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In many ways, experience is the most important tool entrepreneurs can have. Experience can color virtually every decision and idea, which can give older individuals an edge when it comes to succeeding in the business world. While some may look at age as a disadvantage, the opposite is actually true, as life experience and the skills you gained through the years will put you in a better position to meet your goals.

Younger entrepreneurs will naturally have a different perspective on things. They will approach problems differently, and they may even have different goals. A younger individual may be primarily focused on making a profit as soon as possible, while someone older may have more well-rounded goals, such as achieving long-term stability. Older entrepreneurs know how to play the long game, having the ability to rely on lessons learned from earlier in their careers.

Older entrepreneurs have likely already honed their leadership and management skills. It’s likely they have already been in positions that allowed them to make decisions, manage others, lead initiatives and deal with problems. This type of experience is truly invaluable, especially in situations that are complex or difficult to manage. An older person is more likely to have the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate challenges associated with difficult co-workers, clients or employees.

Entrepreneurs who are older have different perspectives and skills, and these are two intangible things that can make a significant difference in one’s success. If you think you are too old to try something new or start your own business, chances are you are selling yourself short. Instead of viewing your age as something that could hold you back, think of your age a valuable tool that not only sets you apart but also gives you an advantage.

By Meagan Kerlin for Vertu Marketing LLC

You’ve probably strived to achieve a successful balance between your work life and your personal life. With a little separation between the two, people often find they are happier, mentally healthier and able to take necessary breaks for their own benefit. However, if you are married to or in a personal relationship with someone you work with, this balance can be tricky. How can you successfully overlap both parts of your life without driving each other crazy?

To make this work in a way that is beneficial for both partners, both of you will have to be intentional about protecting your personal relationship while navigating professional challenges together in a way that is reasonable and respectful. Some ways you can succeed in finding this balance include the following:

• Recognize that each of you have different strengths and weaknesses, which means that you may see things from different perspectives.
• Understand that it may be necessary to bring in an outside perspective occasionally to resolve a problem or offer input on a decision.
• Be honest and straightforward when discussing work issues, working to reach a compromise that will work for both of you.
• Set a time every evening when you will stop talking about work-related topics. Make time to focus solely on the personal side of the relationship.
• Allow each other the space to be creative and work freely without fear of criticism or negative feedback.

Relationships are difficult enough as it is without the pressure of also balancing a work relationship as well. If your work life and personal life overlap, commit to finding ways to make the two as seamless as possible. This will improve and benefit all aspects of your home and professional lives together.

By Meagan Kerlin for Vertu Marketing LLC

If you have trepidation about picking up the phone for a sales call, you are not alone. Many people feel overwhelmed at the thought of speaking on the phone, especially when the purpose of a phone call is to ask for someone’s business. Sales calls can be intimidating, but when done right, they can be incredibly effective tools for your success. If these calls aren’t working for you, it may be necessary to rethink your strategy and change the way you approach these conversations.

When making a sales call, it’s important to do your homework before dialing. You have to know who you are about to speak with and why he or she could benefit from what you are selling. How can you add value to this individual’s life? Why will your product or service be beneficial to this person? You need to be able to answer these questions with certainty before you make the call.

Communicating on the phone can be tricky when one can’t see facial expressions or body language. Your tone of voice should be warm and inviting, but you don’t want to come across as fake. One common reason why sales calls often fail is the potential client feels pushed into make a decision or believes the salesperson is being manipulative. You have to be aware of how you are speaking to your potential client, down to your inflection and word choice.

It may help to think of your sales call as a conversation instead of a performance or speech you are trying to give. Approach your calls with the perspective of finding out how you can help the other person, not how the other person can benefit you. This shift in perspective can help you come across as more genuine, something that can be critically important for success in sales calls.

By Meagan Kerlin for Vertu Marketing LLC

One of the most valuable tools one has for his or her career is experience. There is no replacement for the priceless lessons learned after mistakes, successes, steps back and growing experiences. However, these are things that only come with time, and those just starting out simply don’t have access to this kind of first-hand knowledge and real-world wisdom. For those still learning and growing, it is important to be willing to learn and grow.

