Reflections: Aging in Modern America

The baby boomer reality: A major concern

The skyrocketing number of baby boomers or people born within the first ten to fifteen years after World War II, added to the huge numbers of senior citizens born prior to that time. This creates a major concern for modern America.

"Why is that a concern?" one might ask. "What is new or different now?"

Consider the following reasons:

Many baby boomers are already facing early retirement or retirement at age sixty five which is going to or is bringing about a decline in the work force.

The ratio of baby boomers to the younger generation, who will be expected to take care of them in the future, appears to be out of proportion. There is a far higher number of baby boomers than there is younger people.

With the advent of improved health and longevity, the number of years that baby boomers will require either short or long term care as they age, continues to rise.

Health care costs are already skyrocketing and are expected to continue to do so.

There are already major global concerns with respect to shortages, ie. oil, food and water.

The cost of living is skyrocketing everywhere.

Take a look at this scenario from a baby boomer's perspective and take these common sense factors into consideration, before anyone panics.

Many baby boomers do not see themselves as either wanting to or needing to retire early. Some baby boomers will remain employed for many years beyond retirement, if physically able and allowed to do so.

The baby boomers, who grew up in the post war years, learned a lot about survival that the younger generation has never needed to learn.

The majority of baby boomers, are realistic in terms of their short and long term expectations, because of the era in which they grew up.

While not all baby boomers are healthy, (but then not everyone else is either), a good majority have focused on staying healthy, as well as on living long and healthy lives, in a positive and constructive way.

It is the baby boomer generation and a lot of people prior to that time, who have been so successful in bringing about the technological, scientific, medical, as well as other advances that have made America what it is today.

Baby boomers, as well as others, have been seeking solutions to problems for many years. This is going to continue over time and many of the baby boomers will find their own answers and implement whatever changes are necessary for survival, through their own initiatives.

One must also ask "What baby boomers can do in order to ease the burden on the next generation?"

Why not begin to present the problem to the baby boomers and see what kind of answers they can come up with, after brainstorming together?

If you are a baby boomer, ask yourself "What can I do to avert a baby boomer crisis in the future?"

You might just be amazed at what your ideas might contribute to this aging with respect to modern America’s area of concern.

Time Management for Entrepreneurs

Timely tips on time management for baby boomer entrepreneurs

Developing time management skills is crucial for entrepreneurs and the success of entrepreneurial projects, regardless of where they are heading.

You, as an entrepreneur, are in control of your time whether you realize it or not! You have priorities, for example God, your spouse, your children, other family members or others. Maybe work is one of your major priorities. Perhaps it is a hobby of some kind.

Take a moment and look at what your priorities are, in the light of what they could be or should be. You can change your priorities, if you really desire to do so. Sometimes, it is a good idea to put your priorities in order.

You have exactly the same amount of time as everyone else in the entire world. What you choose to do with it, or how you allocate your time, will be a crucial factor in determining the final results of your entrepreneurial project.

It is a shock to realize that time is going to pass by, whether you choose to do something with it or not. Time will steal away a lot faster than you realize. All of a sudden, you may have to ask yourself, "Where has all the time gone? What did I do with it? What do I have to show for it?"

You, as an entrepreneur, can claim your time back. It is a valuable commodity and not intended to be wasted. Time is said to equal dollars. Make a practice of stating "This is my time!" Claim it back and then use it wisely. Do not waste it!

The proper allocation of your time is critical. How much time you are putting into your entrepreneurial project, may determine its ultimate success or failure. You can begin to budget your time right now, just like you budget your money. Learn to allocate a certain amount of time to accomplish one task and then, do the same with other tasks.

Look at how you spent your time today, in comparison with how you plan to spend it tomorrow or a week from tomorrow. Was your time used in a positive and constructive direction or in a negative and destructive direction? Make changes in the future accordingly, if you deem that be necessary.

