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What is the best way to start a business with your friends at the age of 14?
Like if you want to begin a clothes brand with 2 other people and you don't have any Ideas how do you come up with one?
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7 answers
Updated
Kem’s Answer
1. Choose a business idea: Brainstorm with your friends to come up with a business idea that you are passionate about. Consider your skills, interests, and what you think would be successful.
2. Research and plan: Once you have an idea, conduct research to understand the market, competition, and potential customers. Create a business plan that outlines your goals, target audience, marketing strategy, and financial projections.
3. Assign roles and responsibilities: Determine each person's role within the business based on their skills and interests. Assign responsibilities such as marketing, finance, operations, and customer service to ensure everyone has a defined role.
4. Set goals and milestones: Establish short-term and long-term goals for your business. Break them down into smaller milestones that you can work towards. This will help you stay focused and measure your progress.
5. Create a brand and online presence: Develop a unique brand identity for your business, including a name, logo, and tagline. Establish an online presence by creating a website and setting up social media accounts to reach your target audience.
6. Seek guidance and mentorship: Reach out to experienced entrepreneurs, business owners, or mentors who can provide guidance and support. They can offer valuable advice, share their experiences, and help you navigate challenges.
7. Start small and build gradually: Begin by offering your product or service to friends, family, and your local community. Use their feedback to improve and refine your offering. As you gain experience and confidence, expand your reach and customer base.
8. Learn from mistakes: Starting a business involves trial and error. Embrace your mistakes as learning opportunities and continuously improve. Adapt your strategies based on feedback and changing market dynamics.
9. Prioritize education: Balancing schoolwork and a business can be challenging. Make sure to prioritize your education and manage your time effectively. Seek support from your friends, family, and teachers to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
10. Stay committed and persistent: Building a successful business takes time and effort. Stay committed to your goals, be persistent, and don't get discouraged by setbacks. Keep learning, adapting, and growing as you progress.
Remember, starting a business at a young age can be a great learning experience, even if it doesn't become a long-term venture. Enjoy the process, have fun with your friends, and embrace the valuable skills and lessons you'll gain along the way.
2. Research and plan: Once you have an idea, conduct research to understand the market, competition, and potential customers. Create a business plan that outlines your goals, target audience, marketing strategy, and financial projections.
3. Assign roles and responsibilities: Determine each person's role within the business based on their skills and interests. Assign responsibilities such as marketing, finance, operations, and customer service to ensure everyone has a defined role.
4. Set goals and milestones: Establish short-term and long-term goals for your business. Break them down into smaller milestones that you can work towards. This will help you stay focused and measure your progress.
5. Create a brand and online presence: Develop a unique brand identity for your business, including a name, logo, and tagline. Establish an online presence by creating a website and setting up social media accounts to reach your target audience.
6. Seek guidance and mentorship: Reach out to experienced entrepreneurs, business owners, or mentors who can provide guidance and support. They can offer valuable advice, share their experiences, and help you navigate challenges.
7. Start small and build gradually: Begin by offering your product or service to friends, family, and your local community. Use their feedback to improve and refine your offering. As you gain experience and confidence, expand your reach and customer base.
8. Learn from mistakes: Starting a business involves trial and error. Embrace your mistakes as learning opportunities and continuously improve. Adapt your strategies based on feedback and changing market dynamics.
9. Prioritize education: Balancing schoolwork and a business can be challenging. Make sure to prioritize your education and manage your time effectively. Seek support from your friends, family, and teachers to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
10. Stay committed and persistent: Building a successful business takes time and effort. Stay committed to your goals, be persistent, and don't get discouraged by setbacks. Keep learning, adapting, and growing as you progress.
Remember, starting a business at a young age can be a great learning experience, even if it doesn't become a long-term venture. Enjoy the process, have fun with your friends, and embrace the valuable skills and lessons you'll gain along the way.
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Adeline !
