In today’s society, we all have an obligation to be entrepreneurs, you have to ask how to create value for customers, how to run a better and more responsible business, you can’t just be a cog in the machine anymore, in contrast to that, not all the entrepreneurs are going to make it, but the ones that do are going to prosper and grow.
Some seem so simple we wonder why nobody thought of them before, others are so revolutionary we wonder how anybody could’ve thought of them at all. But those great ideas don’t come randomly, and that leaves a lot of would-be entrepreneurs asking the same question, How did everybody else get inspiration to strike and how can we work the same magic? Yet ideas for start-ups often begin with a problem that needs to be solved and they don’t usually come while you’re sitting around sipping coffee and contemplating life, they tend to reveal themselves while you’re hard at work on something else.
Great ideas are abundant, but it’s what we decide to do with them that counts. You know what the usually say, go big or go home, it’s that time whereby you must know your business strategies very well.
For many kids who want to be business owners, they have to wait until college to get a formal education in running their own enterprise, but it doesn’t have to be that way. In fact, it probably shouldn’t be that way. Becoming a successful business owner is a long arduous process, and providing children and teenagers with entrepreneurial tools at a young age can help them realize their dreams even if they later decide not to go into business.
Self-confidence, autonomy, a strong work ethic, ambition, empathy, and “an internal locus of control” are essential characteristics of an entrepreneur, giving them the drive and personal abilities to make their goals a reality. Entrepreneurship education is an effective tool for instilling these particular qualities in children. These programs reduce apathy in participants and increase their motivation to achieve success, which plays a significant role in motivating people to become entrepreneurs, particularly young women.
Entrepreneurship isn’t for everyone, but for the ambitious child, the benefits are many. Owning a business teaches kids risk taking, financial competency, communication skills and a host of other “real-life” skills. “Entrepreneurship education has even shown to improve academic attendance and attainment while building a child’s sense of self,”
Young entrepreneurs have less to lose and can be more fearless. They can also more easily start a small business on the side as an adult to earn more income, which also makes for more freedom.” Check out these tips to encourage your budding entrepreneur.
1) Match an interest with a need.
Six-year-old set up a table on the path leading to the nearby school to sell old toys. He didn’t get many takers, but one girl commented that she would love to buy hot cocoa or snacks on the way home from school. Child liked baking with his mom, so he took the girl’s advice and switched to selling homemade snacks. He had more business than he could handle.
2) Focus on customer service.
“Many adults still don’t understand the importance of quality customer service in a small business, so as a child, it’s definitely important to focus on,” he says. “Perform at a high level at all times, be punctual and courteous, and always thank your customers for their business. Teach your child how to communicate with clients politely and respond to emails and phone calls.
3) Keep it simple.
Encourage your little champ to start with one simple plan and execute it. You can always expand later, but it’s better to start small and build slowly than back out of a project that’s grown too large to handle.
4) Find support.
Talk with teachers, friends and business colleagues about your child’s ambitions. You never know where support will come from. Support comes in many forms, including financial backing, advice, used equipment or marketing tips. Encourage your child to learn from everyone.
5) Embrace failure.
Almost every successful entrepreneur has experienced a few failed ideas. If one endeavor bombs, try another one. Each experience offers valuable educational opportunities and hopefully some fun as well.
6) Market your product.
Word-of-mouth advertising is a great way to start. Make business cards and ask customers to spread the word about your business. With a little help, kids can design fliers or even create a website. The entrepreneurial spirit has nothing to do with whether or not you got good grades in school. This is more of a mindset that transcends the rules and regulations of a standard education.
Adults exposed to successful people may also discover their potential for a more fulfilling career and life. A successful entrepreneurial education is not about school; it is about life. In todays economy, it is vital that people receive a valuable education. Not JUST a general education from grade school or college, but a specialized education. In particular, an entrepreneurial education. I believe the first education (generalized) is important for the simple fact that basic skills are necessary to understand how to speak and write in complete sentences as well as how to count your money.
Many of our kids today want the money and the cars, and the dream lifestyle but in many cases aren’t shown the proper way to earn that. They aren’t taught that they first need to learn the importance of reading and math. And once they learn these skills, they need to figure out what they want to do in life.
Someone who thinks out of the box, a risk taker, who does not work for anyone rather he starts his own venture. He starts off with a small business and takes the responsibility of running it on his own. From basic idea to planning to investment to the beginning of the business, all is done by himself. He is a creator and designer as well.
If your child has all these abilities and the sparkle needed to become a successful entrepreneur then you should facilitate him emotionally, physically and financially as well.