Be realistic in terms of whether or not, you are a good judge of time. Do you tend to think in terms of minutes when doing something or is it in terms of hours? Do those hours fly by, while you think that it is only a few minutes that have passed?

Quite often conservation of time, results in conservation of energy, too. When time flies by, it is in minutes, hours, days, weeks, months and years. Look at your time in that light!

By saving time, you are going to save your energy too! Consider how much energy you have saved in any one period of time. Govern yourself accordingly and ask yourself what else you could do with that extra energy.

Look at all of the different kinds of time, for example, family time versus non-family time, leisure time versus non-leisure time and work time versus non-work time. Each one of these is important in your life, but are they in balance with each other? If not, that can be corrected.

Ask yourself, how much time you spend on rest and relaxation or sleeping. How many hours of sleep do you need to function at your best? Are you wasting all of your valuable time sleeping? Speak to your doctor about that, if this is the case.

Are dollars legislating your time or robbing you of valuable time? Improving money management skills can help you to save time. That time is valuable, so invest it in your entrepreneurial project. Ask yourself it you are a good time manager and if you realize that you may not be, seek advice from others, who you know are good time managers. Then follow their example.

Are you wasting time needlessly? Wasting time can be equated to wasting one's life. What is causing your time to be wasted?

Look at factors like fear and indecision. Are these acute or chronic problems, in your life and entrepreneurship? Perhaps you are bored and are wasting time because you are bored, rather than moving on to something higher, that presents an exciting new challenge for you. Look at all of the time that you are wasting and make changes accordingly.

Take a look at all of the time breakers, wreckers and destroyers in your life. Who or what is robbing you of all of your valuable time? Do you have continual good and bad interruptions? Are these people, pets, television programs or commercials, maybe telephone calls? How about telemarketing calls? You can begin to take control of these, once you realize that this is what is happening with your time.

Take a serious look your world every day and see if you have accomplished something that you intended to get accomplished. If not, ask yourself why not and change your future plans accordingly.

In other words, plan your days. They are yours to plan! Remember that if you think that you have time in a bottle that time is going to sail away, as if on a wave. Don't put your time in a bottle, toss it into an ocean and expect it to return to you either, because it may just disappear over the horizon.

Is time driving you and your entrepreneurial project or are you the one in the driver's seat? Is time driving you crazy? Remember that planning your time well, will save you time in the long run, but over-planning your time or being too exact in terms of a time frame, can become frustrating and ruin your time completely. Make certain that you do allow holiday time or travel time, because you deserve a reward, once in a while.

When you are setting a time frame for your entrepreneurial project, be realistic.

How long should it take? What can you do if you have over-extended that time frame? What other options do you have? If you have not met your own expectations, look seriously at why you did not meet them. 

Who, or what, is holding you and your project back? Does your completion date need to be adjusted? Is your actual job time appropriate for the remuneration that you will receive? Anything can be changed!

Remember above all else, that your time is precious, so are time management skills and so are you as an entrepreneur! Time management is important for entrepreneurs.

 

What Happens When Baby Boomers Retire?

Baby boomers will need cyber crime awareness

What happens when baby boomers retire is an intriguing question, as one begins to wonder what to expect. It would be impossible to address every single area of concern, but it is possible to address the need by baby boomers for cyber crime awareness.

Reality tells us that over the next couple of decades, there are going to be thousands of baby boomers, who will be learning computer skills, for the first time. While many of the baby boomers are aware of the unique benefits or advantages of computers, others have not become computer literate yet.

Cyberspace (used as a synonym for the Internet) and online correspondence by e-mail, may feel new and strange to them. Many baby boomers may not be aware of the extent of cyber crime through the use of e-mail and its potential impact on them, as well as on other members of society.

Address the new terminology that the baby boomers should know, for their own protection, when learning how to correspond via e-mails.

