There has always been risk involved with starting your own business, becoming self-employed.  That risk is higher among those over 50, as their “prime income earning” years are waning.  However, with the slowdown in the economy, more and more baby boomers are seriously considering striking out on their own and starting their own businesses.

A recent study found that 21% of all workers who change careers after the age of 51 choose to become self-employed.  The term being applied to the current trend, involving older workers being laid-off due to downsizing and other factors, is “necessity entrepreneurship.”

It may be surprising to learn that, according to a another study, over the past decade more people between the ages of 55 and 64 started web-based businesses that those between 20 and 34.  This trend is expected to continue.

While necessity is the mother of invention, necessity is also the potential mother of financial independence.  More and more baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, are taking a more serious look at the possibilities of self-employment.

Baby boomers bring vast experience into a business.  Many of them have developed skills and expertise, which until now, have been used primarily to profit others.  Duke Professor Vivek Wadhwa, who studies entrepreneurs, says, “The more experience you have, the more likely you are going to be successful.  The average entrepreneur starts a company because they want to build wealth.  They are tired of working for other people, and they have ideas.”

Most business decisions can be boiled down to a simple “risk versus reward.”  It parallels that the greater the risk, the greater the reward.  The fact is that the Internet has made it possible to start a home-based business with a minimal investment.  As well, a web-based business can be located anywhere.

While more and more of the 50 and over crowd seriously consider their career options, many may feel that they have waited too long and that opportunity has passed them by.  In the age of the Internet, nothing could be further from the truth.  In particular, with the advent of social sites such as MySpace, Facebook, and Twitter, (often referred to as Web 2.0), social marketing possibilities are boundless.  Not surprising, the fastest growing segment on these social sites is baby boomers.

Thanks to the Internet and the ability it provides to connect with people all over the world, opportunity abounds.  Information – the very information that many baby boomers possess because of their experiences – have never been in greater demand.

Becoming self-employed takes effort, but that is not a barrier.  A strong work ethic is a common trait of those over 50.  Generally, work is not this issue.  The biggest question is simply, “How do I become self-employed?

Again, the Internet may provide the answer.  It has never been easier to obtain information, to learn new things.  Most community colleges now offer business and finance classes online, and many colleges and universities make it possible to earn a degree without ever leaving home.

There is also an abundance of free Internet training, especially pertaining to web-based businesses.  It is possible to learn everything one needs to know to set-up and run a profitable online business from the kitchen table.

However one decides to pursue their goals, it is clear that there have never been more affordable resources than right now.  Instead of worrying about when the economy might rebound, the time may be right act on that long-held and pent up desire to be the boss.  Now may be the best time , and seriously look at self-employment as an alternative to working for someone else.  In many ways, the time has never been better.

Necessity is once again proving a mighty force for change.

LifeLock Partners with MedFlash Personal Health Record Technology Company to Help it Keep Consumers’ Information Safe

Leader in identity theft protection offers discount on services to purchasers of the MedFlash memory sticks

TEMPE, AZ - In a medical emergency, doctors or medical technicians often have little time to work to help a person in distress, and the more details they can have at their fingertips, the better. MedFlash works to help in these situations by providing medical professionals with important records about a patient immediately. Due to a new partnership between MedFlash and LifeLock, the industry leader in identity theft protection, MedFlash users can take advantage of a discounted offer on LifeLock’s identity theft protection services.

The MedFlash device attaches to key chains or necklaces and hold vital medical records including blood type, allergy information, x-rays and additional information that can be helpful in a medical emergency. Through the partnership with LifeLock, those who purchase a MedFlash memory stick will be able to receive LifeLock’s comprehensive identity theft protection services at a discounted rate, including a 30-day trial period. The LifeLock discount offer applies to all new purchases of the MedFlash device, which can be found in many grocery and drug stores as well as online at www.med-flash.com. Consumers using the MedFlash device will still have access to the medical information on the memory stick while LifeLock’s services work to protect that personal information from identity thieves.

“Medical identity theft is growing at an alarming rate. At the same time, each of us are looking to provide doctors and hospitals easy access to vital information during an emergency,” said LifeLock CEO Todd Davis. “In time of a medical emergency, the last thing you want to worry about is an identity thief stealing your good name. But by joining forces with MedFlash, LifeLock is better able to provide peace of mind while those who are in the position to save lives can do just that.”

Based in Florida, Connectyx, parent company for MedFlash, faces one of the fastest growing identity theft markets in the United States. Listed as one of the top five states for the crime in 2008, according to the Federal Trade Commission’s 2008 report on identify theft, residents of Florida reported more than 24,400 cases of identity theft last year. According to that same FTC report, government documents and benefits fraud accounted for 18 percent of those cases, totaling just fewer than 4,500 in 2008.

“The safety of our users is our top priority, and it’s at the center of our MedFlash product,” said Ronn Schuman, Cennectyx President and CEO. “We are excited by our partnership with LifeLock and the ability it gives us to assure our customers that their personal information will be better guarded, yet available to the medical experts that can help them should they ever be faced with a medical emergency.”

About LifeLock®

Founded in 2005, LifeLock is the industry leader in proactive identity theft protection. The organization has a strong focus on educating consumers and working with law enforcement and elected officials to better understand the increasing threats of identity theft. A multiple award-winning organization, LifeLock has most recently been recognized as a Best Place to Work by the Phoenix Business Journal. LifeLock (www.lifelock.com) is a private company backed by Bessemer Venture Partners, Goldman Sachs and Kleiner Perkins Caufield and Byers.

About Connectyx Technologies Holdings Group Inc.

Connectyx Technologies (OTCPK: CTYX) provides products in the health care market which include its Personal Health Record, MedFlash™. The MedFlash product is an easy-to-use Personal Health and Lifestyle Record & Portal that is USB flash drive-enabled. MedFlash contains an emergency flash drive with a web portal and 24/7 emergency call center access that can contain the owner’s complete medical and key information. Stored MedFlash information can be accessed on any computer securely with complete privacy for the members. For more information, please visit www.connectyx.com and www.medflash.com.