When it comes to youth entrepreneurship, every child is different. Some kids are interested in changing the world with apps, games and technology, while others want to find better ways to go green, save the environment or sustainably source food. Regardless of their interests, children who become successful young entrepreneurs typically follow a similar journey. Though they may not have the same interests and goals, successful young entrepreneurs do generally require the same nurturing foundational experiences to achieve success.
Do you want your child to be a thriving young entrepreneur? Here are five simple key steps to success in youth entrepreneurship:
- Start early. Successful young entrepreneurs don’t wait around for a door to open—they make their own opportunities. Successful youth entrepreneurs start working as soon as they can, and break open doors where there are none. Instead of spending summers by the pool or out with friends, they take classes, participate in workshops, and work alongside mentors and professionals in their community. The ambitious young entrepreneur is always trying to further their skills, keep learning, and get their foot in the door as soon as possible. If your child wants to be a successful entrepreneur, encourage them to start working early. Forget planning for the future – start your future now.
- Take advantage of every opportunity. If you want to be successful in entrepreneurship, you have to take advantage of as many opportunities as possible. Take every chance you get to meet a new person in your industry or community. Enroll in classes or programs in your area that could further your skills. If your school offers an after-school club or organization that could further your career, get involved. Better yet, shoot for becoming the president! The more involved and active you are in your field, the more you’ll learn, grow and succeed.
- Don’t let limitations stop you. Naturally, you’re going to have some limitations. You probably won’t have as much time as you’d like—after all, you’ll still have to attend school, do homework, get your chores done and much more. You also won’t have access to the capital and resources a typical entrepreneur would have, nor will you have the connections that a seasoned professional would. Don’t let that stop you! Truly successful young entrepreneurs push past these limitations, and devise new, creative and innovative ways to achieve their dreams in spite of setbacks.
- Network, network, network. Networking is one of the most important aspects of youth entrepreneurship. Because most young entrepreneurs lack the capital and resources of their older counterparts, the right connections can go a long way. When you attend workshops and programs, get to know your professors and counselors, and be sure to stay in touch once you’ve completed your course. Reach out to professionals in your community, and see if any of them would be your mentor. If not, ask if they could simply sit down for a quick discussion about your career goals and ideas. It could be just what you need to get started!
- Always continue to grow. The best young entrepreneurs never stop learning and growing. Even when you’ve come up with your signature idea or made your award-winning product, it’s important that you remember to keep expanding your mind, picking up new skills and making new connections. You never know what opportunities await you until you open those doors.
If you want to encourage entrepreneurial learning and exploration in your child or students, check out the free lessons available on our website. It's completely free to choose a lesson and get started!
