8 Things a Kid Can Get From Starting a Business

By: Melissa | Posted: 10th December 2009

The US economy not only thrives on small businesses, it survives because of them. Entrepreneurism not only feeds the economy and strengthens communities, it fuels innovations and provides financial stability.

The skill sets learned in running a business are plentiful and those who own their own businesses can attest to the positive benefits gained through experience. When a child learns business acumen by running a business at a young age, he or she is placed light years ahead of those who do not have the opportunity to learn.

Leadership

Business ownership requires leadership, allowing young entrepreneurs to begin sharpening this vital skill.

Problem Solving Skills

Entrepreneurs are problem solvers. They create products or services that solve problems and make the lives of others better. When practiced, a child learns that there are positive solutions to problems using a little creativity.

Decision-Making Skills

Running a business provides young entrepreneurs with the ability to learn how to make thoughtful decisions by seeing the cause and effects of their efforts. Trial and error is a vital component of business ownership.

Communication Skills

Building self-esteem is an intrinsic reward for a young entrepreneur. Through a heightened sense of self-awareness, young entrepreneurs are better able to improve their communication skills, both written and oral, simply by learning how to better connect with their customers without having a crippling fear of rejection.

Networking

Networking involves building solid relationships and trust. It enables people to step outside of their comfort zones, engage in active listening and find ways to help others professionally.

Earning a Living

Today's youth are ill-prepared when it comes to knowing how to earn a living which will financially sustain themselves over the long term. Running a business at a young age helps teach that hard work pays, how to budget money, how to make a profit and how save for future endeavors.

Creativity

Kid businesses provide young entrepreneurs with a true sense of ownership, and through ownership they have a chance to express their creativity freely as well as find solutions to challenges that may arise.

Accountability

Young entrepreneurs learn early on the importance of being held accountable to their customers. This also transfers over to other parts of their lives, such as school, where they learn there are rewards for being responsible.

Learning how to run a business isn't something you learn overnight. It's similar to riding a bike; it takes practice. Experiencing entrepreneurship at a young age gives kids an advantage and sets them apart from their peers as they mature.
About the Author
{if $articleAuthor->occupation}
Occupation: {$articleAuthor->occupation}
{/if}
{$articleAuthor->biography}
{if $articleAuthor->website}
{$articleAuthor->website}
{/if}
This article is free for republishing
Printed From: http://www.articleheaven.net/8-things-a-kid-can-get-from-starting-a-business-1284388.html

Back to the original article

Tags: vital component, running a business, business acumen, trial and error, communication skills, active listening, young entrepreneur, fear of rejection, light years, self awareness, financial stability, problem solving skills, business ownership, living today