Scam is a term that most people are familiar with, as it is a con or a scheme that results in a person being swindled. This results from the con artist obtaining the confidence of the victim. An Internet scam is no different, other than the fact that it is done online. (1)

Spam or spamming involves an abuse of the electronic e-mail system by sending out unsolicited mass or bulk e-mails. This may include other media like blogs, phone messaging and instant messaging. It is an inexpensive way for a spammer to send out many messages, at very little cost. (2)

Spoofing describes fraudulent e-mail that has the sender's address or heading changed in such a way as to alter the origin or source of the e-mail. It is used in spam e-mail. (3)

Phishing is a criminal and fraudulent attempt to obtain information, by acquiring sensitive information, like usernames and passwords or credit card information, by claiming to be a legitimate entity in an electronic or online communication. (4)

Baby boomers need to be aware that cyber crime is on the increase and Internet regulation, at this time, is minimal, which places any baby boomer just learning about the Internet, in a vulnerable position with respect to e-mail communication.

A scam e-mail suggests there is something happening that is too good to be true. In this case, it probably is not true and you will lose whatever capital you choose to invest, in this type of fraudulent enterprise.

On the other hand, a spam e-mail could advise you that you have just won a lottery worth several million dollars. You would be requested to submit your personal information to a specific e-mail address. In doing so, you expose yourself to identity theft.

Spoofing is a computer security issue, with fraudulent e-mail imitating a real e-mail.

Phishing suggests that a person's actual account may have been compromised and a request is made for the personal or financial information that is on that account.

Baby boomers need to be aware that they do not have to respond to any of these e-mails. If there is any question about the source of an e-mail, it should not be opened or responded to, in any way. This is a form of cyber abuse by predators and should be reported to the authorities. The e-mail should be deleted, as it may contain a virus.

Many of these e-mails appear similar in script and format, with only the names, phones numbers and e-mail addresses changed. A number of them will appear to originate from the same part of the world. They may contain what appears to be legal terminology. Some of them will be an appeal for compassion. They will demand money and may be abusive or become abusive, in the future, if you do reply to them.

When you receive an e-mail that has a heading in capital letters, it may represent something that is or will be, potentially threatening in nature. Some of the e-mails will include passport pictures. They may suggest large inheritances, a request for you to invest their money for some benevolent cause, potential partnerships or relationships, offers for employment and time shares.

Many will suggest setting up an offshore bank account or advise you to make a future visit to some country, in order to pick up large amounts of money. References may to specific delivery companies, who you are advised to contact. Do not telephone any of the telephone numbers, as you may incur major telephone charges. Do not set up bank accounts, agree to visit any of these places or call the delivery companies.

Be aware that by responding to these kinds of e-mails, it only encourages the predators to continue. Cyber crime does need to be addressed, as it represents a major concern for the wellbeing of baby boomers and others.

Regulation and self regulation are two different ways that cyber crime can and will be addressed, controlled or hopefully eliminated in the future. Cyber crime awareness is important to baby boomers and others.

(1) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scam

(2) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spam_%28electronic%29

(3) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E-mail_spoofing

(4) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phishing

Women Entrepreneurs and Franchising

Franchises and franchising for baby boomers

"Wanted: female entrepreneurs (franchises for women over fifty five)".

If you saw a sign like this on the Internet, you might think that you are the person they are looking for. Female, fifty five years of age and interested in entrepreneurship. This  might be your golden opportunity. Matching a fifty five year old female with a perfect franchise or a business opportunity, can present a challenge.

"Don't let an opportunity slip by, as it may never come again." (Chinese proverb)

Different kinds of franchises:

"Is there more than one kind of franchise?"

There are three different kinds of franchises. ie. government franchises, business franchises and political franchises. A fifty five year old female may be interested in purchasing a business franchise.

Defining the word Franchise:

"Define franchise for me, please?"

"Authorization granted to someone to sell or distribute a company's goods or services, in a certain area." (1)

The entrepreneur receives a license from a corporation allowing her to sell or distribute goods or services, in a designated area.

