#24 - 10 Startup Business Tips for Young Entrepreneurs
The Agile Growth Entrepreneur Newsletter
Welcome to this week's Agile Growth Entrepreneur Newsletter
Have you ever wished you had been taught more "serious life skills" in school, like investing? Everything you know or don't know about money comes from your upbringing, friends, the media, the internet, and maybe even your significant other. It's important to note that not all of this data is perfect.
Even the simplest tasks may give you a fresh perspective when your financial house is in order.
1. Don't ever choose a job only to fund your lifestyle.
Stop laughing at this and think about what it teaches you. Everyone works for something or someone to earn money to purchase needs. The moral of the story is that we shouldn't allow ourselves to become financially dependent on other people because doing so will only cause stress and anxiety.
Tim Cook, CEO of Apple, said something similar in 2017: "My advice to all of you is, don't work for money—it will wear out soon, or you'll never make enough, and you'll never be happy, one way or the other."
Jobs or careers aligned with one's sense of purpose are preferable to those only necessary for meeting financial obligations. Find something you're enthusiastic about doing, and don't stop seeking until you do.
2. Parents are our first teachers when it comes to money
What we want to be and don't want to be, are only two of the many lessons we might pick up from our parents. For example, our primary financial education came from our parents, who may have taught us directly or indirectly to value frugality and avoid frivolous purchases.
How our parents and grandparents handled money reflected their generation's stress. As a result of having lived through wars, uprisings, segregation, and so on, people of their age tend to advocate a more modest way of life, one in which more money is saved and less is spent.
Can we say that about our generation? The advancements and events of our parents' era have made our lives far more comfortable than theirs were.
3. Become a master of modest living.
When first beginning out in life, it's important for everyone to understand how to save money wherever possible. Learning to do with as little as possible in difficult circumstances is helpful. However, some have dug themselves into a deeper financial hole due to other people's bad financial practices, such as storing cash at home rather than in a secure location like a bank.
To succeed financially as young people, we need to learn from the mistakes our parents didn't make. Frugal living improves one's ability to prioritize wants over needs.
4. Ask questions
Successful people are curious and eager to learn. Thus, they are the ones who frequently probe for more information. Never stop learning from the world by inquiring, investigating, and changing. Having doubts about your comprehension is understandable, but that shouldn't stop you from asking questions. Rather than not asking questions, not understanding, and doing things incorrectly, striving toward a greater understanding and then good implementation is preferable.
5. Try to find sources of income.
Plan on spending at least 20 minutes daily thinking about achieving financial independence. No "quick money" or "get rich" scheme is involved in this financial independence. Instead, it's a strategy for the future that can provide you with the freedom you seek.
One way to think about making money is to form solid financial habits that will help you save money. If you are now financially unable to support yourself, this is of paramount importance.
Forgoing your $5 daily Starbucks run is a wonderful habit, but it won't lead to overnight riches. Prioritize saving by developing healthy financial routines. When you have amassed enough capital, you should start thinking about investing it in money-making ventures.
6. Practice positive thinking
The way we think significantly influences our ability to make money. If you're short on cash, you can start dwelling on how few resources you have, which can lead to feelings of despair. The scarcity mindset creates a negative mental environment, leading us to believe there is never enough money to go around. If you think negatively, do all you can to shift your perspective. You should act as the manager of your ideas and shake off any negative ones when you believe them.
7. Invest in yourself
Putting money into one's education yields one of the highest rates of return. Learn a new skill to help you reach your end goal and reap the rewards of your investment. Invest in your own growth, whether that's professionally or personally. Occasionally, you have to prioritize your own demands over those of others. Aside from yourself, no one will be able to help you. It's up to each of us to cultivate the skills and abilities God has given us. Investing in ourselves to grow our capabilities and use them to benefit others and build successful businesses is a rewarding life goal.
8. Trust your skills
Before you can earn the respect of others, you need to know and value your skills and achievements. Then, make an effort to expand your knowledge and improve your abilities. Only take a job if you feel you have to if you enjoy minimal comfort. True wealth comes from wisely investing money to generate a return on investment over time rather than amassing many material goods. Therefore, seek to improve your skills and knowledge in all areas of life. If you take this step now, you'll be better equipped to put your money to work for you.
9. Take a risk
People who take risks become recognized. A bold individual acts with bravery, self-assurance, and purpose. Growing your confidence may motivate those around you to do better, gain new knowledge, and improve their abilities. Courageous individuals don't sit around waiting for others to take the lead, either. Looking to take the plunge and start your own business? In that case, you should design your business strategy so that each step builds on the previous ones. Use to your advantage each achievement that raises your profile and esteem. Get the ball rolling, make connections, and generate some interest.
10: Bet on the unexpected
Financial security requires taking the bull by the horns and driving it to submission. To be successful, you must take calculated risks when playing. Smart gamblers pay you handsomely. Suppose you have the right experience, technical skills, and financial knowledge. In that case, you can take calculated risks and improve your chances of success. If you need help figuring out your taxes, look at this link. Learn as much as you can now about personal finance because doing so will serve you well in the long run.