4 answers
Karmel
Student
Orangeburg, South Carolina
1
Question
Updated
447 views
?How does one motivate their self to stay focused on developing their business
I am in the 9 grade and I am just beginning to explore my future
career, what are some careers and helpful next steps I should consider
based on my passions and interests
4 answers
Andrea Bertels
Vice President, Corporate Citizenship
2
Answers
Cincinnati, Ohio
Updated
Andrea’s Answer
Hi Karmel! What an exciting age to be, and you have a lot of time ahead of you to figure out your career. I am 40 years old and I am still learning all the time about new areas, topics, and potential paths I may want to try. But it's a great idea to get the in habit early of noticing what lights you up and what gets you excited. Start to make a list of subjects or topics that you already know you love, and see if they have anything in common. You can continue to add to the list as you notice new things that you learn or subject areas that excite you -- for example, maybe you don't love "math" as a whole, but figuring out how to build a strong bridge out of triangles (which is a geometry problem) is more specifically exciting to you. Or you don't love literature class because you don't like long novels, but you love to see how writers choose words to make sentences clear. These are just examples, but you can see that the more specific you get, the clearer you might be on what paths to explore.
Once you have a few strong interests noted down, then you can do some research on what careers or college majors they relate to. The geometry/bridge example might lead you to structural engineering. An interest in clear writing could point you to fields in editing or in business/technical writing. Ideally you might be able to connect with someone for an informational interview, to explore more about the field, or you can come back to CareerVillage and ask questions more specific to the field you want to explore.
But everything stems from you being curious, noticing what interests you, and paying attention to what you want to explore further! Take it one step at a time. Good luck!
Once you have a few strong interests noted down, then you can do some research on what careers or college majors they relate to. The geometry/bridge example might lead you to structural engineering. An interest in clear writing could point you to fields in editing or in business/technical writing. Ideally you might be able to connect with someone for an informational interview, to explore more about the field, or you can come back to CareerVillage and ask questions more specific to the field you want to explore.
But everything stems from you being curious, noticing what interests you, and paying attention to what you want to explore further! Take it one step at a time. Good luck!
Theophilus Mensah
Entrepreneur
47
Answers
Grambling, Louisiana
Updated
Theophilus’s Answer
Hey Karmel,
Let me answer in two folds.
First of all, I understand the challenge of staying focused on your business, especially when there are many distractions around. When I started my business selling body enhancement products in junior high school, I had to balance schoolwork, social life, and business all at once. Here’s what helped me stay on track:
1. Set Clear Goals: Back when I first started Theophilus Gallery, my goal wasn’t just to make sales, but to help people appreciate their bodies naturally. Having a clear vision gave me a purpose, and it kept me going even when things got tough. Find your ‘why,’ and use it to push forward.
2. Celebrate Progress: When my business started gaining more customers and my WhatsApp_ viewers grew from 22,000 to 56,000 a week, I realized that celebrating small wins made a big difference. Recognize your achievements, even if they seem small. They’re stepping stones to bigger success.
3. Stay Consistent: Running a business takes consistency. For example, I implemented a savings plan where my customers could secure products through partial payments over 21 days. This helped build trust and kept my business going. You need to show up every day, even if it’s just a little progress.
4. Keep Learning: I’ve always been passionate about learning, which is why I enrolled in business and computer science courses, despite running a business. The more you learn, the better you’ll become. Take the time to grow your skills. It will reflect in your business.
Now let us come to exploring careers:
When I was your age, I started to explore my passions for art and business. These early experiences helped shape my career goals. Here are some steps you can take to explore your future career:
1. Start With Your Passions: I knew I loved business when I convinced people to buy my products in school, and my passion for art led me to become president of the Visual Arts Club. Ask yourself what you love doing now. Whether it’s creating, organizing, or solving problems.
2. Get Involved in Activities: When I was in school, I joined clubs like the Red Cross Society and the Drama Club. This gave me leadership experience and allowed me to explore different interests. You can do the same by joining school clubs that relate to your passions.
3. Seek Out Learning Opportunities: Even though I’m now a student at Grambling State University studying Business Management but I didn’t stop there. I took extra courses online in Project Management and AI because they align with my career goals. Look for opportunities to learn about careers that interest you, whether through school or online courses.