Understanding franchises:

"What are franchises?"

"A business or group of businesses established or operated under such authorization." (2)

This is an actual business or a number of businesses set up to operate as franchises. These allow the person who has purchased the franchise, for a fee, to market a product or service and to receive a percentage of the gross sales. The company assists with advertising and merchandising.

Franchise opportunity:

"What is a franchise opportunity?"

A franchise opportunity may offer the following to the franchisee: a recruitment program, a training program, assistance with developing the business, support from head office, a functional business plan and a product or service currently in demand.

How to learn more about franchise opportunities:

"How do I find out more about franchise opportunities?"

The web site www.franchiseopportunities.com is an information web site about franchises.

Another site, more specific, with respect to franchise opportunities for women is http://www.franchisesforwomen.com. Here, women are assisted in finding their ideal franchises and encouraged to become involved.

Franchises for sale:

"Where can I find franchises for sale?"

FranchiseGator, a subsidiary of Microsoft, promotes a web site on franchises, that are safe and specific for women.

https://www.franchisegator.com/Selector/womens-franchise-opportunities/

*Franchise business and franchising:

"How do I know that the franshise business is legitimate?"

The Federal Trade Commission discusses regulation of franchise and business opportunities on http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/franchise/netfran.shtm

This website is designed to protect consumers, including women purchasing franchises. Browse this web site prior to investing, as making any purchase should be a buyer beware scenario. Appropriate research is recommended.

(1) http://education.yahoo.com/reference/dictionary/entry/franchise

(2) Ibid.

The Importance of Having Self Esteem When Searching for a Job

The self esteem of baby boomers: Beginning a new job search

While there are many baby boomers reaching retirement age in the near future, a number of those people do not want to retire, for one reason or another. Age does not seem to be a good reason to retire, even though retiring may appear to be a viable option.

Others may need to continue working for financial reasons or have the desire to reach a particular financial goal in life. Some may wish to continue to work for something to do with their time or for enjoyment.

Some people just like working. These people may have to begin a new job search. Maybe it involves a job change because of age, physical limitations or a disability.

How does beginning a new job search affect one's self esteem?

Self has to do with one's entire personhood. It involves factors like character or behavior, one's physical body and emotions, as well as thoughts and sensations. This is what constitutes one's individuality and identity.

Esteem has to do with worth or value. When a person esteems something, he or she forms an opinion or makes a judgment about it. In other words, he or she will assess it or appraise it, in some way and then, assign an arbitrary value to it.

Self esteem refers to how a person assigns or places a value on his or her own self or entire personhood, as a whole.

When a baby boomer has to begin a new job search, his or her self esteem may be at an all time low. One's self esteem is often adversely affected by forced retirement. In other words, the person may perceive himself or herself, in a negative light. This happens for many different reasons, some of which are personal in nature. Others can be more work related or may have to do with the expectations of others, including former co-workers, family and friends.

Assigning oneself a low self esteem is not uncommon or unexpected, when retirement or job loss is involved. The majority of people do this to some extent, because jobs appear to determine a sense of worth, at least to some degree. Lose that job for whatever reason and one's self esteem spirals in a downward direction. But, does it need to happen that way? No, it does not.

The question that has to be asked, is where and how does one begin a new job search?

A job search can appear to be an exercise in futility, at any time, not just when a baby boomer is going through a period of transition. Is it really? Not necessarily. In many ways, transition is more akin to opening a new doorway in life. Every time one door closes, another door opens. That can be perceived as frightening or it can be exciting. A lot depends upon one's self esteem and attitude towards change.

There are a number of factors to take into consideration.

First and foremost, a person's job does not define his or her life, even if he or she thinks that it does. This may surprise a few people, but when one thinks seriously about it, he or she will realize that this is true.

