<p>The population of teenage entrepreneurs is growing exponentially, and with good reason. The availability of jobs on the internet, the examples being set by other teens, and easy access to advice from adult businesspeople are what is driving this. But that’s not what I’m going to talk about. I’m going to talk about what you, the adult businessperson, can learn from me, the teenager who has started a business.</p>
<p><span><span> </span>One of the qualities I try to exemplify when meeting with adults about business opportunities is my youthfulness and willingness to learn. The most important part of this is that I ask a lot of questions unabashedly. It is vital, in a business relationship, to be able to ask questions. <strong>If you can’t ask the person you’re doing business with questions, there is a problem</strong>.</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span>Another thing you can learn from teenagers is how to think like one. Surprisingly, it’s a good thing sometimes. While it certainly has its downsides (I would know!), it also creates “ah-ha!” moments. Try to replicate this! When I am talking to a potential client, and I have this sudden insight, it always impresses them. Whether I just figured out the solution to their biggest problem, or found a way to do something that wasn’t thought possible, it gives them a great impression of me. That is the sort of thing that people will remember you for.</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span>The reason this happens is that teenagers are not confined to a linear thinking pattern, as result of all the neurons connecting and disconnecting. <strong>Linear thinking patterns are a constant in the business world.</strong> That’s why you have agendas and to-do lists, schedules and org charts. But if you can branch from this pattern of thinking when you need to, say, when there is a problem in the company, it can be an incredibly useful tool. This is the concept of thinking outside the box, and it is something teenagers do best. Take this, and apply it - you will be amazed at the results.</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span>The last thing I’ll talk about here is using new things. I just saw an article in this month’s (March 2009) Entrepreneur Magazine. It talked about the differences between Gen Y, Gen X, and baby boomers in business situations. The thing that interested me the most out of that article was one section of a chart in there: “How they like to communicate.” Under Gen Y, it said texting, cell phones, and IM. Gen X had email, IM, and cell phones. Baby boomers had email, cell phones, and face to face. </span></p>
<p><span>I’m not going to tell you to immediately embrace all things that teenagers do, but I am asking you to give some of them a shot. The reason this article interested me so much was because of what the groups can learn from each other. In my opinion, no group is right here. You need face to face communication to establish a bond - even the Biznik welcome email says so: “Would you do business with someone who hid his or her identity from you in real life? Trust is the foundation of every business relationship…” </span></p>
<p><span>But IM is a great method of communication as well. It’s quick (hence the “instant”), and it’s informal. Maybe not the best thing for communicating with clients (although it might be considered that soon), but it’s already great for internal communications. And a combination of these two things has emerged - video chats! Use them! They let you see the face of the person you’re talking to, but at the same time, they are easy to set up. I don’t need to call you and tell you to meet me at Starbucks in 20 minutes, I can just click the button. This is the sort of new innovation I'm talking about - give it a shot!</span></p>
<p><span><span> </span>To wrap this article up, I’d just like to mention that while I’ve attempted to teach all you adults in this article, I’m still just a kid. And as I mentioned earlier, I’m willing to learn! I’d love to hear criticisms and comments on this article, but even more so, I’d love to learn more about the world of business, something each of you is more experienced in than me!</span></p>
2009-02-22T20:30:41Z
2009-02-25T19:03:42Z
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teenagers-and-what-you-can-learn-from-them
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2009-02-25T19:02:11Z
2009-02-25T19:02:11Z
Even adult businesspeople can learn from teenagers, and here's how.
Teenagers and what you can learn from them
0
2009-02-25T19:08:10Z