Why It’s Never Too Late to Start an Online Business (2024)

Q: Hello. I hope you can address my question. It's really about doubt. I'm over 40 now and have tons of experience, and I believe that I have talents I can share online. But isn't it too late? I mean, all of my younger co-workers are more suited for online business creation. What are your thoughts on timing of a new venture when you're over 40? Thanks in advance.—Ava L. Boston, Massachusetts

Wow. What a great question. Ava, the first thing I’d say is that the clock doesn't stop. Neither should you. In a world today that is pulsating with digital opportunities, the notion that age is a barrier to entering the online marketplace is as outdated as dial-up internet. Let’s dismantle this a bit more and reveal why your years of experience could be your most potent asset in crafting a successful online business.

Rewriting the Narrative: Your Experience is Gold

I was for a time, an “executive in residence” for Arizona State University, which is a way of saying I was a guest lecturer, and my topic was on e-commerce and the growth of online business. During one lecture at ASU, surrounded by the exuberant faces of twenty-somethings all vying to become the next Zuckerberg, a moment of clarity struck me like a lightning bolt. Amidst discussing the giants of tech, a hand from the back of the room—a hand attached to a silver-haired student who had recently joined the class—rose to ask a similar question: "Is there space in this digital age for someone like me?" This question wasn't just a personal inquiry; it was a cultural one, reflecting the pervasive anxiety many feel about entering the digital fray later in life.

Here’s the hard-hitting truth: the digital economy is agnostic about age; it cares about value. The skills, insights, and experiences you’ve cultivated over decades are not just valuable; they are in demand. The online world, with its myriad platforms and boundless reach, offers the perfect stage to monetize this wealth of experience.

Leveraging Lifelong Skills for Online Success

Your journey through careers, industries, and life stages equips you with a unique set of skills and a perspective that many younger entrepreneurs can only aspire to. Whether it’s understanding consumer behavior, managing complex projects, or navigating business cycles, these abilities can set the foundation for a thriving online business.

Step into the Digital Marketplace

Embarking on this venture means translating your inherent skills into viable online offerings. Consider consulting services in your field of expertise, coaching services that leverage your years of experience, or even creating courses and digital products that teach skills you’ve mastered. The beauty of the digital world is its scalability and flexibility—qualities that allow you to start small and expand as your comfort with the digital landscape grows.

Marketing: The Art of Storytelling

In marketing your online business, your narrative is your most powerful tool. Storytelling transcends age and technology, connecting on a fundamental human level. Use your story—your journey through various industries, the challenges you’ve overcome, the expertise you’ve developed—to craft compelling brand messages. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook provide stages to amplify your voice, while tools like blogs and podcasts can help establish your authority.

Creating Your Digital Presence

Building a robust online presence is akin to setting up a virtual shop where visitors can learn about your services, interact with your content, and purchase your offerings. Invest in a professional website—a place where your digital persona can resonate with authenticity. Utilize SEO strategies to ensure your site ranks well for relevant queries, and consider the user experience meticulously, ensuring that navigation, content, and contact methods are clear and accessible.

Remote Work: The Ultimate Freedom

One of the profound benefits of an online business is the liberation from traditional work environments. The world becomes your office—a café in Paris, a beach in the Maldives, or your living room. This flexibility is not just about comfort; it’s about crafting a lifestyle that aligns with your values and aspirations at this stage of your life.

Generating Desired Income

Online businesses scale differently than brick-and-mortar ones. Digital products—be they courses, ebooks, or webinars—require initial time and investment but can generate income repeatedly without additional production cost. This scalability can significantly enhance your financial freedom and provide the means to achieve the lifestyle you envision.

Making an Impact

Beyond financial success, starting an online business offers the chance to make a broader impact. Whether it’s through sharing knowledge, improving customers' lives, or contributing to causes you care about, your business can be a vehicle for change. This aspect can be incredibly fulfilling, particularly as it allows you to leave a legacy that transcends traditional business metrics.

The Digital Call to Arms

So, if you're wondering if it’s too late to start an online business, let this be your awareness call. The barriers you perceive are surmountable; the skills you possess are invaluable. In the digital realm, wisdom is a currency, and experience is a toolkit waiting to be deployed.

Harness your accumulated insights, embrace the digital tools available, and step boldly into the arena of online entrepreneurship. The opportunity to design your work life, to generate fulfilling income, and to make a meaningful impact is not just possible; it’s within reach.

It’s time to offer the world your best, not what’s left. Unleash your potential, not someday—today.

Thanks Ava for your question. I appreciate it and hopefully I've helped inform you a bit more. All my best to you. Go start it up!