To prove it, anyone can draw a circle that constitutes all of the different aspects of his or her life, including family and friends, interests and hobbies or what he or she is passionate about. Then, that person can cut out the one segment that represents his or her job. In comparison to one's actual entire life, it is probably not going to be a large segment. There are many other aspects of life to take into consideration.

Be aware that a person can change his or her life at any time, whether or not one is a baby boomer. No one is obligated to remain in one job for a lifetime, in spite of the many pressures to do so. It totally shocks people when someone changes occupation in mid-stream.

Change is always a valid option. People become too accustomed to seeing a person in one role. They think that one particular jacket is the only one that person could or should ever wear and whether or not it is worn out, has been outgrown or whatever, they will insist on having that person wear it, virtually forever. Life does not work quite that way.

Guess what! Every person can change his or her jacket by virtue of being a baby boomer.

A person always has some kind of potential, whether recognized by others or by oneself. Each man or woman has the potential for success, within his or her grasp. Sometimes, it is just a matter or reaching out and grasping on to it.

Perhaps while a person is searching for a new job, it becomes increasingly apparent that there are no job opportunities available in his or her field or area of expertise.

This can happen for many different reasons. The world is changing rapidly and the needs of the world are changing at a tremendous pace. The secret of survival lies in changing with the world. The big question is whether the baby boomer can change, with the times. In reality, anyone can change although most people do not like change. It goes beyond one's immediate comfort zone.

It also becomes a matter of exploring one's options and deciding which are appropriate and which are not. The entrepreneurial spirit prevails and self employment is always a viable option. Anyone can create his or her own new job by deciding what he or she would like to do. That is the first step.

If you are the baby boomer, ask yourself what you are good at doing? What are you already doing that you could possibly turn into some sort of a new business?

Taking a serious look at different types of work, should be with an eye open to the future, in the light of the reasons why a transition is necessary or required. Sometimes this is age related, but not always. It may have to do with education, training that is needed or maybe there is a disability of some kind that implies restrictions or limitations.

Another type of work may involve an upgrade of some kind. Ask yourself if the upgrade options are open to you. Are they realistic? If not, why not? Are they right for you at this time and suitable for your future? Remember to take location into consideration.

Look at a new job search as presenting a fresh challenge to you, possibly a learning experience, some fun and a chance to meet new people.

Don't let the age factor ever frighten you. Sure, you are a baby boomer and you are aging, but everybody else is getting older, at the same time. Your years have given you wisdom far beyond those who are younger than you are. They may need your wisdom, whether they realize it or not.

Remember that you always have a much better chance of achieving success with a positive attitude, so happy job hunting. Look at yourself in the mirror and remind yourself every day that you did not get to where you are without some struggles. You do how to cope with almost anything.

Do a serious self esteem evaluation. Is it positive or negative?

Baby boomers, remember to love God and others, but love yourself, as well.

God loves you, so hold yourself in high esteem.

Tips for a Safe Road Trip

Safe road travel tips for baby boomers

Change is always happening in our world, so baby boomers making road trips need to be aware of any changes before starting out. Safety issues are important, particularly when long road trips are being planned. 

Many baby boomers may have been too busy working to do much, if any traveling, or to take any recent long road trips. When one goes back out on the road for the first time in many years, it is amazing to see all of the different kinds of changes that have taken place.

Here are some tips for safe road travel for boomers.

Plan your road trip ahead of time by creating an itinerary. It may be a good idea to watch some current dvds on road travel and safety, first. It might be possible to find one or two documentaries about your proposed destination. Try to obtain and read current travel brochures, before making a definite decision about your destination.

Make certain that someone will have a copy of your itinerary before you leave, so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency or so that no one panics because he or she does not know where you are or where you are going.

Purchase some current, appropriate road maps. You may be able to obtain these at no cost from your local store or garage. Be aware that the ones you used twenty years ago may have a lot of changes.

If possible, do not travel long distances on the road by yourself, particularly if you are a woman and are heading through areas, where there may be possible problems. If you do have to travel through these areas alone, do so with caution and travel during the daytime, rather than at night. Keep your doors locked, at all times and do not pick up strangers along the way.

