Being young and an entrepreneur is a challenge for a number of reasons. Aside from it being challenging to run your own company, there are a number of social attitudes and stereotypes that can make it even more difficult to gain traction in the business world. Here are some of the issues that young entrepreneurs face, and tips for overcoming them
You're Young, So you must be inexperienced
There are so many stereotypes that come along with being a young person. It seems that every day there's another article about how lazy, entitled, or otherwise incompetent Millennial's are. There seems to be a negative stereotype about every aspect of a young person's daily life, including their work ethic. But doesn't that mean they're true, As a young entrepreneur, it's your job to successfully run your company, not to actively disprove someone's prejudices. By focusing on your success just as any other business owner would, you will end up proving naysayers wrong.
The Green-Eyed Monster
As a young professional, you’ll run into jealous people. While there are some people out there who will genuinely critique your choices as a business owner, others (such as friends who may or may not have found the drive to move out of mom’s house yet) will try to dissuade you from pursuing your entrepreneurial dreams. This is particularly common with young entrepreneurs. Older folks will warn against potential business failures and a lifetime of debt; younger people will shake their heads and say you’ll be better off finding a steady, stable job in this economy. No matter who it comes from, try to take every piece of advice to heart; however, in the end, you’ll be the one making the decisions about your future. Don’t let jealous, negative people block your path to success.
Finding Time For Yourself
This is an issue for any time-pressed business owner, but it is especially so for a young one. Entrepreneurs are on the go all the time. It’s difficult to hang out with friends, attend classes (or a day job), or even build a relationship with a significant other when you’re so tied up in your business. And it’s important to work hard at your goals – because it takes hard work to succeed. But it’s also important to not neglect your life while you’re young. Take time to build business connections. Network, attend conferences, and enjoy all that your career is offering to you. Then, when you’re not at work, learn to block off time to regenerate your mind and body. Connect with loved ones who will support you in your journey. When you return to work, you’ll feel refreshed and ready to tackle the next big project. While there are other hurdles to overcome as a young entrepreneur, these three challenges are particularly common. With some patience and practice, you’ll be able to overcome your issues and enjoy a long, fruitful career as an independent business owner!
