When you’re pondering about what it takes to be an entrepreneur, don’t overlook the business savvy of kids. They aren’t always consciously striving to climb the ladder of success. However, the journey from toddler to teen leaves a trail of tested developmental data.
#1 – Negotiations
Children
of all ages are masters of the art of negotiating. Watch a child
engaging in the bargaining process. Kids learn early on that everything
has subjective value and might be considered trade worthy in certain
circumstances.#2 – Compromise
Reaching
agreements results in more rewards than stubbornly wallowing in
stalemated disagreements. There is nothing defeating about walking away
with a gain. When you want two jumping frogs for your slingshot, keep in
mind that frogs aren’t so easy to catch. One frog or no frog? It’s that
simple.#3 – Resilience
Kids
seldom take ‘no’ for an answer. When they hit a wall, they walk around
it, climb over it or set up a catapult. They don’t quit until they have
exhausted every possible way to achieve their goals. They are driven
with passion, determination, ingenuity and optimism. You need all of
those to be an entrepreneur.#4 – Resources
It’s
important to know who has the best, the most, the cheapest, the best
delivery time, etc. Kids look through junkyards, yard sales, ‘free’ ads
and under rocks. That’s all aside from keeping a list they’ve acquired
through the grapevine of those who can offer the best fish bait,
fireworks, homework help and bike repairs.#5 – Funding
When
more money is needed, it’s important to be able to turn to more than
one funding source. Kids already know this. When one parent turns out
empty pockets, they shamelessly hit on the other parent. Benevolent
uncles and friends with generous allowances might be willing to offer
some temporary financial relief.#6 – Real World Social Networking
You
can never have enough contacts. Most kids join activity groups to be
with other kids. As the social circle widens through introductions,
there is an increase in invitations. The cousin of the friend of the kid
on the wrestling team knows the lady who is in charge of auditions for
the play you’d love to be in. Hmmm…just maybe.As we grow older we make less time for social groups like sports, performances and hang outs. There could be a lot of great new info we are missing out on from one another if only we made more time for social networking in the real world, not just online.
#7 – Promote Yourself
It’s
okay to talk about your talents, goals and successes with pride. The
power of word of mouth advertising can start with you. There is a
difference between bragging and exuding supreme confidence. Just be sure
that you can deliver on your claims. As you show others what you can
do, word will get around.Those who are in need of your talents will find you.
#8 – Dream Big!
While
it’s necessary to be realistic, it’s also important to project a
positive outcome. It’s okay to want a pony someday even if you currently
only have room for a dog house.As you can see from the above tips, it’s sometimes worthwhile to look back as well as to look forward. Remember when you were a kid and unstoppable! Now the risks are greater, the challenge is bigger and the potential rewards make it all worth it. Like all kids, you practiced and honed your business skills. Back then, it was part of being a kid. Now it’s all a part of how to be an entrepreneur in the adult world.
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