Coaches help train mid-career execs to strike out on their own
Jeff Williams primarily works with baby boomers over the age of 50 who have lived - and may be responsible for developing - the "workaholic" lifestyle.
Williams, a startup business coach for two decades, works with individuals who are burned out in their corporate careers and searching to start their own business ventures.
These candidates may have been downsized, or frustrated by business travel and countless hours spent away from their families.
Williams started his entrepreneurial training business after walking away from his own corporate career about 20 years ago.
At the time, Williams saw there would be a need to assist baby boomers, defined as those born between 1946 and 1964, launch their own businesses. "I knew these people would hit retirement and wouldn't want to stop working," he said.
He describes the current situation as the "boomer business startup bonanza," as he says more than 52 percent of all small businesses in the U.S. are now owned by people ages 50 and over. He adds that the number of new boomer business owners is growing in double digits. The author of 11 workbooks, guides and DVDs, including his latest book, "The Ultimate Boomer Business Start-Up Guide," Williams has grown his business from working one on one with clients to developing methods to assist a larger audience.
For example he holds "telegroup" coaching sessions where, at $149 each, he conducts six one-hour live conference calls. Participants follow along in a workbook.
One-on-one coaching and a step-by-step, do-it-yourself workbook are other methods he uses.
Williams also does a great deal of public speaking nationwide, and writes a blog on his Website, www.bizstarters.com. The Web site also offers a great deal of helpful information for free.
His firm was selected last year by Kiplinger's Personal Finance as the No. 1 Entrepreneurial Web site for people ages 50 and over.
Williams now has three coaches working with him and hopes to hire dozens more in the next year.
"The requirement is, my coaches must be experienced business people over the age of 50," said Williams, who operates the business from his Arlington Heights home after leasing office space for 17 years.
Williams takes a measured approach in his coaching. He knows the mind-set of the typical 50-year-old manager well; he spent 18 years in the corporate world as an MBA-trained sales and marketing executive.
One of the most valuable tips that Williams gives the entrepreneur is to be flexible. "Be prepared to modify your focus regularly in order to stay alive in the market," he said.
This is one aspect Al Brown of Naperville found valuable when working with Williams.
When Brown, 50, started SupplyMex Inc. two years ago his focus was to operate a consulting firm. He has shifted the business model more to a supply firm, where he finds suppliers for U.S. companies wanting to do business in Mexico.
Brown, originally from San Antonio, Texas, grew up in a Spanish-speaking home. "Jeff helped me talk through my ideas and helped find my bilingual strengths. He helped me launch the business with a systematic process," Brown said.
Like the majority of Williams' clients, Brown also grew disenchanted with corporate life, wanting to spend more time with his family.
"Jeff has been really fantastic. He helped me through the process. It was a very simple plan to follow," Brown said.
Other important tips Williams shares with rookie entrepreneurs are to keep creating new partnerships, and to be flexible in how you make money.
He has implemented his own advice in operating his firm.
Having a vision is also vital.
"I want to be known around the U.S. as the No. 1 expert in starting a business after the age of 50."
New location: Preferred Realty is in its new home at 2172 Blackberry Drive, Suite 203 in the new Geneva Professional Center.
Specializing in commercial and residential real estate, development, sales and acquisitions, the management and development corporation is owned and run by women in Kane County.
The company is hosting a food and clothing drive to benefit several area charities. Drop boxes are located in the front lobby of the professional center through Aug. 31.
Girls only: Real Deals Home Decor is hosting a Girls Night Out from 6 to 9 p.m. today at 575 S. Arthur Ave., Arlington Heights. Professional interior design advice, wine tasting, munchies, massage, health and nutrition and munchies are part of the event.
kmikus@dailyherald.com