Entrepreneurship Ideas for Teens
In competitive job markets, employment can be scarce especially for teenagers. Teens may not be considered for jobs because of their lack of experience or exceptionally young age, regardless if they're qualified. Some teenagers have turned to starting their own business to create opportunities of their own. Entrepreneurship is a valid option for teens to make money and build upon future business skills.
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Buy and Sell
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Buying and selling is one of the oldest forms of business which anyone, including teens, can effectively do. Teens can gather startup money by conducting garage sales or selling their used items online. The success of the business will depend on the ability of the teen to find a deal. He would typically need to switch offline and online searching. For example, the offline search would consist of finding a small mom and pop local store selling a product for a price less than the current price found online or a price that the teen believes he can resell on an online auction site for a profit. A common example would be buying and selling collectibles, such as baseball cards or comics over the web.
Neighborhood Service
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Particularly in suburban neighborhoods, teens can start a local business for their community. For example, a teen who specializes in computers can conduct setup and repair of neighbors' computers for a fee. Additionally, a specialized skill is not necessary to provide services around the neighborhood. Jobs such as organizing garages, mowing lawns and tow-hauling services only require basic skills but can be lucrative if the teen is the only one doing it.
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Online Expert
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Ever since the growth of the Internet, teenagers have become very adept in using online tools and interacting with people online. As a result, teenagers may develop new skills that are currently in demand and can only be provided by a select few. For example, teens with a high interest in social media can start developing their professional expertise. They can learn fan page design and campaign management tools, and practice these skills in promoting activities on the school website. As of 2011, professional social media specialists are in high demand, particularly in technology and online companies; teens who can create a successful track record can steadily build their own consultancy company.
Art and Design
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Crafts can come in demand among offline and online customers. Teenagers who specialize in making key chains, necklaces and other small items can sell their products among their friends, relatives and on online sites. Art and design products are logical choices for teens because the business requires little to no startup money; customized key chain designs can be created and printed on a home computer at the same cost as any other printed document.
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