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hi my name is Erine I am 15 years old and i want to be an entrepreneur im still learning about it and i want to be in the marketing business and to all business women and men how was the first time, and did you become successful on the first shot, or many failures did you deal with. one more question do you regret following your passion?
am i too young to follow my passion of being succesful
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12 answers
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad that you would like to be an entrepreneur in marketing industry. It is difficult to guarantee that it can be success in the first time, some people can do and some people cannot. Also, after establishing the business, it is also have to consider how to further develop the business and keeps the business meeting the trend.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Explore more on the marketing industry and understand how it works
2. Plan to study marketing and management as your major & minors in the college
3. Explore any intern opportunities working in the marketing companies
4. Work in the marketing corporates after your graduation to under the business model and establish people network
5. Consider to start up your business in small scale or online (if possible)
6. Attend industry seminars from time to time to keep yourself up to update
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Explore more on the marketing industry and understand how it works
2. Plan to study marketing and management as your major & minors in the college
3. Explore any intern opportunities working in the marketing companies
4. Work in the marketing corporates after your graduation to under the business model and establish people network
5. Consider to start up your business in small scale or online (if possible)
6. Attend industry seminars from time to time to keep yourself up to update
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Hi Erine,
Some excellent advice here already. I would only add that what you're passionate about now may (and probably will) change throughout your life. In fact, it would be a shame if it didn't as you are exposed to new ideas and opportunities. However, you are never too young, just as you are never too old (well...unless it's running the 100m in the Olympics!) to start. Read, attend online seminars, but most important of all, get some practical experience. Colleagues make the best mentors so never stop asking questions.
Some excellent advice here already. I would only add that what you're passionate about now may (and probably will) change throughout your life. In fact, it would be a shame if it didn't as you are exposed to new ideas and opportunities. However, you are never too young, just as you are never too old (well...unless it's running the 100m in the Olympics!) to start. Read, attend online seminars, but most important of all, get some practical experience. Colleagues make the best mentors so never stop asking questions.
Thank you, Paul for the advice.
ERINE FERNANDA
Updated
Sean’s Answer
My experience in several sales and marketing positions has been that being successful on the first try is rare, but it does happen, and it feels great when it does. The reality is that success in sales, marketing, and entrepreneurship in general is perseverance. There is an old saying in sales that it takes 10 cold calls to get 1 lead, and it takes 10 leads to get 1 sale. So as a general rule of thumb, it can take about 100 sales calls/proposals/pitches to get 1 deal. The keys, in my experience have been knowing your subject area inside and out, being optimistic, friendly and out going , and being persistent in sourcing prospects, pitching deals, and staying diligent straight thru to close the deal and book revenue. For next steps, I'd suggest reading tips and advice from other successful entrepreneurs in and outside you're field. Try to find ones that are not ubiquitous and obvious: not everyone is going to be a Mark Zuckerberg or Elon Musk. There are many people running extremely successful mid-cap and small-cap businesses that you can learn from. Also read books on executive management because you have to be successful in building the business, but you also have to run it (or hire people to run it once you gain some success).
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
ERINE FERNANDA
Updated
Karl’s Answer
Erine, Rebecca and Leib have already provided you with two fantastic answers. Although I don't specialize in marketing as a career, I noticed that your excellent questions touched upon the topic of failure. I want to assure you that regardless of the path or profession you decide to follow, very few individuals experience constant success in every aspect. In fact, it's often the failures and setbacks that teach us the most about our desires, strengths, and areas that require improvement. Embrace these experiences, as they contribute significantly to your personal growth. It's impressive to see you ask such a perceptive question. Acknowledging and addressing your concerns and apprehensions is a powerful skill. Wishing you the best of luck on your journey!
Thanks for your encouragement!
ERINE FERNANDA
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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James Constantine’s Answer
SUBJECT: EMBRACING THE ENTREPRENEURIAL JOURNEY AT 15, ERINE
Embarking on a business venture, particularly in marketing and management, can be a thrilling yet demanding adventure. Triumph in the entrepreneurial world is rarely a first-time achievement, with many prosperous business figures having encountered failures before attaining their objectives.
