by Clayton Jenkins

Created on: February 12, 2008

Tips for teens on starting their own business

I wish I had read this article a year ago. Why? Because a year ago I was launching a new car and boat detailing venture known as Premium Steam. If I had read this article a year ago as a seventeen year old entrepreneur, I probably could have prevented myself from making a lot of common mistakes. The funny thing about that is, as an entrepreneur, you don't get away from making mistakes, period. It's just how it works.

You will screw up. You will probably hate yourself from time to time, because it's hard. Having no boss and no schedule set in stone is nice, but it's hard. Don't believe me? Ok, start your own business this week. Yep, you heard me. I dare you to go out and make 10 sales by the start of next week. I would bet my life savings that the majority of the people that take on this bet won't complete the task. Why? Because they won't have someone breathing over their back to do it, and they will just simply put it off. It's always easier to push something aside than to just do it. Trust me, I would know. Ask me about my homework. So that point leads me into my first piece of advice for young entrepreneurs.

1 Create a schedule

One of my mentors once told me that if it's a good business idea, and you have the right personality for the job [entrepreneur], than you should be able to go out and make a sale within a week. I think he is absolutely right, however most people lack the organizational and execution skills required for this task. So set up a schedule! Set one major task for you to complete each day to help you move towards your goal. Don't be afraid to write down large goals, too. You are a CEO, you are the boss. So act like one, get busy!

2 Get psyched for work

Everyone loses gas. They slowly become less excited about their work, and eventually they become uninterested at the task at hand. I recommend writing down the reasons why you are in business, and perhaps listing a few bad experiences which will keep you motivated, and tape several copies where you will see them! Your shower, mirror, dashboard, DVD players, are all great places to place these documents. You will read them often and stay motivated.

3 Get all of your closed friends and family involved

Half of the fun is sharing your [business] ideas with your peers, and getting their opinion. This will also help generate excitement towards the idea, which is always a bonus. Plus it's nice to hear what others may think, considering they may share the opinions

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