Business Ideas for Teenagers

“Don’t Get a Job – Make a Job”Technorati Profile

A wise man once said that the reason why many people become rich is that they know what to do with their spare time. Think about it, how much time do you spend in front of the television? Wouldn’t it be nice to have your own money, to have your own bank account? Wouldn’t it be nice to not have to worry every week about asking your parents for money?

We say, “Don’t get a job – make a job,” because we believe that everyone has the potential to create their own little or huge enterprise. Some of the top companies were started in a basement or a garage. Think Cliff Bars. Think Microsoft.

Have an idea? Learn from these tips to launch it:
(if you don’t have an idea yet, scroll to the bottom and find one)

1] Getting your head right, this is critical. What does this mean? This means that from when you wake up in the morning till you go to sleep you say to yourself, “I know that I am destined for greatness and I will do everything I can to achieve it”. Getting your head right means that you will do everything it takes to get your business off the ground, it means that you will get rid of any fears you have that are holding you back from going for your dreams.

2] Create a proper business plan – don’t just jump in the water! You need a plan. How many hours a day will you work? What days? What’s your method of operation? How much will it cost to start? A business plan is like a map – it will guide you and help you along the way.

3] Find a partner! A good friend and someone who you trust! Remember, it’s never good to run things on your own – with a friend you can give each other strength when the going gets rough, and its great when you can share your ideas together.

4] Market your business! Don’t just create a business and wait for someone to call you! This will never happen unless you are a very lucky person.
Hang up flyers wherever it is permitted, send out emails to everyone on your email list, start a blog about your business sharing with everyone information about it. When you send out the emails, sign them with your blog address as well! Ask you parents to email their friends about your business. Always be creative (you are creative) and think of creative ways to promote your business. Remember don’t give up on this - sometimes it may even take a week till someone finally calls you! Create business cards to hand out to everyone. What ever it is you do – Don’t give up!
If you really want your business to grow, it’s important to understand that the advertising is an ongoing process. Remember that if you are good at what you do, your name will get around very fast.

5] Be positive and have fun with it!

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These are just some of the basics that we wanted to share with you.

Here are some ideas to run with!

Make a t-shirt with an inspiring message and super-cool graphics to sell to everyone at your school and community.

If you’re a good writer, start your own paper-editing service at school.

Have your peers consult you on how to make funny videos and promote them on YouTube. Take 10 bucks for a half-hour consultation.

Bake cookies daily and sell them at school.

Start your own advertising agency! Promote products or services for local businesses.

Start your own tutoring business – get a few kids, and you are on your way! This can be very a profitable business.

Start a dog-sitting service for neighbors or family friends who are going on vacation.

Like to write? Set up a blog writing ideas for local stores and businesses.

Play music? Start your own band – and get some gigs going at your local church or temple, Sunday school, etc. Initiate your own event like in your back yard or at your local youth group.

Are you good at sports? Become a sports mentor for kids who are not so good in sports.

Running errands - many people are busy and don’t have time to start running around going food shopping – set up your own little errands-running business.

Sell your homemade jewelry! If you have a passion for making nice jewelry then why not set up a little business making and selling jewelry? Or start a little group teaching younger kids how to make jewelry.

Bicycle repair business – who doesn’t need their bike fixed?

Gift Basket making

Invitation card making, if you are artistic and can design beautiful things – maybe

Start an invitation card business.

Photo album designing business – so many people have photo albums that are with old or falling apart, or they have a photo album with just pictures in the book that don’t look too exciting. Start a photo album design business! Take their photo albums and design them so they will be enjoyable to look through!

If you have computer skills, why not start your own web design or typing business?

Lawn care – sometimes it’s worth investing in a lawn mower. Just from your block you can make some nice money!

Start an online business – We recommend that you have someone older and experience guide you through this process.