Bear in mind that age should never be a barrier when chasing your entrepreneurial dreams. Numerous successful entrepreneurs launched their businesses at a young age and accomplished remarkable success. As a 15-year-old budding entrepreneur, you have the boon of time on your side to learn, evolve, and adjust as you chase your aspirations.
The path to entrepreneurial success is frequently strewn with failures, obstacles, and trials. It's through these experiences that entrepreneurs glean invaluable lessons, build resilience, and ultimately blossom both personally and professionally. Failure is an inherent part of the entrepreneurial voyage, and it's the reaction to these failures that eventually defines success.
Pursuing your entrepreneurial passion can be a gratifying and rewarding journey, despite the inherent challenges. Even though there might be moments of doubt or uncertainty, remaining faithful to your passion and vision can result in significant accomplishments and personal satisfaction.
To sum up, as a 15-year-old budding entrepreneur with an interest in marketing and management, it's never too premature to start chasing your business dreams. Welcome the journey that lies ahead, brace yourself for the challenges and failures along the way, and stay dedicated to your objectives. Entrepreneurial success often demands perseverance, resilience, and an openness to learn from both victories and defeats.
Top 3 Credible Resources Utilized:
Harvard Business Review: Offers expert insights and success stories from industry leaders on various facets of entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneur: Provides practical guidance, success narratives, and resources for budding entrepreneurs aiming to launch their own enterprises.
Forbes: Showcases articles and interviews with successful business figures sharing their experiences, challenges encountered, and lessons learned on their entrepreneurial paths.
BLESSINGS TO YOU!
James Constantine.
Embarking on a business venture, particularly in marketing and management, can be a thrilling yet demanding adventure. Triumph in the entrepreneurial world is rarely a first-time achievement, with many prosperous business figures having encountered failures before attaining their objectives.
Bear in mind that age should never be a barrier when chasing your entrepreneurial dreams. Numerous successful entrepreneurs launched their businesses at a young age and accomplished remarkable success. As a 15-year-old budding entrepreneur, you have the boon of time on your side to learn, evolve, and adjust as you chase your aspirations.
The path to entrepreneurial success is frequently strewn with failures, obstacles, and trials. It's through these experiences that entrepreneurs glean invaluable lessons, build resilience, and ultimately blossom both personally and professionally. Failure is an inherent part of the entrepreneurial voyage, and it's the reaction to these failures that eventually defines success.
Pursuing your entrepreneurial passion can be a gratifying and rewarding journey, despite the inherent challenges. Even though there might be moments of doubt or uncertainty, remaining faithful to your passion and vision can result in significant accomplishments and personal satisfaction.
To sum up, as a 15-year-old budding entrepreneur with an interest in marketing and management, it's never too premature to start chasing your business dreams. Welcome the journey that lies ahead, brace yourself for the challenges and failures along the way, and stay dedicated to your objectives. Entrepreneurial success often demands perseverance, resilience, and an openness to learn from both victories and defeats.
Top 3 Credible Resources Utilized:
Harvard Business Review: Offers expert insights and success stories from industry leaders on various facets of entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneur: Provides practical guidance, success narratives, and resources for budding entrepreneurs aiming to launch their own enterprises.
Forbes: Showcases articles and interviews with successful business figures sharing their experiences, challenges encountered, and lessons learned on their entrepreneurial paths.
BLESSINGS TO YOU!
James Constantine.
Updated
Stephen’s Answer
You're never too young to start a business! When I was 8 years old, I had a street-side chewing gum stand (everyone else had lemonade stands... so I went for chewing gum - haha!). When I was 10, I made pressed-flower bookmarks with my mom, and then walked the neighborhood door-to-door selling them. When I was 12, I was into doing magic tricks and would get hired regularly to perform at children's birthday parties. You're 15 years old... you have PLENTY of opportunities! It doesn't have to be your life's passion - just start something... anything... you'll like make a little money, but the experience you get will be so valuable as you start your next (and your next after that) business!