I'm not sure that one can start a brand or business without first having intent and purpose and setting realistic goals. Those would be your very first steps. Also, you've mentioned that you want to open a business and create a product and but have no ideas about what to create. It's kind of interesting, but if you are willing to focus your energy and meet with your friends regularly to brainstorm, I think you'll be on the right track. You must establish your ideas and realistic goals first.
Since fashion is your interest, I would advise doing some trend research and reviewing what the 2024 clothing trends are. Once you get an idea of what's in and what's out, build on that. Look at clothes and think how you could modify the styles and add your own flair to clothing. This will take research, sketching, creating a sketch book of possible styles and don't forget accessories, too. Is there an artist in your trio ? Have them design a label after you come up with a name for your brand. Try to do things as low cost as possible because a clothing line can get expensive with sewing the garments and you will need materials, equipment and lots of time to produce your products.
Since you and your friends (are the friends also 14 ?) or maybe only you are in high school, my advice is to ask your high school about putting on a fashion show. Use any resources and materials that your school will allow you to borrow or have. Fashion creation can run into expense, so start at home and school and find out about local fashion shows in your community and attend all of them. Not knowing where to start with this can be because you haven't begun obtaining experience yet. That's okay, though. We all have to start at some time.
Once you finish high school, you will have obtained a good resume and lots of creations and hopefully will have produced some fashion shows with your brand, either at school or at community venues. I than advise going to fashion school where you will learn the real world adult professional business of fashion. You will also get additional experience and the more experience and networking you do, the closer you will be to realizing getting your styles in the public eye. It doesn't happen overnight and takes a very long time and lots of work not to mention financial investment.
I want to mention that Pinterest would be a good website to use for inspiration, too. I have left some links below for you to begin your research and hope that you find the articles useful and inspiring so that you and your two friends can develop some ideas for a brand.
I wish you all the best in your ventures ! Don't give up !
HOW TO START A CLOTHING BUSINESS https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business/start-a-clothing-business/
2024 FASHION TRENDS https://www.vogue.co.uk/article/spring-summer-2024-fashion-trends
FASHION COLLECTION INSPIRATION https://sewingnpatterns.com/fashion-collection-inspiration/
DESIGNER INSPIRATION https://www.instyle.com/awards-events/fashion-week/new-york/fall-2017-designer-inspiration
I'm not sure that one can start a brand or business without first having intent and purpose and setting realistic goals. Those would be your very first steps. Also, you've mentioned that you want to open a business and create a product and but have no ideas about what to create. It's kind of interesting, but if you are willing to focus your energy and meet with your friends regularly to brainstorm, I think you'll be on the right track. You must establish your ideas and realistic goals first.
Since fashion is your interest, I would advise doing some trend research and reviewing what the 2024 clothing trends are. Once you get an idea of what's in and what's out, build on that. Look at clothes and think how you could modify the styles and add your own flair to clothing. This will take research, sketching, creating a sketch book of possible styles and don't forget accessories, too. Is there an artist in your trio ? Have them design a label after you come up with a name for your brand. Try to do things as low cost as possible because a clothing line can get expensive with sewing the garments and you will need materials, equipment and lots of time to produce your products.
Since you and your friends (are the friends also 14 ?) or maybe only you are in high school, my advice is to ask your high school about putting on a fashion show. Use any resources and materials that your school will allow you to borrow or have. Fashion creation can run into expense, so start at home and school and find out about local fashion shows in your community and attend all of them. Not knowing where to start with this can be because you haven't begun obtaining experience yet. That's okay, though. We all have to start at some time.
Once you finish high school, you will have obtained a good resume and lots of creations and hopefully will have produced some fashion shows with your brand, either at school or at community venues. I than advise going to fashion school where you will learn the real world adult professional business of fashion. You will also get additional experience and the more experience and networking you do, the closer you will be to realizing getting your styles in the public eye. It doesn't happen overnight and takes a very long time and lots of work not to mention financial investment.
I want to mention that Pinterest would be a good website to use for inspiration, too. I have left some links below for you to begin your research and hope that you find the articles useful and inspiring so that you and your two friends can develop some ideas for a brand.
