This article from the NY Times calls attention to one of the largest sectors of growth in the world of entrepreneurial start-ups; those 55+.

More than five million Americans age 55 or older run their own businesses or are otherwise self-employed, according to the Small Business Administration. And the number of self-employed people ages 55 to 64 is soaring, the agency says, climbing 52 percent from 2000 to 2007…

A study by Babson College and Baruch College found that Americans age 55 and above started 18.9 percent of all businesses created in 2008, compared with 10 percent in 2001. The 55-and-overs are playing a larger role in entrepreneurship partly because the number of Americans in that age category is rising rapidly. “

Remembering the different communication styles of each cohort is critical to successful communication. Boomers starting their own businesses may muddy the water, adopting the styles of Gen Y as needed. Pew Research has a very in-depth article comparing generational communications styles and self identifying traits that helps provide insight into how to reach each cohort.

Segment your message and deliver it in the channel to which your customers are most attentive.