7 answers
Betsy
Student
Norwalk, California
2
Questions
Asked
923 views
How should I start my business ?
I’m 13 and want to start a business how should I start and what are some things to keep in mind I am homeschooled and am have lots of free time however I will return to school when I am 15 what should I do?
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7 answers
Sangita Dutta, MBA, PMP
Finance Lead
2
Answers
Princeton, New Jersey
Updated
Sangita’s Answer
Wow I am so impressed that you are already thinking about a business at 13.
First and foremost, maybe try to figure out what type of business you would be interested.
Second, try to identify what all must be true for you to start your business.
- How much money is needed?
- How do you start a website?
- How do you get customers?
- Who do you need for help?
- Figure out whether you want an ecommerce / physical store
- Understand the financials and how to set up payment schemes
I wish you lots of luck.
First and foremost, maybe try to figure out what type of business you would be interested.
Second, try to identify what all must be true for you to start your business.
- How much money is needed?
- How do you start a website?
- How do you get customers?
- Who do you need for help?
- Figure out whether you want an ecommerce / physical store
- Understand the financials and how to set up payment schemes
I wish you lots of luck.
Brenda Baugh
Career & Employer Relations Specialist
25
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Brenda’s Answer
This is a great idea. There are many things you can do to start a business. My friend's daughter began at 9 years old. She makes jewelry. She is quite good. She has an Etsy store where people pay her for custom-made items. She is paid through a Venmo account and she uses the money to prepare for college and even set up an investment account with the help of her parents of course.
It depends on whether you are offering a service or a product. If you are offering a service, use social media to help drive business. Create some videos for Instagram or TikTok. In all of this, I highly recommend that you don't do anything without your parents' consent and help. There are a lot of tricksters that will try to take advantage of you. So beware. You should also look into filing a status of LLC with your state's Secretary of State to legitimize your business name. Make up and design a logo and get it out to your potential customers. Have your parents and friends share the links with their friends and co-workers. This is how you will drum up business.
There are several things you can do, but don't get so driven by money that it becomes your goal. Be driven by the growth process learn about business and prepare for your future. In all of this don't ever skimp on school. Set limits on yourself for the time you will spend running your business. School should always come first. There is also a time to simply be a kid and have fun with your friends. Along the way, there will be haters. Think like Taylor Swift, haters are gonna hate. It's okay. Not everyone is a dreamer or knows how to turn dreams into reality. My last bit of advice. The greatest millionaires have one thing in common. They donate part of their profits or their time to others. Pick a charity and give back to them consistently. The more you give, the more will be given to you. Put into the world what you want to receive. This is a good adventure for you to take (again with parents permission and help). I wish you the best!
It depends on whether you are offering a service or a product. If you are offering a service, use social media to help drive business. Create some videos for Instagram or TikTok. In all of this, I highly recommend that you don't do anything without your parents' consent and help. There are a lot of tricksters that will try to take advantage of you. So beware. You should also look into filing a status of LLC with your state's Secretary of State to legitimize your business name. Make up and design a logo and get it out to your potential customers. Have your parents and friends share the links with their friends and co-workers. This is how you will drum up business.
There are several things you can do, but don't get so driven by money that it becomes your goal. Be driven by the growth process learn about business and prepare for your future. In all of this don't ever skimp on school. Set limits on yourself for the time you will spend running your business. School should always come first. There is also a time to simply be a kid and have fun with your friends. Along the way, there will be haters. Think like Taylor Swift, haters are gonna hate. It's okay. Not everyone is a dreamer or knows how to turn dreams into reality. My last bit of advice. The greatest millionaires have one thing in common. They donate part of their profits or their time to others. Pick a charity and give back to them consistently. The more you give, the more will be given to you. Put into the world what you want to receive. This is a good adventure for you to take (again with parents permission and help). I wish you the best!
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
566
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Betsy, I first want to say WOW. Your entrepreneurial spirit at 13 is truly inspiring, and you can take several steps to kick start you business journey.
First and foremost, it's important to identify what you're passionate about and what skills you possess. This will help you align your business idea with your interests. I would also urge you to engage in research and brainstorming sessions with others, like your family. This can help you come up with innovative ideas and you might even find inspiration from other successful young entrepreneurs.
Considering your age, it would be wise to start with a simple business model. This could be selling handmade crafts or offering services to your neighbors. You can leverage online platforms to sell your products. I remember advising my own son to establish an online presence through a website or social media to effectively showcase his products or services. I believe this advice would be beneficial for you as well.
