Older Consultants and Professionals are More Successful as Startups

consulting startup
Older professionals are more successful as new consultants

Think you are too old to become a consultant, founder, solopreneur, or freelancer? Want to start consulting, but feel your age is holding you back? You could be wrong.

The latest research published in Harvard Business Review shows that unlike the myths of youthful entrepreneurs, most entrepreneurs are over 40 when they start, and the highest success rates come with the most experience, 50+ years of age.

Harvard Business Review, article
https://hbr.org/2018/07/research-the-average-age-of-a-successful-startup-founder-is-45

Take Aways

  •  Media, VCs, and PR give an unreal view of the ages of founders. 
  •  Research using U.S. Census Bureau data shows a picture different from the college aged founder. The average age of founders, after removing general small businesses, was 42. The average age in software was younger, 40, but in other industries it was closer to 47.
  •  Success, measured by employment and sales growth, was highest for founders who started at 45.

Action Items

  • Evaluate your odds of success with your experience in mind. 
  • Founders with three years experience in a narrow industry were 85% more successful.
  • Look to the assets you have that youth does not: experience, networks, financial reserves, …
  • Partner with VCs and funders who value the higher success rate that comes with experience. When they fund youthful entrepreneurs they may be trying to squeeze them for more financial leverage.

Learn More in the eBook on this Topic:

How to Start and Build an Independent Consulting Business

What is a Consultant?

Learn More in Blogs on this Topic?

Starting a Consulting Business Checklist

Are You as Satisfied as Most Consultants?

Secrets of High-Earning Consultants

 

Strategies, Tactics, and Tips for
Consultants and Independent Professionals

Stay up to date with the latest opportunities, strategies, tactics, and tips for
independent consultants and professionals.

We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.