Entrepreneurship is booming among boomers. Starting a business after retirement allows people to finally do something they are passionate about or something that can make a difference in the world. Perhaps on a flexible or part-time basis, too. Earning some kind of income is becoming a necessity for many people as traditional retirement becomes more elusive and lifespans are increasing. If you've thought about becoming an entrepreneur at this stage of your life, you may need some guidance on where to begin.

Below is an exclusive excerpt from the new book Raise the Bar, Change the Game by Brian Marcel. In the excerpt, Marcel provides valuable advice to help you get started. The book contains key lessons to help you sink or swim as an entrepreneur.

Excerpt from Chapter 2, Begin with a Plan

So, you’re desperate to be your own boss, but how do you make that transition from employee to self-employed? You want to make a difference in the world, but how and where do you start? If all the original ideas have been taken, how do you disrupt existing markets?

Why not borrow someone else’s idea and do what they do— but better? This leaves the playing field wide open and allows you to stretch your mind and imagination.

Start by taking a blank sheet of paper and writing down the things that you’re passionate about. You’ll have a better chance of being successful if you’re passionate about the subject because there will be many ups and downs and hard knocks that you’ll have to deal with over the years. Without passion and a strong belief in what you do, it’s easy to give up when the going gets tough.

At some point, you’ll probably present your idea to a friend, family member, or colleague who will pour cold water on it and say that it won’t work or that it’s been done before. These people give off negative vibes. They’re naysayers who’ve never built a successful company. Do NOT listen to them! Take to heart the immortal words of Sir Richard Branson: “Screw it; let’s do it!”

Belief in yourself and confidence are crucial. Ninety-five per- cent of people lack self-confidence, which means that only 5 percent have it. Self-confidence allows you to see the big picture and will motivate you to see things through and ignore the naysayers. You need a positive attitude.

Do not, however, confuse self-confidence with arrogance. Being arrogant is not a good characteristic.

I’m sure you’ve heard of the Law of Attraction, which states that if you put out positive vibes, the universe will respond and send back positive things and people. The opposite is also true: negativity begets negativity, so beware!

BRIAN MARCEL is the founder and Chairman of International Bar Code System (IBCS) Group, known for bringing the game-changing barcode technology to a part of the world in desperate need for change. Since its start in 1988, he has built the IBCS Group into the top enterprise mobility integrator in Central and Eastern Europe. With more than 35 years of hands-on, high-level senior and corporate entrepreneurial experience, Marcel—known as “Mr. Mentorvator”—has helped seven entrepreneurs become millionaires. His goal is to do the same for ten more people in the next five years.