Laurie Orlov, 58

Old career: Analyst at Forrester Research
New venture: Founder of Aging in Place Technology Watch

Orlov combined her professional expertise in the technology arena with her personal experience caring for her own mother to start a research firm analyzing the market for technologies that help boomers and seniors stay in their homes. Her smartest move? Launching a blog on aging-related tech issues, which has made her an authority in this booming business. Orlov also attends industry conferences to spread the word about her consulting business. "If I pick up a new client at every conference I attend, it is worth the registration and travel costs," she says.

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