OK, so where to start?? No matter what kind of business you start, decide who your CORE customer is, and get to know them intimately. Start by defining a small, very specific type of customer. Talk to them. Understand what it is they NEED... BEFORE you start creating or even defining your "product" (or service). Even if YOU would be a core customer for your business - don't just listen to yourself. Find others. Ideally find potential customers who don't know you so well. They will give you the most honest feedback. Anyway, find them and spend a lot of time with them. Then, when you think you really understand what they need... start SMALL. Start by creating something very simple that addresses an important PART of their need. Don't try to address their whole problem at once! Often you can do this without having to make a big investment of your time or money (yet). Create something small and basic and show it your customer. Then listen to them carefully. Do they find it useful? Would they actually use it? What is the 1 or 2 most important things they would ask you to change or improve upon? They will tell you exactly what you need to do differently or to improve upon.
And, believe it or not, THAT is basically the whole process to getting launched. You just keep doing that over and over and over again: listening to your core customer, giving them a piece of a solution to react to, getting their direct feedback, making changes or improvements based on their feedback, and then starting with another cycle of the same process.
The reason it's good to start with a small, "core" audience is that it allows you to focus on solving one or two parts of a bigger problem - a small audience that all share the same problem will most likely give you consistent feedback you can easily build into the next pass of your solution. A large audience will give you TOO MUCH... and too different... feedback. It won't be so clear what's most important for you to improve next. In that case it's more likely you'll try to do a little bit to please everyone, and end up with a solution that doesn't really excite anyone. So start with a small, core audience and work through several passes to give them better-and-better versions that they can ultimately get really excited about. If you do that, they'll start paying you for it - and THAT is the point at which you have really started your business! Then you have a core set of passionate customers. From that strong base it is much easier to broaden your market, and expand your solution.
GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!!
OK, so where to start?? No matter what kind of business you start, decide who your CORE customer is, and get to know them intimately. Start by defining a small, very specific type of customer. Talk to them. Understand what it is they NEED... BEFORE you start creating or even defining your "product" (or service). Even if YOU would be a core customer for your business - don't just listen to yourself. Find others. Ideally find potential customers who don't know you so well. They will give you the most honest feedback. Anyway, find them and spend a lot of time with them. Then, when you think you really understand what they need... start SMALL. Start by creating something very simple that addresses an important PART of their need. Don't try to address their whole problem at once! Often you can do this without having to make a big investment of your time or money (yet). Create something small and basic and show it your customer. Then listen to them carefully. Do they find it useful? Would they actually use it? What is the 1 or 2 most important things they would ask you to change or improve upon? They will tell you exactly what you need to do differently or to improve upon.
And, believe it or not, THAT is basically the whole process to getting launched. You just keep doing that over and over and over again: listening to your core customer, giving them a piece of a solution to react to, getting their direct feedback, making changes or improvements based on their feedback, and then starting with another cycle of the same process.
The reason it's good to start with a small, "core" audience is that it allows you to focus on solving one or two parts of a bigger problem - a small audience that all share the same problem will most likely give you consistent feedback you can easily build into the next pass of your solution. A large audience will give you TOO MUCH... and too different... feedback. It won't be so clear what's most important for you to improve next. In that case it's more likely you'll try to do a little bit to please everyone, and end up with a solution that doesn't really excite anyone. So start with a small, core audience and work through several passes to give them better-and-better versions that they can ultimately get really excited about. If you do that, they'll start paying you for it - and THAT is the point at which you have really started your business! Then you have a core set of passionate customers. From that strong base it is much easier to broaden your market, and expand your solution.
GOOD LUCK TO YOU!!!
Thanks for the advice.
ERINE FERNANDA
Updated
Leib’s Answer
Hi Erine! Really great question.
I’d recommend developing a skillset in marketing first. There are plenty of excellent free online courses from top business schools, here’s a list from edX: https://www.edx.org/learn/marketing. A number of these offer certifications as well to build credibility. Choose a topic or tool (social media management, SEO, branding, etc.) that really interests you and dive deeper into it – there’s so many different specialties within marketing.
