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Here are 10 really good tips for teens
trying to make a few bucks and start their own business.
Get to know your neighbors. Make
some flyers and walk around talking to people in your neighborhood.
Most adults are looking for teens to do odd jobs for them. My dad
lets the neighbor kid mow the lawn, my son walks dogs, my nephew
babysits and my neighbor washes cars. A few years ago I was
desperate for a babysitter, although I knew some teenagers, none of
them were willing to work!
Be dedicated. Don't tell the lady
down the street you will babysit and then decide you would rather go
to the movies with your friends. Take your business seriously.
Take out your lip and tongue
piercings, wipe off the black eye-liner, and pull up your pants so
your underwear isn't showing. If you want an adult to take you
seriously, look PROFESSIONAL!
Take your first $100 and open a
bank account. Learn how to write checks and keep your account
balanced.
Make a plan for the future! For
every $5 you earn, put $1 in a jar for savings. Don't touch it!
When it accumulates, open a savings account and let it accrue
interest. When it gets large enough, open a mutual fund account!
Be a millionaire before you are 30!
Read Robert Kiyosaki's book “Rich
Dad, Poor Dad” as summer or vacation reading.
Make a list of your goals. Don't
let drugs, drinking, or serious dating get in your way. Stay
focused, there is plenty of time to be an adult when you are an
adult!
Make eye contact, shake hands,
smile...and don't SULK! Think like a business person, not a
teenager.
Get a cell phone. If your parents
can't afford it for you, make that your first investment. You can
pick up a phone without a contract now...use it for business
purposes. If you have ringtone options, set it up so business calls
have a different ringtone than your friends or family. That way,
when a business call comes in you can turn down the music and put on
your business voice.
Buy invoices at the office supply
store. If a customer doesn't pay you right away you can write an
invoice and let them know you will pick up the payment on your next
visit. It lets your client know you are serious and not a pushover,
and you have record of the service rendered. Be sure to mark the
invoice paid in your records when they do pay you.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
