Virgin Business

[DuaneJackson]

There was a very active thread over the xmas period with many members - notably Jonathon at Hands On Group - offering to help Junior get set up in business. I'm not sure what the outcome of this was/is.

I think the idea that was pitched was a very good one - to set up a forum/site for youngsters that are interested in getting started business. This could be a really great site, especially if all those that offered help in that thread could sustain the xmas spirit for a little longer.

Do you guys think it would be worth giving something like this a go with all UKBF members that have something to contribute getting involved? It'd be a big undertaking and we'd need a project manager to make it happen. If you think this is worth exploring - what should the next step(s) be?

I suggest we should be looking at the feasability of it. What could this new site offer that is if practical use and not under one virtual roof elsewhere?

I have a few ideas and suggestions based on what was discussed in the other thread but I'd really like to hear others opinions.

[uksbc]

Duane,

i have also been approached by a few people recently following that thread for young people to introduce a Young Entrepreneur Section to The Small Business Help Centre and like you i do think it is a good idea. i have already put a "coming soon" message about it on our site.

if i can get some input from other members i am ready to move forward with it in the next couple of days

is there anyone else on here that would like to get involved in this type of project?

:D

[Admiral Collections]

Ok, why aren't we directing these young people to the Princes Trust where they will get advice and funding?

If you want to be an entrepreneur surely this starts with using your own initiative without adopting UKBF parents.

The Princes Trust promotes this in young people from 18 onwards.

If you are under that age maybe you should be concentrating on your exams, taking a business studies course and learning that you have to walk before you can run. So much of society is hellbent on materialism, these young guys are losing out on their childhoods.

Nic :wink:

[DuaneJackson]

The PT supports those that are over 18 and from what they see as an 'underprivildged' background (for their business start-up program anyway). There are a large amount of people who don't fit this criteria that are interested in business.

Also, the type and quality of help and support you get from the Trust varies wildly dependant on what area you are in and who your mentor is.

We're not talking about rounding up youngsters in the playground and forcing a capitalist manifesto down their throats. The number of youngsters that have turned up here show that there are lots of under 18's with an interest in business. And remember, we only see those that are brave enough to dive into this very grown-up environment.

What the Trust does is great, but having seen it close up from inside at the highest levels and from the outside as a client and as somebody that runs a networking group for PT supported businesses - there is definely a need for something else as well.

[Jayne]

Know-one at the Princes Trust would help me when I was young, this is why i've been trying to find another way for these young people to get help.

I'm waiting to here from Junior, he's going to talk to offer over with his Mum and Dad.

Jayne :D

[Asteeleleith]

ok i am in partial agreement with nicthechick on this and also with duna jackson.
These are young ppl who to all intents and purposes would be far better served getting an education. As all here are aware starting up a business takes an immense amount of time, effort, hard work, dedication, and money. A decent job is always best obtained first. This is obtained with the right experience, and paperwork.

By the same token, like as not, these youngesters are coming to us for help. and from what i can tell form Jayne, a fair old number of them are coming her way. I think she said she got some 50 odd email!
so what are we to do, pass the buck to the princes truest and leave it there?
But we are also a business forum, passing on advise and help is what we also do isn;t it?
This is not really the place for youngsters to be asking for business help. We are all very busy ppl.
This is why i am in principle in favour with starting up a forum for young business start ups. To be honest ppl, if they are going to start up a business then they are going to do it what ever we say. it is better they invest their spare time in something worthwhile other than in mugging, smoking, drinking, and doing drugs as many do.

After all how old were you wen you started? Sir Richard branson was a school kid. I know many of you are only 17-18 years old. Ok 13-14 could be considered a little too young. But if they are going to do it anyway, then is it not best it is under guidence so they can avoid getting into trouble?

so yes, i say lets do it. I am sure i speak for other UKBF'ers wen i say i will also be happy to offer my support :-)

Perhaps if someone contavted the princes trust regarding the idea they might offer its support as well?

