Teen Entrepreneurship
Photo Credit: Alex Rynard
Jean Teneus takes a call from one of his clients.
Brittany King, Staff Writer
April 3, 2012
Filed under Culture, Student Life
What would it be like to start your own business? In our current “high-tech” culture, the popularity of teen entrepreneurship has largely grown from Internet sites and blogs, which have helped them earn money through businesses started online, and in advertising. Here at CCA, we have some of our own entrepreneurs as well. Junior, Josh Agarth, uses his musical talents to give guitar lessons to younger children.
“I love teaching for the opportunity to invest in those younger than me, like Paul who invested in Timothy. I do believe that teens starting their own jobs is a good idea.” Senior Jean Teneus has a business as well, called the Rust Doctor, in which he oversees a house cleaning association.
Director of Discipleship, Aaron Mills, believes that teen entrepreneurship is “a great opportunity to prepare, and do the work we are called to do—share the Gospel. There’s a need to cover costs in life so that we may pursue the ministry that God has called us to.”
A previous young entrepreneur and present business owner, Director of CCA Communications, Chad Kauffman, began his own business when he was young by selling rubber band balls. He employed his friends and paid them, and still made a profit off the product.
“This experience led me to start two other profitable ventures through high school and into college,” explained Mr. Kauffman. “The process gave me an understanding of a good work ethic and motivation for the business I have today.”
Starting a business as a teen provides a student with experience before hand, and the financial means to help them later in life. If you’re thinking about starting a business, here are some pointers:
First: Pray about it! Make sure this is what God is calling you to do at this point in your life.
Second: Be realistic and reasonable in your goals. Many times, beginning entrepreneurs get caught up in the “start-your-own-business” excitement and forget to start off with easy aims. Set goals that are attainable. Don’t expect immediate interest off your services/products.
Third: Develop a group of friends you can trust, and ask them to help you and give you advice throughout the process.
Fourth: Maintain balance in your life. Prioritize your time and commitments. If starting a business takes away from your ability to excel in school, or you find yourself making unseemly compromises, take the time to reevaluate your goals and your mindset.