For long-term success, it's crucial that you learn basic financial skills, such as budgeting and pricing. There are plenty of online courses available and you can always seek help from your parents. Given that you have ample free time, effective time management is key. Creating a schedule that balances schoolwork and business activities will help maintain this balance.
Please be aware that there are legal considerations that you need to be mindful of, depending on the nature of your business. This includes checking local regulations for young entrepreneurs. I strongly recommend networking and seeking mentorship from other young entrepreneurs as this can offer valuable insights. Building a support system with your family and friends is also crucial.
As you prepare to return to school at 15, you may need to adjust your business activities to fit your new school schedule. I want to emphasize the importance of enjoying the learning process, embracing challenges, and celebrating your achievements. These aspects will contribute significantly to your overall success. Finally, I want to assure you that with the right mindset and guidance, you have the potential to transform your entrepreneurial dreams into a rewarding reality.
First and foremost, it's important to identify what you're passionate about and what skills you possess. This will help you align your business idea with your interests. I would also urge you to engage in research and brainstorming sessions with others, like your family. This can help you come up with innovative ideas and you might even find inspiration from other successful young entrepreneurs.
Considering your age, it would be wise to start with a simple business model. This could be selling handmade crafts or offering services to your neighbors. You can leverage online platforms to sell your products. I remember advising my own son to establish an online presence through a website or social media to effectively showcase his products or services. I believe this advice would be beneficial for you as well.
For long-term success, it's crucial that you learn basic financial skills, such as budgeting and pricing. There are plenty of online courses available and you can always seek help from your parents. Given that you have ample free time, effective time management is key. Creating a schedule that balances schoolwork and business activities will help maintain this balance.
Please be aware that there are legal considerations that you need to be mindful of, depending on the nature of your business. This includes checking local regulations for young entrepreneurs. I strongly recommend networking and seeking mentorship from other young entrepreneurs as this can offer valuable insights. Building a support system with your family and friends is also crucial.
As you prepare to return to school at 15, you may need to adjust your business activities to fit your new school schedule. I want to emphasize the importance of enjoying the learning process, embracing challenges, and celebrating your achievements. These aspects will contribute significantly to your overall success. Finally, I want to assure you that with the right mindset and guidance, you have the potential to transform your entrepreneurial dreams into a rewarding reality.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1179
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Betsy !
I am happy to know that you are being home schooled and just wanted to let you know that you can be home schooled through to high school and receive a high school diploma. The home school experience is special and greatly depends on the professionals and contributors participating in it.
If you have free time or feel that the experience is not comprehensive enough, talk to your parent about some home school co-ops where you can fill more time and also be home schooled in groups, too.
At the age of 13, it would not exactly be starting a business, rather working freelance. I began doing private child care when I was 12 and had a lot of families I worked for. You can also think about lending your services out for house cleaning. Think about mowing lawns, also. If you have a certain skill, put it to use to obtain some money for yourself. You can also consider doing work washing dogs and helping the elderly with errands or chores in their home. It will be a good opportunity for you to learn time management and prioritize responsibilities. So, you actually won't officially open a business but you will be self-employed and you can also do all of the jobs I've mentioned at different times. You can make flyers with your information and leave them in places where you think you will have customers for your services. Let your friends and family know that you are available to work with anything they may need help with. It should be fun.
In the meantime, you can add an additional course to your homeschool schedule if you have such extra time. Think about something that interests you and explore the subject. Schedule outings with other home schooled kids your age to the park for doing a sport or arrange for outings to museums and art galleries, too.
Even though you won't open a business, that doesn't mean the opportunity to work at age 13 and earn money isn't possible. You can do it. Just make sure that as many people as possible know that you are available for a variety of jobs and I think you will do fine. Focus on your studies and always ask questions about any school or career questions you may have.
Best wishes !
I am happy to know that you are being home schooled and just wanted to let you know that you can be home schooled through to high school and receive a high school diploma. The home school experience is special and greatly depends on the professionals and contributors participating in it.
If you have free time or feel that the experience is not comprehensive enough, talk to your parent about some home school co-ops where you can fill more time and also be home schooled in groups, too.