Plan your travel route well. Determine the most appropriate route to take and then, find out if the highways and roads, that you may have traveled before and may still want to travel, are viable options. There may be new changes or detours on these highways or freeways. Consider possible alternative routes. Brand new freeways or highways may be much easier for you to travel, even though you may not be familiar with them yet.

Create a list of things that you are going to need and use, while on your road trip. Post it where you can add other things that you think you might need, as you get ready to make your road trip. Start with your basics first and then add the extras.

Consider the cost of hotels, motels, meals, gasoline and oil and weigh it against other kinds of travel. Remember that the cost of gasoline is escalating rapidly and there may be unexpected fuel shortages, along the way. Make certain that you take along extra money in case it is needed, and that you keep it in a safe place.

Find out ahead of time, the approximate locations of gas stations, so that you do not run out of fuel and there are no surprises, along the way. It is a good idea to take a gas can with a tight fitting cap for long distance road travel, just in case.

Look seriously at the anticipated amount of traffic that you can expect, as you may or may not be accustomed to driving on freeways, in heavy traffic. If you are concerned about the amount of traffic that you may encounter, consider not driving during rush hour. Traveling early in the morning or later on in the evening can be easier, than between seven to nine o'clock in the morning or four to six o'clock in the evening, especially if you are going through a large city.

Vehicle safety is important when you are on a road trip. Have a safety check done on your vehicle, ahead of time and arrange to have it serviced properly before you leave. Make certain that you have had your tires checked and that the air pressure in them is correct. Your ride will be much smoother if your wheel alignment is correct and you have the right air pressure in your tires.

A spare tire, or an extra spare tire is a good idea for long road trips. Check the pressure on those, too. Take along a container of water for your radiator, as you may need it, if the weather is hot. Make certain that your vehicle has emergency supplies and equipment, including a tire jack and pump.

Insurance coverage is important. Make certain that your vehicle does have appropriate insurance coverage for its full value, as well as for extras, like towing in an emergency, replacement rental vehicle costs, unexpected servicing charges or hotel and motel costs.

If you are going outside of the country, make certain that you have obtained a valid passport and have met health requirements for that country.

Personal health coverage is important. Remember that your health care coverage may be sufficient where you live, but in a different area, the coverage may not apply. Find out what your coverage is ahead of time.

Medication is one aspect of your road trip that must be assessed appropriately before you travel. Make certain that you have sufficient medication for your entire trip, as you may or may not be able to obtain it somewhere else. Take along extras, if you have exceptional or unusual medical needs.

Look seriously at possible emergency situations, that could happen, including getting lost or stranded. Create a plan of action, just in case.

Taking basic camping equipment along on a long road trip is a good idea, when you are heading into wilderness country. Have a sleeping bag and pillow for each person. Even one small tent is better than being forced to sleep out in the open. Make sure that you do carry matches with you, just in case you need them and find out any regulations for campfires, ahead of time.

A couple of extra flashlights or emergency lighting is a good idea. There are many different kinds of outdoor solar lighting that are relatively inexpensive and compact, that you can take with you.

Clothing should include whatever might be needed for either good or bad weather, as well as for special occasions. A good raincoat is something that you might need, while an umbrella might be less practical. Pack emergency clothing in a second piece of luggage, just in case your car is robbed or you lose your suitcase. 

Remember to carry extra boots or shoes, just in case. A sunhat and long sleeved cotton shirt is a good idea if it going to be hot.

Remember that there are weather changes happening all over the country and having a radio for weather alerts is a good idea. Take extra batteries along for your radio or cell phone. Be prepared for sudden rain storms, high winds or extremes in temperature.

Stock your first aid kit well before you leave, because in the wilderness, it may be something that you need. Make sure that you keep it where it can be accessed easily. Don't forget to include some sunscreen or sun block of some kind.

