I Am too Young!

This is the first part of a series of excuses that people give for not being entrepreneurial. I admit though that for some people, they view the issues that will be discussed as reasons why they do not have a chance. This series hopefully will bust some of their mythical concerns.

One answer to that: Mark Zuckerberg. He founded Facebook at 20 years old and for years later is dubbed “the world’s youngest self-made billionaire” (in theory) by Forbes Magazine.

Being young is no reason why no one can start a business and grow it to success. From a young age, everyone is gifted with the flow of ideas. Recognizing opportunities and bringing the concepts to life are just a matter of paying attention and doing something about those ideas.

There are times where being young will hinder all chances of rolling out solo. The two immediate examples are medicines and politics. 

But then again, young age is a relative notion. A 40-year-old politician is a toddler to most. A 30-year-old NBA player will be referred to as granddad.

What if an entrepreneur really, really, really has a good idea and cannot bring it to life because of his or her age?

Easy. Find an older partner that can be trusted.

It can be a parent, an uncle, an aunt, a mentor, a godfather or godmother, a personal banker, an older sibling, an older and like-minded sibling of a friend.

I could go on but the point is clear. Being young is no excuse to go freelance or in business.

Of course, the more credible the senior partner is, the better. If the partner or endorser is influential, wealthy and is respected in the market targeted, then life will be easier.

What is an endorser? Just like in politics, it’s someone who will publicly support the entrepreneurship spirit and is willing to lend his or her name to the young gun’s idea.

As long as the concept is well presented and looks solid, presenting it to any stakeholder will not be hampered by young age.

Another consideration is that being young can actually be an asset in entrepreneurship. Young people have fresher ideas, learn faster, more drive, and more longevity, are more flexible to and are able to react faster and easier to change and have less to risk by going into business.

That’s the positive side of the coin that can be used to a young entrepreneur’s advantage to silence the doubters.

Sorry. Young age is no excuse. What’s the next excuse?