The world is slowly waking up and realising that the entrepreneurial spirit chooses no age or gender! With the likes of Audrey Gelman, Emily Weiss and Greta Thunberg out there doing their thing, there is no denying that entrepeneurs and game changers are getting younger and younger. But being so young and at times inexperienced in both life and business, the youth who choose to go into business may make some mistakes. Here is our fifteen – step guide through those hard times.
- Give yourself permission to grow and pivot along the way
Many entrepreneurs point to mistakes as being their best teacher. When you learn from your mistakes, you move closer to success — even though you initially failed. Success is 80% mindset, 20% strategy - Creativity is your secret weapon
Turns out, tapping in to that creative energy can actually improve your work life. The theory of cognition postulates that being creative is actually a basis for human life. Basically, being creative is pretty important! - Follow your gifts
There’s no doubt that running a business take a lot of time. The only way to be satisfied in your life is to do work that you truly believe in. - Don’t listen to your ego’s excuses; comparison, complaining or doubt
Believe that you can succeed, and you’ll find ways through different obstacles. If you don’t, you’ll just find excuses. - Focus on the problem you’re solving not how many problems you think you have
An entrepreneur is someone who has a vision for something and a desire to create it. Keep your vision clear at all times. - Find a mentor
Being successful often means learning from those who have already achieved their goals. Having a mentor is an amazing blessing to an entrepreneur. - Face your fears
Overcoming fear isn’t easy, but it must be done
@mohamidkaaki - Take action
The world is full of great ideas, but success only comes through action. - Learn from mistakes
Many entrepreneurs point to mistakes as being their best teacher. When you learn from your mistakes, you move closer to success — even though you initially failed. Bill Gates once said that your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning. - Spend wisely
When you spend money on your business, be careful to spend it wisely. It’s easy to spend too much on foolish things and run out of capital too soon. - Know your goals
Having the end in mind every day ensures you’re working toward it. Set goals and remind yourself of them each day. - Do the time
No one succeeds immediately, and everyone was once a beginner. - Show up and follow up
This is the most basic—and powerful—reminder for new entrepreneurs. Show up to meetings and events, especially if they’re optional. You never know what’s going to happen, when it’s going to happen, and where it’s going to happen. - Move fast
There’s so much ground to gain when you first start out. The early stages are important in business because you’re learning if people actually are interested in what you have to offer. Move as fast as you can to learn as much as you can. - You don’t have to fake it until you make it
One of the challenges new entrepreneurs grapple with is their identity. Should you fake it ‘til you make it? Should you act bigger than you really are? The best thing to do when starting out is not being afraid to tell people that this is a new business. Clients who appreciate the honesty will be more lenient with you as you learn the finer details of running your business.
Remember it’s ok if your family or friends don’t understand yet … show them. Goodwill goes a long, long way.
Text by Peigi Mackillop
