Forums: Discussions for entrepreneurs and small business.

I am an aspiring entrepreneur, I am 18 years old, I have a menial job that though it isn`t fast food it doesnt really meet my growing needs, I have no support from my family: when I metioned that I wanted to be an entrepreneur my parents immediately dissmised it and suggested going to school to be a nurse or a chiropractor. I have always wanted to be an entreprenuer and as naturally as I come up with business ideas/concepts I see no reason that I would fail. Except Money. I just moved out(I was "encouraged" by my folks to do so) and I can barely pay my mounting living costs, where am I supposed to find the funds for the business startups I have running around in my head? Should I really be a chiropractor, Is entrepreneurship just not in the cards for me, am I too young to get started? I would greatly appreciate awnsers to these questions plus any thoughts on my predicament.

While you may be low on the money portion, consider your other assets you do have available to yourself, like determination, ingenuity, time and youth.

 

So while you may not have funds for all of the business ideas running around in your head, you do have other assets for your use. It is simply a matter of coming up with the right idea to fit your current skills and assets. It also does not hurt to notice the skills you are lacking and go to college for them as well.

 

Just take the $10 in your pocket today and see what sort of entreprenurial activity you could undertake to make it worth $20.

 

 

aboveaveragejoe,

First, let me congratulate you on taking the first step- seeking knowledge. I encourage you to learn all you can. Seek input from those who have been there.

Secondly, I`ve encountered many a budding entrepreneur who told me that all they needed was money. Rarely were they accurate in their assessment. While capital is an important factor in building a business, a new company usually needs more - usually starting with a sound plan which should include a solid team.

You are never too young (or old) to start. You may have to begin on a small scale and grow gradually.

Don`t make your age your barrier. I`ve personally observed a 16 year old get funding.

 

All the best,

-------------------------

Business Growth Masters, LLC -
Capital Catalysts for Entrepreneurs
Home of the Scalable Business Plan and QuikStart Capital Programs
http://www.bizgrowthmasters.com
info@bizgrowthmasters.com

Here`s a thought....... why not post a listing in SuN`s marketplace where you can find partners for your project?  Here`s a link that will take you right to the `add a listing` page.  Or look for the tab named `Services` under the Startupnation logo and then go to `marketplace-feature your business` (or project).

There`s so much more to preparing yourself for business besides funding.  Have you checked out Step #1 of the 10 Steps to Business here at SuN?  Start with the life plan and work your way through the list.  You can also find this by following the `Step-by-Step Advice` tab under the StartupNation logo and then go to `Open for Business`.

Also, you may want to find other entrepreneurs in your area that you can meet with face to face.  This would provide a great learning/networking experience for you.  You may even be able to find a partner!  Check out an entrepreneur group near you at meetup.com.

Personally, I think you should get a decent job in the meantime.  You can always network and learn while you`re earning and you can work your own business on the side until you`re fully prepared and have adequate resources.

Hi Buddy,

Keep pushing through and you`ll be fine...truth be told, family members are the most difficult to accept appreciate our traits and abilities when it comes to "entrepreneurship". They only want what they "think" is best, while in many cases it actually hurts us.

Take your skills and abilities and make something out of them. While money is great to have, it`s not a necessity. Tap on "distant" family members and friends if you have a great idea -- put a plan of action together and make the pitch. Perhaps someone will see the vision -- if they don`t, keep on seeking others out.

Also, consider getting yourself a roommate if you don`t already to help cut down on costs and if it`s still tight with two of you, get yourself in a situation where you have 3 roommates if necessary...my mindset is one of do what I gotta do now to get the results -- nothing comes easy...you`re going to have to work at it.

The guy who ever said making millions was easy was a "liar" -- it`s a lot of hard work and in many cases, lots of disappointments, but those who stick it  through are the ones who are successful.

Cartess


-------------------------

Website Startup Coach: Step-by-Step Coaching to Help You Build a Profitable Business Online!

And the million dollar answer to your following question:

What To Do, What Not To Do?

Don`t give up!

-------------------------

Website Startup Coach: Step-by-Step Coaching to Help You Build a Profitable Business Online!

There`s an old saying from the entertainment business, having to do with how nobody`s famous at home. In fact, if you go back and watch that "On Golden Pond" movie, where the relationship between Henry Fonda and his daughter Jane was brought into play, there`s a similar sentiment.

Jane Fonda, talking to Katharine Hepburn (playing her mother in the movie) grumbles that everywhere she goes in her own life, people respect her, know her, think she`s marvelous. But when she comes home, she feels like a little kid again, trying to get approval.

It`s a sad fact that many parents are so personally invested in their own agenda, they simply don`t understand or recognize their own children as independent people. In some situations, parents are fantastic support people, and can launch a child to the highest peaks of success. But in just as many, parents can just about destroy their kids and take away all hope of any success.

You have to come to terms with the fact that you`re a separate person. You have your own mind, and whatever it is you want to do, it`s not because of someone else`s approval. Dream your dream, write it down, examine it to see how you can make it happen, then go do it.

Money isn`t the key to everything, particularly when you`re starting out as an entrepreneur. Many people "bootstrap" their business. That means they make 1 item, sell it, take the profits and make 2 items, or pay for extra materials. It`s hard, it takes a long time, and it`s a path heavy on the anxiety. But people do it because they want to be an entrepreneur.

Remember that old thing, "If all your friends jumped off a bridge, would you do it too?" Moms used to say this to their kids, when the kids argued that "everyone was doing it." Usually in regard to wearing makeup, staying out late, or some other kid thing.

Alright...now think about it: If your parents tell you you`re wrong does that mean you`re wrong? If everyone you know tells you that being an entrepreneur is a dumb idea, does that make it a dumb idea?

Ayn Rand has perhaps the most definitive rebuttal to all these kinds of arguments: "If a million people say something stupid, it`s still stupid!"
:-)