I wish you all the best in your ventures ! Don't give up !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Shanesha’s Answer
If you all have any natural talents such as doing hair or designing things. That's the easiest way to star a business. You want to then look up the rules and regulations in that field to make sure you comply. You want to trademark the name of the business and VOILA. You can start by doing your friends and family and then venture out.
Updated
Vanessa E.’s Answer
Hey Adeline,
How exciting and forward-thinking! Starting a business with your friends at 14 is an exciting journey into the world of entrepreneurship. Here is how you can kickstart this adventure with creativity, teamwork, and a bit of fun:
Brainstorm Together: Sit down with your friends and brainstorm business ideas. Think about what interests you all have and what skills you can bring to the table. It could be anything from a tech project, crafting, baking, to offering tutoring services.
Define Roles Based on Strengths: Just like a sports team, every player has a position; in your business, each friend should have a role that matches their strengths. Someone might be great at building relationships, another at marketing, and someone else at product development or service delivery.
Create a Simple Business Plan: Together, write down your business idea, how you plan to make money from it, what you will need to get started, and how you'll spread the word. This plan will be your guide and help keep everyone on the same page.
Start Small: Use what you have to get started. If you’re baking, start with your home kitchen. If you’re tech-savvy, offer services online. This way, you can start your business with minimal expenses.
Leverage Free Tools and Apps: There are plenty of free tools that can help you manage your business. Use social media to market your products or services, Trello or Asana for project management, and Google Docs for collaboration.
Learn Together: Use online resources to learn more about running a business. Websites like Khan Academy, Coursera, and YouTube have plenty of tutorials on business basics, marketing, and more.
Keep Communication Open: Regular meetings (or group chats) are key to making sure everyone is on the same page and feeling good about the business. Discuss what’s working, what isn’t, and how you can solve any problems that come up.
Save and Reinvest Your Earnings: Initially, think about saving the money you make or reinvesting it back into the business to help it grow. This might mean buying better equipment, spending a bit on advertising, or saving up for something big.
Stay Committed but Flexible: Running a business with friends requires commitment, but it’s also important to stay flexible. Be open to changing your business idea if you find something isn’t working or if there’s a better opportunity.
Have Fun!: Remember, one of the best parts of starting a business with friends is the experience you gain and the fun you have together. Enjoy the process and celebrate your successes, no matter how small.
Starting a business at a young age is a great way to learn about responsibility, teamwork, and the value of hard work. Plus, it’s a chance to turn your passions into a real-world project. Dive in with enthusiasm, learn from each step, and support each other through the ups and downs.
Best of luck to you and your friends!
Vanessa
How exciting and forward-thinking! Starting a business with your friends at 14 is an exciting journey into the world of entrepreneurship. Here is how you can kickstart this adventure with creativity, teamwork, and a bit of fun:
Brainstorm Together: Sit down with your friends and brainstorm business ideas. Think about what interests you all have and what skills you can bring to the table. It could be anything from a tech project, crafting, baking, to offering tutoring services.
Define Roles Based on Strengths: Just like a sports team, every player has a position; in your business, each friend should have a role that matches their strengths. Someone might be great at building relationships, another at marketing, and someone else at product development or service delivery.
Create a Simple Business Plan: Together, write down your business idea, how you plan to make money from it, what you will need to get started, and how you'll spread the word. This plan will be your guide and help keep everyone on the same page.
Start Small: Use what you have to get started. If you’re baking, start with your home kitchen. If you’re tech-savvy, offer services online. This way, you can start your business with minimal expenses.
Leverage Free Tools and Apps: There are plenty of free tools that can help you manage your business. Use social media to market your products or services, Trello or Asana for project management, and Google Docs for collaboration.
Learn Together: Use online resources to learn more about running a business. Websites like Khan Academy, Coursera, and YouTube have plenty of tutorials on business basics, marketing, and more.
Keep Communication Open: Regular meetings (or group chats) are key to making sure everyone is on the same page and feeling good about the business. Discuss what’s working, what isn’t, and how you can solve any problems that come up.