Find out what your speed limit should be in different areas that you intend to visit. Plan to drive within the speed limit, as you don't want to accumulate traffic tickets, along the way.

Clean, safe drinking water is important, as changes in water can affect your health quickly. A container can be filled with ice at a gas station to keep food and drinks fresh and cool. It can be used for washing hands and faces, at a later time.

A thermos is always a good item to travel with, as it can be easily filled along the way. So are disposable dishes and silverware, as you may not have clean water to wash your dishes. Good travel mugs can prevent burns from hot coffee or tea.

If you are going a long distance, taking a couple of collapsible chairs and a small table that can be folded, is a good idea, so that you can picnic anywhere along the way and don't have to eat while sitting on the ground.

Packing canned food is something that you might like to do, particularly if you are going into an area where you may not be able to purchase fresh food. It will be safe to eat, while cold cuts and chicken have a short time span in which they can be used. Avoid taking foods that you know will spoil and focus on ones that you like to eat.

Packing a small backpack full of quick wash-up items works well and helps you to stay clean and fresh. Toss in a towel and washcloth and you will be glad that you did. Make sure that you have a quick change of clothing, in case you need it.

Pack your vehicle in such a way that you can access whatever you need the most, or might be needed in an emergency, immediately.

Keeping a diary of your trip will help you to stay on your schedule. Document any problems or difficulties encountered.

Plan sufficient time for everything that you want to do, so that you do not feel rushed or stressed out. After all a road trip is to be enjoyed and not endured.

If you are planning on fishing, obtain your license before you leave. Make sure you have the right fishing gear and that it is safely packed.

If you are taking bicycles, a kayak or a canoe, make certain that they are well secured with either ropes, or chains. Taking life jackets for boating excursions might be something you want to consider, if that is on your agenda.

Pack a good camera with lots of film and you will be able to re-live your road trip time and time again. With any luck, you will have a wonderful safe trip.

How to Make a Living as a Poet

Tips for baby boomers: It is possible to make a living as a poet

Yes, it is possible! You can make a living as a poet. With all of the baby boomers entering retirement in the immediate future, it becomes increasingly apparent that there will be many people seeking to do something new and different with their time. Writing, marketing or selling poetry appears to be a lucrative venture, which many may attempt as a way of supplementing their incomes. But, the question of whether or not it is logical, possible, or even feasible, depends upon how one goes about it.

Here are some tips for baby boomers who are planning to make a living as poets.

Find out how to market your poetry. Be aware that most poets are writers, rather than marketers or people who know how to market poetry. Taking a course in marketing first, might be of tremendous benefit to someone seeking to sell their poetry, in order to earn a living.

Your poetry is your own creation and it should be acknowledged, as such. Once it has been placed on the market, anyone can claim ownership of it or try to sell it. Thus, copyright is important. Learning about copyright laws and how they apply to poetry, will to be to your advantage. Once you have written a piece of poetry, you retain the original author's rights for it, but there may be other kinds of copyright involved, depending on what you choose to do with your work.

Poetry does have value, so you need to determine what your poetry is worth to you. That is not just in terms of sentimental value, although that can be part of it. It should include a dollar value, as well. Assign a dollar value to your work, either as individual pieces or as an entire collection of your works.

Decide in what format you are going to market your poetry. Its value may vary depending upon how choose to you market it. For instance, if you choose to frame your poetry for someone, make certain that you are including the cost involved for framing, glass and matting,. when you are setting a price on it. You should be making a profit and not incurring a loss. A good rule of thumb when fixing a price on it is to triple your cost.

Custom poetry is written upon request and can be assigned a definite dollar value, prior to the time that it is written. Before writing custom poetry, make certain that you have established a firm market value for it. If possible, obtain a written agreement with the person, organization or company for whom you are writing the poetry. Include your writing time, plus printing, framing, or other anticipated costs. Don't forget to include the tax portion of it. Again, it is up to you to decide how much it is worth. Keep in mind that if you do set your 

price too high, you may lose your market, so you do want to keep the price competitive.

