By Jason Kenner, “On-Par Parent”
Most of the world’s greatest entrepreneurs start at a young age. Whether running a neighborhood lemonade stand or selling handmade jewelry at the local coffee shop, those with an entrepreneurial spirit typically find an outlet.
So, if you’re a teenager wondering if you’re too young to launch a company, don’t let age make you second-guess your vision! And if you are on the spectrum, understand that starting a business can provide you with the necessary flexibility to thrive in a field you love. Below, Dustin’s Dynasty shares some insight into how to get a business up and going as a teenager with autism or Asperger’s.
Consider the Benefits
Knowing the advantages of starting a business in high school can help you stay motivated when the going gets tough. For example, if you hope to attend college after graduation, having entrepreneurship under your belt can help you get in and even qualify for scholarships. Universities look for students who can thrive in a rigorous curriculum and flourish with opportunities. If your company benefits the community, you could have even more favor when applying.
Of course, an entrepreneurial experience can also teach you countless skills that can help you succeed with or without a college education. For instance, starting and managing a business can teach you about money management, problem-solving, critical thinking, creativity, and many other essential life skills.
Identify Your Strengths
You may already have a firm business idea, but if not, you will need to spend time considering your strengths. If your business is to succeed, you will need to rely on your strengths because you will be working for yourself and taking responsibilities upon your shoulders. Think about your interests to base your business idea around what you love and are good at.
Make a Plan of Action
Once you’ve settled on an idea, you will need to draw up a business plan to direct your decisions in the first few months of your company. Your mission, product description, target audience, marketing strategy, and financial forecasts are some of the key factors to include in your business plan. Having a detailed document will also work to your advantage when applying for grants, loans, and other types of funding.
Organize Your Tasks
Staying organized is critical when it comes to launching and owning a business. You will want to use various tools to keep on track for your short-and long-term goals. For instance, consider planning with an online monthly calendar; having a 30-day view of your tasks and projects that you can customize with notes and graphics can ensure that you meet your deadlines and maintain a high quality of work.
Also, look into the plethora of project management, video conferencing, and accounting tools that can help you get a strong start and manage growth. These are just a few examples of the types of tech tools that can help you succeed in the early days of your business; take time to research any others that could prove helpful.
Look for Funding
Not all startups require significant capital, but if you need funding, you will want to know about all your options. As a teenager, consider saving up your own money to launch your company, and consider asking friends and family or launching a crowdfunding campaign to cover any additional expenses. Other funding options include:
- Small business grants
- Small business loans
- Incubators and accelerators
- Venture capitalist
- Angel investors
Learn Marketing Basics
Finally, every entrepreneur must know the basics of marketing. This doesn’t mean you need to be an expert, but people must know about your product or service. Learn how to create a logo and build a website for your company. And research social media marketing, email marketing, paid ads, and any other channels you could use to get the word out.
Now could be the time to start your first company. Research the advantages of being a teen entrepreneur, and make sure you know what your strengths are. Then, you will be well prepared to write up a business plan and find the tools necessary to stay organized. Lastly, learn about all of your funding options and study marketing essentials to get off to a solid start!
Would you like to read more helpful content on autism and Asperger’s? Visit DustinsDynastyUSA.com today!
About the Contribuitor:
Jason is just a dad who loves sports and adores my kids, trying to be a good parent. The thing I realized as I started researching challenges I was facing with my own children, is there are a lot of similarities between sports and parenting. So I will share my best advice about both, but I won’t pretend to be a pro in either. And I promise every post won’t be full of sports puns!
Dustin's Dynasty 