Each person seeking success in his or her career has to put in the time and effort. There is simply no substitute for the wisdom that comes with experience, but while building up this type of wisdom and just starting out, it may help to make certain things priorities. If you are not experienced yet, consider the following helpful tips as you are learning, growing and gaining knowledge:

• Stop worrying so much about making a lot of money, and concentrate on developing your skills.
• Acknowledge that you have a long way to go and be willing to put in the hard work.
• Don’t stop learning and growing by reading, seeking advice, listening to mentors and focusing on personal growth.
• Don’t be afraid to take risks, but know that you will likely make mistakes along the way.
• After making mistakes, be willing to own up to where you fell short and take steps to learn from the experience.
• Use your time wisely, and take steps now to build and develop time management skills.

One day, you will look back on the things you learned when you were just starting out. You may reflect on the things you did right and the things you wish you could go back and change. Ultimately, you will be better, smarter and more successful for focusing on the right priorities at a time when you didn’t have as much experience.

By Meagan Kerlin for Vertu Marketing LLC

Everyone goes off the rails from time to time. It is normal to have times when you feel like you are not completely in control of your situation, but this is not where you want to stay forever. At some point you will hit a wall, make the decision to try something different and start pursuing a different path. Where should you start when it’s time to get back on track and regain control of your situation?

The first thing you may want to do is carefully evaluate the situation you find yourself in. If you’re “off the rails,” how did you get there? Where did you go wrong, and how could you have avoided the problem? Every misstep or failure is a chance to learn something, even if it means admitting you made a mistake. Thankfully, these lessons can help you grow and develop as you move forward.

Another step that can help propel you in the right direction is to begin to be proactive in your own life again. Instead of just reacting to things that happen, take steps to actually make things happen yourself. Choose to take the next step, fight for your goals and start making plans again. When you live in a state of reaction, you are always on defense. It’s time to start playing offense in your own life again.

Getting your life back on track will likely require you to change your mindset as well. Before you can move forward, you will have to change how you approach problems and chase new ideas. Mental blocks and a negative perspective may be holding you back more than you realize. With careful self-evaluation, you can identify specific steps that will allow you to get your life back on the rails.

By Meagan Kerlin for Vertu Marketing LLC

Do you dread group projects? Are you wary of having to work closely with others? Do you think you work best on your own? If so, you are not alone. Many people dread collaborating with others because of the assumption that not everyone will pull their own weight, and unfortunately, it can sometimes be a waste of time to try and coordinate with others, organize joint efforts and accomplish a singular goal with multiple people.

Collaboration can be a frustrating process, but it doesn’t have to be a waste of time. In fact, when it’s done well, collaborating with others can be a rewarding experience and opportunity for growth. To work with others in a way that is respectful of others’ time and successfully accomplish the intent of the collaborative work, the following steps may be helpful:

• Plan ahead of time the main points of the interaction, and outline how you think the project should go.
• Speak with participants ahead of time to discuss goals and remind each one of the purpose of your collaboration.
• Have a specific goal in mind, and go into the project with the intent of accomplishing that goal.
• Resolve to be respectful of others, listen well and discourage interruption when others are talking.
• Only collaborate with people who are mature enough to handle the difficulties of working closely with others.
• Be sure to collaborate with individuals who will share common goals and bring value to the project.

With preparation and careful consideration beforehand, collaboration does not have to be a waste of time. Don’t miss out on the opportunities and benefits that come with working with likeminded people simply because collaboration hasn’t worked for you in the past. With a new approach, collaboration can be a wonderful opportunity.

By Meagan Kerlin for Vertu Marketing LLC

When you are intentional about what you do, there is no such thing as a small or trivial effort. If you want to succeed, achieve your goals and navigate your career with purpose, one thing you will find beneficial is to establish habits that assist with your personal development and growth. Even small, productive habits can have a big payoff if you are consistent about establishing and implementing them.

Building good habits starts with an evaluation of what is truly important to you. What are your goals personally and professionally? What types of habits could help push you closer to your goals? Some of the following small yet effective habits could be good for you:

• Make it a habit to be an active listener, not just someone who is only listening to respond.
• Start working on ways you can become a better, more consistent communicator.
• Make it a point to keep learning. Read, educate yourself and take steps to increase your expertise.
• Set up systems that allow you to stick to your new habits consistently, setting you up for success long-term.

Personal growth is not always easy or simple. In fact, it can be frustrating to establish new habits, even if you understand how useful and important they are. There is no easy way out when working on better habits, but the payoff is significant.

There is no such thing as a small habit when it’s a good habit. Over time, small steps toward improvement and growth can have a major impact on your life. Don’t underestimate the potential long-term effect of new habits in your life. If you want to grow and develop, consider starting simply with better habits and more consistency in your efforts.

By Meagan Kerlin for Vertu Marketing LLC