At the age of 13, it would not exactly be starting a business, rather working freelance. I began doing private child care when I was 12 and had a lot of families I worked for. You can also think about lending your services out for house cleaning. Think about mowing lawns, also. If you have a certain skill, put it to use to obtain some money for yourself. You can also consider doing work washing dogs and helping the elderly with errands or chores in their home. It will be a good opportunity for you to learn time management and prioritize responsibilities. So, you actually won't officially open a business but you will be self-employed and you can also do all of the jobs I've mentioned at different times. You can make flyers with your information and leave them in places where you think you will have customers for your services. Let your friends and family know that you are available to work with anything they may need help with. It should be fun.
In the meantime, you can add an additional course to your homeschool schedule if you have such extra time. Think about something that interests you and explore the subject. Schedule outings with other home schooled kids your age to the park for doing a sport or arrange for outings to museums and art galleries, too.
Even though you won't open a business, that doesn't mean the opportunity to work at age 13 and earn money isn't possible. You can do it. Just make sure that as many people as possible know that you are available for a variety of jobs and I think you will do fine. Focus on your studies and always ask questions about any school or career questions you may have.
Best wishes !
Erica McClain, BBA
Process Analyst
1
Answer
Columbia, South Carolina
Updated
Erica’s Answer
Hi.
I would first say, know what your passion is. My passion was clothing and fashion for plus sized women. My peers would always compliment me on how well I dressed, so I decided to look into becoming an e-commerce boutique owner.
First you would definitely need your business license and an LLC, depending on what type of business.
I would recommend at least $1500-$2000 to get started with something small. The more money you make, the more you can invest back into your business.
There are many web designers out there to help you get started for little to no cost.. You would get customers in many different ways. The most efficient way is, of course, through social media.
I would recommend getting a mentor who has experience in what you're interested in. It's all worth it and no information in less than the other.
Much success to your future endeavors.
I would first say, know what your passion is. My passion was clothing and fashion for plus sized women. My peers would always compliment me on how well I dressed, so I decided to look into becoming an e-commerce boutique owner.
First you would definitely need your business license and an LLC, depending on what type of business.
I would recommend at least $1500-$2000 to get started with something small. The more money you make, the more you can invest back into your business.
There are many web designers out there to help you get started for little to no cost.. You would get customers in many different ways. The most efficient way is, of course, through social media.
I would recommend getting a mentor who has experience in what you're interested in. It's all worth it and no information in less than the other.
Much success to your future endeavors.
deborah kania
Marketing
48
Answers
New Bern, North Carolina
Updated
deborah’s Answer
Hello Betsy! I am impressed with your desire to start a business at your age! Going through the process of opening a business is a great learning opportunity for you. You want to start with something you have a passion for and have some skills to do it.
Starting a business costs some money (start-up costs) - how much depends on the type of business. If you are creating and selling products you'll need supplies, equipment, etc. If you are providing services, you will not have as many expenses. Because you are under 18, you'll want help from parents to open banking and other accounts.
All businesses will need some money to organize the business - legal formation, services such as taking payments, website, advertising, etc.
Next, you'll need to create a brief plan for the business. Goals, tasks, timing, financial.
Then, launch the business, advertise and promote it, provide service/sell products, record transactions, communicate with customers, pay bills and other daily activities.
I hope my answer is helpful to you. Good luck Betsy!
Starting a business costs some money (start-up costs) - how much depends on the type of business. If you are creating and selling products you'll need supplies, equipment, etc. If you are providing services, you will not have as many expenses. Because you are under 18, you'll want help from parents to open banking and other accounts.
All businesses will need some money to organize the business - legal formation, services such as taking payments, website, advertising, etc.
Next, you'll need to create a brief plan for the business. Goals, tasks, timing, financial.
Then, launch the business, advertise and promote it, provide service/sell products, record transactions, communicate with customers, pay bills and other daily activities.
I hope my answer is helpful to you. Good luck Betsy!
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1512
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you would like to be an entrepreneur. Have you thought about what industry you would like to do the business?
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about the industry you have interest or strength
2. Do some analysis on the industry, eg entry criteria, completion status, any alternative or substitute, etc
3. Attend industry relevant courses and management courses
4. Work in the industry some time to understand the operating model and establish people network
5. Start the business online if possible
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about the industry you have interest or strength
2. Do some analysis on the industry, eg entry criteria, completion status, any alternative or substitute, etc
3. Attend industry relevant courses and management courses
4. Work in the industry some time to understand the operating model and establish people network
5. Start the business online if possible
Hope this helps! Good Luck!