4. Take on Small Projects: I led a team to create a 62-foot mural in my final year of high school. Projects like these gave me hands-on experience that’s helped me in my business and leadership roles. Starting small projects now can give you a clearer sense of what career path you want to follow.
All the best!
Let me answer in two folds.
First of all, I understand the challenge of staying focused on your business, especially when there are many distractions around. When I started my business selling body enhancement products in junior high school, I had to balance schoolwork, social life, and business all at once. Here’s what helped me stay on track:
1. Set Clear Goals: Back when I first started Theophilus Gallery, my goal wasn’t just to make sales, but to help people appreciate their bodies naturally. Having a clear vision gave me a purpose, and it kept me going even when things got tough. Find your ‘why,’ and use it to push forward.
2. Celebrate Progress: When my business started gaining more customers and my WhatsApp_ viewers grew from 22,000 to 56,000 a week, I realized that celebrating small wins made a big difference. Recognize your achievements, even if they seem small. They’re stepping stones to bigger success.
3. Stay Consistent: Running a business takes consistency. For example, I implemented a savings plan where my customers could secure products through partial payments over 21 days. This helped build trust and kept my business going. You need to show up every day, even if it’s just a little progress.
4. Keep Learning: I’ve always been passionate about learning, which is why I enrolled in business and computer science courses, despite running a business. The more you learn, the better you’ll become. Take the time to grow your skills. It will reflect in your business.
Now let us come to exploring careers:
When I was your age, I started to explore my passions for art and business. These early experiences helped shape my career goals. Here are some steps you can take to explore your future career:
1. Start With Your Passions: I knew I loved business when I convinced people to buy my products in school, and my passion for art led me to become president of the Visual Arts Club. Ask yourself what you love doing now. Whether it’s creating, organizing, or solving problems.
2. Get Involved in Activities: When I was in school, I joined clubs like the Red Cross Society and the Drama Club. This gave me leadership experience and allowed me to explore different interests. You can do the same by joining school clubs that relate to your passions.
3. Seek Out Learning Opportunities: Even though I’m now a student at Grambling State University studying Business Management but I didn’t stop there. I took extra courses online in Project Management and AI because they align with my career goals. Look for opportunities to learn about careers that interest you, whether through school or online courses.
4. Take on Small Projects: I led a team to create a 62-foot mural in my final year of high school. Projects like these gave me hands-on experience that’s helped me in my business and leadership roles. Starting small projects now can give you a clearer sense of what career path you want to follow.
All the best!
Adaobi Ogheneovo B.SC Acct, MPA , IBM
CLIENT MANAGER
65
Answers
Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada
Updated
Adaobi’s Answer
To stay focused on business development:
1. **Set Clear Goals**: Outline your objectives and milestones.
2. **Stay Passionate**: Remind yourself why you started.
3. **Create a Routine**: Develop a daily schedule to stay disciplined.
4. **Seek Inspiration**: Learn from successful entrepreneurs and mentors.
5. **Track Progress**: Regularly review your achievements and adjust plans accordingly.
Consistency and passion are key. Keep your eye on the prize! 🎯
1. **Set Clear Goals**: Outline your objectives and milestones.
2. **Stay Passionate**: Remind yourself why you started.
3. **Create a Routine**: Develop a daily schedule to stay disciplined.
4. **Seek Inspiration**: Learn from successful entrepreneurs and mentors.
5. **Track Progress**: Regularly review your achievements and adjust plans accordingly.
Consistency and passion are key. Keep your eye on the prize! 🎯
Caterina Hache
Consulting
3
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Caterina’s Answer
Hi Karmel! It's great that you're starting to think about your interests and how this could translate into a career. My advice would be to explore your passions and focus on what excites you about the business world. Then, set small goals you can work on while at school to get closer to your your dream career. Celebrate progress, even small wins, and stay connected to your friends, family and mentors who can provide valuable guidance and encouragement along the way. Finally, remember that this is a time to learn, so enjoy the process, and don't be afraid to experiment and make mistakes!
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