A good way to get started in building experience and launching a marketing business could be to start offering services for free: to local small businesses, non-profits, and any family friends. This will help you gain experience working with clients and improve your marketing skills, as well as provide credibility for future projects. You could then expand your network – ask if they can refer you to anyone – and start to charge for your services over time. There are also freelance platforms where businesses can hire you for marketing projects directly: UpWork, Fiverr, and many others.
Erine I really respect your ambition and wish you the best of luck with this and all other endeavors!
I’d recommend developing a skillset in marketing first. There are plenty of excellent free online courses from top business schools, here’s a list from edX: https://www.edx.org/learn/marketing. A number of these offer certifications as well to build credibility. Choose a topic or tool (social media management, SEO, branding, etc.) that really interests you and dive deeper into it – there’s so many different specialties within marketing.
A good way to get started in building experience and launching a marketing business could be to start offering services for free: to local small businesses, non-profits, and any family friends. This will help you gain experience working with clients and improve your marketing skills, as well as provide credibility for future projects. You could then expand your network – ask if they can refer you to anyone – and start to charge for your services over time. There are also freelance platforms where businesses can hire you for marketing projects directly: UpWork, Fiverr, and many others.
Erine I really respect your ambition and wish you the best of luck with this and all other endeavors!
Your advice was so helpful!
ERINE FERNANDA
Updated
Christina’s Answer
Hi Erine, I've successful failed at 20+ businesses since the age of about 13. What I have learned is twofold. The first is you need something that solves a specific problem for your first business. What do customers really need, and do you have the skills to fit that? Ignore your parents and friends in this conversation. They will want to support anything you do. Call local businesses and say it's a school project or something that tugs at the heart strings of older entrepreneurs. Ask them specific questions such as 'What are their current problems with marketing?' Compile a list of 5 questions to ask. You can also join business forums online.
The second thing that I learned is to not expand my offers until I've successful trained someone to do what I do. Offer one thing. Just one thing. I had focus issues to say the least. So learn that one thing well. Become known for that thing. Maybe TikTok, Instagram, or organic web research. You can even just set up local business profiles and help restaurants market on Google. Then hire your first 1-5 contractor or employees then maybe expand your offering.
I would read the book the E-myth, how to win friends and influence people. What I learned from my failures is that I am not great at service business. I am better at teaching people what I know. Thus, I have a side business I run for part of the year that brings in good money and it's all about teaching people what I've learning in business and data.
Watch these YouTube channels: theFutur , GaryVee( some language concerns), minority mindset, starter story
Review these websites: hubspot and socialmediaexaminer
Review the productize service business model: designjoy.com
The second thing that I learned is to not expand my offers until I've successful trained someone to do what I do. Offer one thing. Just one thing. I had focus issues to say the least. So learn that one thing well. Become known for that thing. Maybe TikTok, Instagram, or organic web research. You can even just set up local business profiles and help restaurants market on Google. Then hire your first 1-5 contractor or employees then maybe expand your offering.
I would read the book the E-myth, how to win friends and influence people. What I learned from my failures is that I am not great at service business. I am better at teaching people what I know. Thus, I have a side business I run for part of the year that brings in good money and it's all about teaching people what I've learning in business and data.
Watch these YouTube channels: theFutur , GaryVee( some language concerns), minority mindset, starter story
Review these websites: hubspot and socialmediaexaminer
Review the productize service business model: designjoy.com
Thank you!
ERINE FERNANDA
Updated
Matthew’s Answer
Hello Erine,
It's fantastic to know that you're enthusiastic about becoming an entrepreneur at just 15 years old! Pursuing your passion and entrepreneurship at a young age is definitely a great idea.
Here are a few valuable lessons I've gathered from my own entrepreneurial journey that I hope will be helpful to you:
1. Be prepared to face obstacles and possibly fail along the way – this is a normal part of becoming a successful entrepreneur. Almost every accomplished entrepreneur has experienced failure at some point, but they have learned from their mistakes and improved in their next attempts. Focus on what works, what doesn't, and constantly strive to learn new things to achieve success!