Al

[TWD-Tony]

I for one would be interested in helping out with this project... I'm not 100% sure how I would fit in exactly - but if someone wants to email / PM me when this get's sorted out, with ideas for what they would like me to do to help then I am more than willing :wink:

Tony

[Asteeleleith]

I for one would be interested in helping out with this project... I'm not 100% sure how I would fit in exactly - but if someone wants to email / PM me when this get's sorted out, with ideas for what they would like me to do to help then I am more than willing :wink:

Tony

As stated above, same goes for me, though i will also add i would be very weary offering help to young ppl as young as 13/14 without parential consent . If anything goes wrong we could be sued?
It is all well and good helping others, but we need our own backs covered as well :-)

Al

[DuaneJackson]

If anything goes wrong we could be sued?

Everything would be disclaimed to the hilt.

I think I need to open a new thread about specific aspects of this project next week when everyone is back at work and online. There are certainly a number of people interested in doing it. Those that think it's a bad idea for any reason at all can just not get involved. I'd really like to get some debate going on the practicalities of it rather than the ethics.

[Jayne]

Is this the same forum that Jonathan's doing or are we having two now..if so are they the same or will they do different stuff?

Jayne :)

[DarrenC]

it is better they invest their spare time in something worthwhile other than in mugging, smoking, drinking, and doing drugs as many do

Very good point.

I also agree with the point of ensuring that they are legal disclaimers on this forum to protect all.

I'll be happy to help moderate the forum, and market it on my travels around the internet.

Darren

[Jayne]

Maybe we should wait and ask the younger members what they want and if this is a good idea. These are the people who will be using it :D

Jayne

[Asteeleleith]

i will offer any support i can
As already stated i think a new thread needs to be started on this.
Owing to the nature of the members this forum would have, it does really need to be dislaimed to the hilt. i certainly agree with that.

As jayne said though it is up to the youngsters what they want. I leave it to them to decide

Al

[DarrenC]

Maybe we should wait and ask the younger members what they want and if this is a good idea. These are the people who will be using it :D

Jayne

Very good point.

I think everyone gets overexcited.. my worries would be people developing the forum to promote their own business rather than the main aim which is to help young un's :)

[Asteeleleith]

by the sounds of it, one of the youngsters is already building a forum, so its going ahead regardless.
I am sure if our help is wanted they will come to us :-)
It will be then down to the individula to decided wether to offer assistance or not :-)

Al

[JustOneUK]

where is the thread for the negative amongst us?

[Jayne]

I think it should be up to the young business people to moderate their own forum. We should trust them to do that, it's the first step to learning :D

Jayne

[TWD-Tony]

I think it should be up to the young business people to moderate their own forum. We should trust them to do that, it's the first step to learning :D

Jayne

That maybe a very bad idea - moderating a forum is a rather tricky task indeed, it is very easy for mods to become a "target" for some kind of users if things get out of hand...
Hormones can also come into play :roll: Which can cause massive "mine is bigger than yours" type arguements :lol:

[Jayne]

But an 18 year old should be grown up enough to be a mod :D

Jayne

[Asteeleleith]

But an 18 year old should be grown up enough to be a mod :D

Jayne

one would also hope they would have the relevant experience and knowledge to as well :-)

Al

[Jayne]

If they are not grown up to run a forum, they they'd be no good in business, it could learn them to contol themselves, it's good business practice...hopefully :D

Plus there could be a big brother hiding in the background, just in case :lol:

Jayne

[Jayne]

I've just thought of something megga important..

It should be stressed to the young ones, not to meet up with anyone without their parents there..maybe a sticky thread warning of dangers etc.

This is a big, big must have.

Jayne

[Asteeleleith]

I've just thought of something megga important..

It should be stressed to the young ones, not to meet up with anyone without their parents there..maybe a sticky thread warning of dangers etc.

This is a big, big must have.

Jayne

I think also something warning them about ppl who make bogus phone calls. Being weary about whom you are doing business with.
Making sure that ppl who call are who they say they are. They all want your money these ppl and are only too good at taking credit card details over the phone.
Now that is a worry

Al

[SillyJokes]

I would also worry about the youngsters being given bad advice. This is even more important because they are less likely to be able to ignore or sift out the poor advice from the good.

Having said that, it is grat to think of supporting young people with ideas.

The lad who worked for us on work experience last year was an entreprenuer to the bone. If he wasn't going to Australia I would love to sit back and watch him make a success of his life.