Self publication (also known as vanity publishing) of poetry is a logical and feasible way to make money with poetry. Consider this as a viable option for making a living, but remember to do research into the actual cost involved first. You do not want to invest a lot of money, unless you can expect a reasonable return on your investment. Remember it has to be sold before you will receive any return from it and so this is a marketing venture, as well.

Finding an outside publisher may be a viable option for you. Do research on the Internet, at your local book store or library. Find out who is buying what in terms of poetry. Learn exactly what kind of poetry they are interested in purchasing. Make direct contact with a publisher, if possible. Ask questions. You may be expected to submit copies of your work and that can involve extra cost for you. It is possible for you to submit poetry via direct file transfers from your computer or by e-mail. If you have access to a CD burner, you can put your poetry on a CD and submit it to a publisher that way. Or, you could market and sell your own poetry CDs. Make certain that you always have a copy of your own work.

Making contact with other people or groups of people, will enhance your market. Let people know that you are writing poetry, as well as the kind of poetry that you are writing. Make certain that they are aware that you are marketing and selling your poetry, rather than just writing it as a hobby or pastime.

Mentoring or teaching others to write, market or sell poetry might prove to be a good source of income for you. At the same time, you will be doing something that you love to do.

Offer to do poetry readings for events, or special occasions. Even family birthday parties, weddings, or other special occasions, can give you an opportunity to advertise your work. Word of mouth is always a good way to do marketing.

Try to publish some of your poetry in bulletins, flyers, brochures, magazines, books or anthologies, but make certain that if you are expecting to be paid for it, that this is part of your agreement, prior to the publication of your work. There are many places where you can have poetry published for free. While free publishing does not earn any income for you, it does give your writing some exposure.

It never hurts to give away a piece of poetry or two. When you do that, many times, it will return to you a hundred fold, sometimes in other ways. This kind of payment may not be monetary, but people do get paid in many different ways.

Try entering international, national or local contests to see how your poetry stands in comparison to the work of others. Sometimes, there are monetary awards, but not always. Some pay in terms of publishing contracts. You might be lucky and wind up with a publisher, who finds you and your poetry through these contests.

Create or design an exclusive new product for your poetry. Use it, post it or even wear it, where others can see what you have created or designed. Soon you may find that you have established a viable market for your product and your poetry. You can then do creation and distribution on demand, if indicated. Set your own price, but make certain that it is a profitable venture for you.

Gather a group of poets and brainstorm together. Even if you cannot afford to publish your own work, a group of poets may be able to bring a project into fruition. Making online contacts with other poets will allow you an opportunity to find out how they are succeeding at making a living by selling their poetry.

Find or appoint an agent who has known marketing skills. Have him or her contact every place where poetry can be sold. Greeting cards companies, magazines or newspapers, radio or television stations and internet web sites, may be a few of the valid options open for your consideration.

Consider starting your own poetry business as an entrepreneur. Create a feasible business plan. Seek guidance from a bookkeeper or an accountant. Register your own business name or company. Begin to advertise your business and your poetry as a viable product. Any poet can also become an entrepreneur.

See if you can find your own niche for poetry, eg. children's poetry or poetry that deals with a specific topic of some kind, like nature, birds or flowers.. To some extent, you may be creating your own job. It will take a bit of ingenuity on your part. Perhaps you are an eclectic poet and can tap into more than one market.

By becoming an Internet poetry publisher for your own work and that of others, you will more than likely achieve some degree of success. You may have to learn new skills first, in order to do that, but expand your horizons.

Remember that if any other poet can succeed, a baby boomer poet can succeed too. You may already be well on the way to making a living as a poet, if you have written a body of works that are of good quality. You can succeed at earning a living by writing, marketing and selling your poetry, so have the courage to try.