2. Choosing the right team members is crucial. Surround yourself with like-minded, intelligent, and high-integrity individuals to increase your chances of success. When times get tough, it's essential to have trustworthy people by your side. Also, make sure your team members have diverse skill sets that complement each other. For example, you don't need five people who excel in social media graphics; a well-rounded team is more beneficial.
3. Following my passion has been the best decision I've ever made, and I have no regrets. Even if I face failure, I know that I tried to create something meaningful and helpful for others. Moreover, the learning experiences gained throughout the journey are invaluable – from product design, marketing, and fundraising to finance and customer feedback. Being an entrepreneur will teach you so much and introduce you to many people, providing you with numerous opportunities in life, regardless of the outcome.
Best of luck!
It's fantastic to know that you're enthusiastic about becoming an entrepreneur at just 15 years old! Pursuing your passion and entrepreneurship at a young age is definitely a great idea.
Here are a few valuable lessons I've gathered from my own entrepreneurial journey that I hope will be helpful to you:
1. Be prepared to face obstacles and possibly fail along the way – this is a normal part of becoming a successful entrepreneur. Almost every accomplished entrepreneur has experienced failure at some point, but they have learned from their mistakes and improved in their next attempts. Focus on what works, what doesn't, and constantly strive to learn new things to achieve success!
2. Choosing the right team members is crucial. Surround yourself with like-minded, intelligent, and high-integrity individuals to increase your chances of success. When times get tough, it's essential to have trustworthy people by your side. Also, make sure your team members have diverse skill sets that complement each other. For example, you don't need five people who excel in social media graphics; a well-rounded team is more beneficial.
3. Following my passion has been the best decision I've ever made, and I have no regrets. Even if I face failure, I know that I tried to create something meaningful and helpful for others. Moreover, the learning experiences gained throughout the journey are invaluable – from product design, marketing, and fundraising to finance and customer feedback. Being an entrepreneur will teach you so much and introduce you to many people, providing you with numerous opportunities in life, regardless of the outcome.
Best of luck!
Thank you for giving me advice.
ERINE FERNANDA
Updated
Ashish’s Answer
Great advise already before me. The only thought I wanted to add is many times, the best way to understand how the industry or area of your choice really works is to actually spend a couple of years in it working for someone else to learn the lay of the land and how things work. It provides you a better starter kit in terms of knowledge and challenges and prepares you for handling them better in your creative way. It also builds key connections that help you set a great foundation later on.
One key benefit of that is you also learn "on someone else's nickel" whether you truly like that area to pursue as your entrepreneurial venture ... All the best with the endeavor and keep up the spirit.
One key benefit of that is you also learn "on someone else's nickel" whether you truly like that area to pursue as your entrepreneurial venture ... All the best with the endeavor and keep up the spirit.
Thank you so much, Ashish!
ERINE FERNANDA
Updated
Mary’s Answer
Hi Erine! This is a thoughtful question, and I am excited for this next part of your journey! I agree and echo the guidance outlined above but I will add from a personal experience I do not regret following my passion. I followed my passion by choosing to major in English during my time at university. I followed my passion for reading and writing and it led me to discover a plethora of other skills along the way. Be creative in applying the skills you have learned to different areas and industries. I think when you follow your passion, work hard, and stay ready for the right opportunities you will find the right path. This is not to say that it will come immediately. For some it does, but for others your professional career is a journey of exploring what you're good at, what you enjoy, what you dislike, and what gets you out of bed in the morning. Everyone's path is different. Stay true to that inner voice and don't be discouraged by failures!
Loved reading this, thanks!
ERINE FERNANDA
Updated
Ethan’s Answer
Great job starting early! You're way ahead of where I was at 16, and you should feel proud. It's uncommon for people to succeed in their first business, but being an entrepreneur means learning from mistakes and pushing through hard times. Eventually, you'll gain so much knowledge that early challenges become minor obstacles in your journey. The most crucial advice I can offer is to never quit. If you're passionate and have a dream, there's no limit to what you can achieve. Entrepreneurship is about working hard, facing challenges head-on, and persisting. Learn from others, remain humble, and above all, stay eager to grow.
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
ERINE FERNANDA