling about our generation you would think we have all but disappeared into the twilight of our lives.

Unfortunately, many people over 60 have bought into this as the truth for themselves. They are so convinced by what the media says about us is true that they have become convincing in how they tell the story of their lives and also how they convince others this cannot be changed.

Could it be that as we have aged, our power to positively influence the world gave way to a false story that says we are unsexy, irrelevant and unable to fulfill our desires for a quality life after 60?

If this is true, it’s time we take back control over our personal and collective narrative.

Taking Back Control

According to the World Health Organization, there are nearly 1.5 billion people 60 and over in the world. This is expected to increase to over 2.2 billion by 2050.

An eye-opening research report from AARP in 2020 detailed that the economic and societal contribution of Americans age 50+ accounts for over 40% of the U.S. Gross National Domestic Product (GDP).

This same report from AARP projected that the economic impact of consumers who are 50 and over will grow from $8.3 trillion to $28.2 trillion in 2050. 

Despite being part of an exclusive, lucrative, and critically important part of society, our generation remains deeply misunderstood and surprisingly ignored in the media.

How do we take back control of who we are and change how we are portrayed so that our generation isn’t just invisible but that we are seen, heard, and valued?

Quality of Your Life Is Worth It

If your desires for love, money, and happiness are not aligned with the stories you are consuming in the media, a definitive change in what you are choosing to focus on and consume is needed.

Establishing healthy boundaries around the stories you consume is essential for living a higher quality life. For if you are constantly allowing yourself to ingest negative, scarcity-themed stories those narratives will continue to command your attention. Not only that, but they will also dominate your life.

Why is this so important? Because the quality of your life is worth it.

It Begins with Your Stories

The quality of your life depends on your perception of being worthy of your desires after 60. This perception begins with the stories you tell yourself. These stories shape your reality and inform your choices in all areas of life.

The foundation of your desires manifesting themselves in your physical reality rests on stories you believe are true for you. Specifically, the stories about love, money, and your own happiness.

Here are five steps you can take that will help you regain control of your choices and craft new, empowering stories for your life:

Craft Your Own Story

Regularly write down positive affirmations and stories about yourself. This journal practice can help solidify a positive self-image and profoundly change how you make choices in your life.

Surround Yourself with Positivity

Remove your attention from negative stories and negative people. Begin proactively engaging with uplifting and encouraging friends, groups, or communities that inspire and celebrate you.

Engage in Positive Activities

Rather than focus on negative media stories, pursue hobbies and activities that bring joy, confidence, and a sense of accomplishment.

Educate Yourself on the Media

Educate yourself on self-love, ageism, media biases, and the strategies advertisers use to control your choices. An informed perspective helps discern fact from fiction.

Mindfulness & Meditation

Engage in mindfulness exercises, such as meditation. This helps you to stay present, ensuring external narratives don’t sway your internal sense of self.

Taking control of your life’s narrative and making empowered choices necessitates a blend of introspection, proactive engagement, and building a supportive environment.

By actively crafting and living by your new, empowering story, you can not only uplift yourself but also inspire and reshape societal perceptions about life after 60.

I invite you to join me in the video where I will share additional insights that will help you integrate what you are learning into your life.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Which media influenced stories about women over 60 have had impact on how you see yourself? Are they mostly negative or positive? In what ways have you shifted those stories to represent who you really are?

“She and I are doing this together.”

There’s no better way to spend a holiday than in sequins.

Also, his real thoughts about Diddy’s infamous parties.

If you’ve read some of my other posts on SixtyandMe, you know one of my core beliefs about selling a small business: it doesn’t matter what you think your business is worth; it only matters what someone is willing to pay for it. Thus, the most successful sales happen when you deeply understand your buyer’s perspective.

What Buyers Care About Most

Buyers approach a potential purchase with their own set of priorities, concerns, and goals. By stepping into your buyer’s shoes, you can create a win-win scenario that makes your business not only attractive but irresistible.

Profitability and Growth Potential

Buyers want to know if your business is profitable now and has room to grow in the future. To appeal to most buyers, be prepared to provide clear financials, realistic projections, and a well-documented history of performance to showcase your business’s potential.

Operational Efficiency

A buyer will look for systems and processes that run smoothly without heavy owner involvement. If your business can thrive without you, it’s a more enticing opportunity. If your business can’t operate for at least three weeks without you calling in every day, you have work to do.

Risk Management

Buyers assess risks carefully. Are there key customers or suppliers your business relies on too heavily? Are there legal or industry-specific risks? Look at your business through this lens. Identify and address these issues right now. It may take some time to create a more diversified customer or client base, so the sooner you start to broaden your base the better. If you need help with this step, ask a business coach to help you strategize and take action.

Customer Retention and Loyalty

A loyal customer base signals predictable revenue and lower post-sale risk. Buyers are reassured by strong retention metrics, robust customer relationships, and diversified client portfolios, all of which reduce uncertainty during the transition. Showcase retention metrics, for example, customer retention rate (CRR), customer lifetime value (CLV), and repeat purchase rate. If you don’t have these metrics, figure out how to start collecting them.

How to Gain Buyer Insight

Do Your Research

Understand the buyer’s industry and goals. Are they looking for an investment, a strategic acquisition, or a new career path?

Ask Questions

Early conversations can reveal what’s important to a potential buyer. Tailor your pitch to align with their priorities.

Leverage Advisors

CPA’s, business valuation experts and exit planning advisors can offer insights into how buyers evaluate businesses like yours.

By understanding what buyers want, you position yourself to address their needs proactively. Not only does this increase the likelihood of a successful sale, but it also lays the groundwork for smoother negotiations and a positive transition.

Final Thought

Selling a business isn’t just about handing over the keys – it’s about creating a vision for the buyer. When you understand their perspective, you can make your business the opportunity for which they’ve been waiting.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

What’s the most appealing part of your business to a potential buyer? Are you prepared to improve your business value before selling? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.