Working with baby boomer business owners (that’s a mouthful) leads to several different considerations about what we all share in common as owners, and as boomers. Sometimes it’s easy to help an owner focus on developing an effective strategy to move on and out from his/her business – and sometimes it’s not.
So I thought I might link it to several period songs from the boomer generation that I’ve found (and I hope you find) helpful in reminding you where you’ve come from, and where you can go in your career after a life of work and play.
Slow Down, You Move Too Fast - You Got To Make The Morning Last
Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel popularized this classic to help us understand that life can sometimes move too fast – with or without our urging. If you’re a bit worried about the fact that your 40+ years in business seems to have flashed by in a blur, stop and think a moment about what you have accomplished. More importantly, think about how you have accomplished it. Part of the key to your future transition lies in understanding how you have followed a common core set of values and purpose throughout your career. If you need a reminder of how you felt, perhaps starting out or starting to think about your career, click on the link below.
The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin' Groovy)
Trying To Make It Real Compared To What!
Owning a business can be a challenge to some and a joy to others. There is often this dynamic of making what we do relevant – to our customers, our employees, heck, even to our family. Trying to move on from this ownership thing can also be a challenge – because you may be asking yourself what you will do for 60 hours a week after your transition. Making it real may mean linking that future activity to what you enjoy the most, or missed out on doing when you started that career. Perhaps its traveling, or volunteering, or mentoring others. When Les McCann and Eddie Harris performed this tune they really did try to make it real. Interested in hearing a retrospective, it’s here for your listening pleasure.
Compared to What
Mule Kickin’ In Your Stall?
If you haven’t guessed by now, I like music, especially jazz and blues, so bear with me here. As you start thinking about your transition, are you thinking perhaps that you just can’t make a decision to plan the transition, that something is holding you back, that, well, a mule is kickin’ in your stall? Perhaps it is, perhaps there is some unexpressed concern you have about the future – it could be financial, family, or role based, to name a few. But it’s there, and it’s nagging at you. And you are not quite sure who to talk to. Not to worry, you are not alone. There are an estimated 10.7 to 16.1 million (that’s right, million) companies owned by boomers that will transition their business. Good company, right? So do you need a plan? If not, how are you going to deal with that mule, like Otis Spann did?
Got a mule kicking in my stall
Nobody Knows My Trouble
Running a business is an everyday activity. In many instances 24/7. There are joys, disappointments, successes, some failures, lots of lessons learned, lots of experiences shared. It’s a great ride – if you treat it like that. You have developed a life of business and personal experiences that are absolutely going to serve you well in the next phase of your life - and you know what? You get to choose it! If you have any doubts, listen to Otis Spann and Muddy Waters on their rendition of the song.
Nobody Knows My Trouble
Deciding to transition – not exit – can be a very rewarding and positive experience, especially if part of your plan is to listen to music! Seriously though, think about talking with your advisors – attorney, accountant, executive coach, financial advisor, transition planner – about the steps you can start to take to make that transition exciting and rewarding. It’s something I enjoy helping owners with – just like the music you have been listening to – unless of course you have preference for rock, classical, and/or country. Take your pic and enjoy the tunes.