Save and Reinvest Your Earnings: Initially, think about saving the money you make or reinvesting it back into the business to help it grow. This might mean buying better equipment, spending a bit on advertising, or saving up for something big.
Stay Committed but Flexible: Running a business with friends requires commitment, but it’s also important to stay flexible. Be open to changing your business idea if you find something isn’t working or if there’s a better opportunity.
Have Fun!: Remember, one of the best parts of starting a business with friends is the experience you gain and the fun you have together. Enjoy the process and celebrate your successes, no matter how small.
Starting a business at a young age is a great way to learn about responsibility, teamwork, and the value of hard work. Plus, it’s a chance to turn your passions into a real-world project. Dive in with enthusiasm, learn from each step, and support each other through the ups and downs.
Best of luck to you and your friends!
Vanessa
Updated
Nathanael’s Answer
Hey Adeline,
I think it's awesome you are looking into starting your own business! If you guys can't come up with any ideas try to brainstorm and write them down. I like to search for similar products that I like and use them as inspiration.
Find Your Passion: Think about what you enjoy doing or what interests you.
Talk to Your Family: Share your business idea with your family. They can provide support and advice.
Make a Simple Plan: Write down what you want to do and how you'll do it. It doesn't have to be fancy.
Check Rules: Ask an adult if there are any special rules or permissions you need for your business.
Start Small: Begin with something simple. Maybe sell to friends or neighbors.
Be Smart with Money: Think about how much money you have and spend it wisely for your business.
Show Your Stuff Online: Use social media or ask someone to help you put your business online.
Keep Track of Money: Write down how much money you make and spend. It helps you understand your business.
Be Nice to Customers: Treat your customers well. They might come back and bring friends.
Learn from Mistakes: Don’t worry if things don’t go perfectly. Mistakes help you learn and do better next time.
Make Time for Everything: Balance your business, school, and other activities. Don't forget to have fun too!
Stay Excited: Keep being excited about your business. It's okay if things take time.
Best of luck!
I think it's awesome you are looking into starting your own business! If you guys can't come up with any ideas try to brainstorm and write them down. I like to search for similar products that I like and use them as inspiration.
Find Your Passion: Think about what you enjoy doing or what interests you.
Talk to Your Family: Share your business idea with your family. They can provide support and advice.
Make a Simple Plan: Write down what you want to do and how you'll do it. It doesn't have to be fancy.
Check Rules: Ask an adult if there are any special rules or permissions you need for your business.
Start Small: Begin with something simple. Maybe sell to friends or neighbors.
Be Smart with Money: Think about how much money you have and spend it wisely for your business.
Show Your Stuff Online: Use social media or ask someone to help you put your business online.
Keep Track of Money: Write down how much money you make and spend. It helps you understand your business.
Be Nice to Customers: Treat your customers well. They might come back and bring friends.
Learn from Mistakes: Don’t worry if things don’t go perfectly. Mistakes help you learn and do better next time.
Make Time for Everything: Balance your business, school, and other activities. Don't forget to have fun too!
Stay Excited: Keep being excited about your business. It's okay if things take time.
Best of luck!
Updated
Kristin’s Answer
14! - and already thinking of your career and focusing on it - you are driven, so will most likely do great at whatever you choose. You still have quite a while to think this through, so please don't feel pressure to have this all figured out. I went to college with a woman who changed her major in junior year - a complete restart and now does something completely different than what she has her degree in, but she loves what she does, and it was something that she always loved. Be curious, and open yourself up to as many experiences you can, personally and professionally. You will figure out what you love and something will grab you. It's not always what you thought it would be either, and it may not be immediate. You need to try things and learn things. Be curios, ask questions, stay driven!
Katherine Avery
Run a music studio and teach private music lessons; teach college-level religion classes
222
Answers
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
In general, the two best resources I know of for learning to start a business and what it takes is Dave Ramsey's book EntreLeadership, and this workbook (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/ldsorg/topics/self-reliance/2017/14678_sgmb_book_eng.pdf?lang=eng). You could start reading through them and taking notes on your own ideas, and then go back over material as often as you want to decide what your next steps are.