You’ve aspired to be the next hot young entrepreneur featured on Forbes 30 under 30 but don’t think you have the ‘cahoonas’ to make it happen. Or, perhaps you just want to be recognized as an entrepreneur but your age seems to be gawked at in every serious business related conversation. How can you really be taken seriously as a young entrepreneur in this generation, where success seems to only hit after 20 years of failure?
If you’re a young entrepreneur, chances are you’ve probably experienced this bout as you kickstarted your career. If you feel like you’ve fallen into this subdivision of of young entrepreneurs, no worries! These next set of strategies will help others realize your sincerity within your entrepreneurship.
Ditch the Nay-Sayers
Every serious entrepreneur has a circle of people who both believe and back their plans in business. They refer to these set of people as their inner circle. Studies have shown the people are more likely to absorb other people’s energy of those who are in constant contact. If the people within your inner circle are are less than supportive, where will you find your confidence?
Get rid of the people around you who suck the living life and positive out of you. Instead, find a group of individuals who are like minded and can encourage you within your business. Facebook group is an awesome resource when you are in search of fellow serious young entrepreneurs. Build your network and watch your success improve.
Understand Your Brand and Your Audience
When I started my first product based business years ago I was so sure I would be a success. I had all of my supplies together, I knew I wanted to advertise on Instagram and I figured it would be great for everyone.
Thanksgiving day came, and I decided to poach some of my family members as new customers. Little did I know that it would become an open forum for everyone to questions my business and vision. Long story short, I choked! They began to ask questions I had no idea how to answer, including my five year projections and analysis of my products effectiveness.
Don’t be stuck with a mouth full of turkey and no answers like myself. Know your brand in and out. There will most likely be someone waiting for you to stumble as a young entrepreneur. If this is your business and you really want to be viewed as omniscient within your business, understand who and what your business is about. Don’t be afraid to even write our key points that you review each day the highlight your brand and who you cater to.
You Can’t Cater to Everyone
This will be the hardest truth you’ll ever have to swallow. Sure your business can be great for everyone, but only a select few will be your idea consumers. It only takes a few rejections before you start to doubt yourself as a entrepreneur if you are serving the wrong population. Lucrative entrepreneurs, know their business inside and out, so do your research and let your knowledge show.
Put Yourself Out There
Feeling a little shy as a new and young business owner is totally okay. What is not okay, is neglecting opportunities for spotlighting your business. You can’t be taken seriously behind the red curtains. Open up the curtain of opportunities for yourself and jump on the next forum for successful entrepreneurs despite your age. Go pitch your business or idea to your dream company and allow your confidence to outshine every other business int he room.
When others see your exertion into the business realm they’ll have no other choice but to view your business as legitimate. Your intent will show that you have a strategy for your business and that you are coming to the table to win.
Have you ever felt as if no one takes your business seriously? What about you mother’s in business? Do you ever need encouragement as a young mother and entrepreneur? Tell us in the comments below.
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