What do you think when you hear the word ‘entrepreneur’? Which is the image that comes in your mind?  For most of the people, it is a guy in his mid-twenties, wearing a simple t-shirt and jeans trying to achieve something extraordinary. This assumption is probably because some of the famous entrepreneurs like Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg started at a very young age. But age is just a number isn’t it?

Volatility in technology and growing social media landscape are some the reasons that have siphoned the confidence from some great entrepreneurs and has exposed them to the thinking that they’re “outdated” or “not good enough.” It is important to understand that the idea of entrepreneurs being young is nothing but a stereotype. Entrepreneurship is all about giving wings to your dreams irrespective of your age. Founder of famous food chains such as McDonald’s, KFC started their carrier when they were over 55.

It is never too late to be an entrepreneur rather entrepreneurship in mid-age comes with a certain advantage. Here are a few advantages of starting late in entrepreneurship.

Wider Network

Networking is one of the most important factors that strengthen and support entrepreneurship. As professionals spend ample amount of time in the industry, they have established a network where they have contact with all kind of people. For entrepreneurs, the right contact is as important as business itself. Young entrepreneurs have struggled to find the right people whereas seasoned professionals do it easily.

Knowledge and Experience

Whether it’s the understanding of customers, business environment or the skills and handling staff, all businesses require an extensive pool of knowledge and experience. Compared to young entrepreneurs, these people have more experience and knowledge of the market and consumers. When such people pursue entrepreneurship, the job is easy as compared to the young ones who are trying to learn everything.

Different Mindset

Young entrepreneurs mind is ocean which is flowing with new ideas every day. Every new idea that pops into mind they see as an opportunity. On the other hand, mid-age entrepreneurs understand the concepts of business model and work accordingly. They have a more focused approach which is important in entrepreneurship.

Investments

Investment is one of the biggest problems faced by young entrepreneurs while the late pursuers of entrepreneurship have the opportunity to save money for their venture to start. They are a more presentable in market in order to get more investment from others. Thus the availability of investment makes entrepreneurship feasible for late pursuers as compared to young entrepreneurs who have no such investment.

It’s Your Turn

The great Greek Stoic, Epictetus said: “First say to yourself what you would be, and then do what you have to do.” The only thing required in entrepreneurship is the will to transform ideas into reality. If one is thinking about giving up on the dream of becoming successful entrepreneur just because of age, it might be time to think again.