I am 14. What would be a simple business?

[iTopz]

I'm 16 and in a similar situation to you. Firstly I'd say continue the education, it opens doors and can provide a good plan b if your idea's don't blossom.
Apart from that, I don't know - perhaphs blogging, that's what I do but you must be patient.

 

[NetwiseHosting]

Especially seeing as my new website hasn't exactly taken off!! (Pardon the pun if anyone has seen what it is called )

Have you thought about why your site isn't taking off? I had a quick look and its a nice looking site, especially considering your age. What sort of marketing are you employing?

 

[James.Dunford]

Have you thought about why your site isn't taking off? I had a quick look and its a nice looking site, especially considering your age. What sort of marketing are you employing?

First of all thanks I have been adding things to it, got an RSS feed etc on now so rankings are improving.

The first reason i can see is product range, Currently i only have 44 different products on, which for a website is not a huge amount. I do intend on getting mroe stock in the next few weeks, a few new product ranges so that should be upto about 60 or so by the end of July.

Secondly the marketing. I have submitted to a few online directories, but don't really have the budget for adwords. I have had a few sales from it, but the investment needed does not warrant the size of the current site.

Thirdly, possibly the security of the site. I have an image on the right hand side which is about the security, which then takes you too a page about Paypal and Google checkout. I am intending to get one of those security symbols sometime, the ISIS one preferably, but that is still several months, probably start of 2010 to be fair.

Any other suggestions? All appreciated

 

[jonathanfigaro]

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
at what age do you want to be retired?
What is your passion?
What give you a sense of accomplishment?

By answering these questions, you will be able yo find your niche.

I hope this help buddy! I hope you become the next Bil gates!

 

[DogGroomer1]

What you really need is a passion for what you want to do for a living.
Without that, no amount of hardwork will give you satisfaction or money.

I know of a 14 year old who knew what they wanted to do, couldn't afford the training, nor qualified for any aprentiship schemes run by thee government,
(inless they wanted to work at McD''s!)
but carried on at school, knowing they'd need it to be able to run the business side of their dream.
They worked for nothing saturdays and holidays,
getting training and experience in return. until 2 years later, when they left school
they were trained, able to handle customer relations, knew the finance side, had aquired the basic tools required to start up on their own.
Their Boss was so impressed with their determination and the way they gave their all,
They were offered a partnership!

IF you work hard, you get what you wish,
If you don't really know what you want, go out and try different things,
experience is better than qualifications in many ways.

Most of all, enjoy what you do.

 

[LiveWIRE Stu]

Hi

Many people on here speak wise words- education at your age is by far away the most important thing. That said it does not hurt- if you have the time- to have an eye on creating a little business for yourself- or at least learn the process. You should have a look at the Shell Livewire site- web address below- there are plenty of young people there who are starting businesses (although a little older than you). As for what to start- my advice would be to look at something which interests you and go from there.

 

[EH1099]

Thank you for all the replys!

I was curious with the washing cars. Where would I do it?
Do I need any skils in the way I wash the car?

 

[MESophie]

Thank you for all the replys!

I was curious with the washing cars. Where would I do it?
Do I need any skils in the way I wash the car?

You could do it in any suburb or street anywhere.

No skills required, just basic car washing and add a few extras like polishing on as a bonus (at a charge)

Another thing you may want to consider is doing pressure washing on driveways etc. the amount some people charge is ridiculous so if you undercut them you could make quite a nice amount of money, although the equipment may be a bit more expensive.

 

[Iwillmakeit]

Thank you for all the replys!

I was curious with the washing cars. Where would I do it?
Do I need any skils in the way I wash the car?

Stick to school mate

 

[beebo]

Point 1.

Ignore the naysayers. The UK has a very negative culture. You are going to get slapped an awful lot, in the business world, in academia, and life in general. The key point is to get up, dust yourself off and make your business work. Just go for it!!

Point 2.

A paper round is not your own business, you are an employee, bit like most jobs for teens.

Point 3.

I had employee type jobs from the age of 11 and I got 13 GCSEs and 4 A-levels. When I went to University I quit all the part-time jobs, drank lots and studied. I got kicked out of 2 Universities before I finally got an MA. Moral - don't give-up the day job, it keeps you focused on what you DON'T want to be stuck in the rest of your life.

Point 4.

If you want to start your own business focus on what you know. You know your own age group. There are some things that you wouldn't pay money for and can get for free. There are some things that you might buy but then you share with your friends. There are some things that you will buy and everyone wants one too. Go with that. It might not be real, it might be webbased.

Whatever it is - just do it. You are going to fail sometimes, but just learn from your mistakes and try again.

 

[Mary KEATING]

School is rubbish, usually full of bitter people who were not good enough to work in the real world, otherwise known as "teachers". Many of these people enjoy telling you that your life will be miserable unless you read pointless books and achieve meaningless attainment targets that will do you no good in the real world.

I shall make a bold statement: Educational accolades mean next to nothing in the modern British economy, unless it furnishes you with knowledge for a very particular type of job. I would only advise education past the age of 16 for those who wished to enter engineering, chemical based industries, medicine or medical practice. The academic system in general is finished. I would encourage youngsters of school age to develop their vocational skills and means of income as early as they possibly can.

As or suggestions, can you learn a simple craft and make some trinkets or something? Key rings can be quite easy to make, and you can sell them at a boot sale or arts and crafts faires, etc.

Hey, lots of teachers move into business and a wide range of other occupations. I'm a teacher, primary to post-secondary, been in business (admittedly on and off) over many years. I notice you have a very good command of the language, no spelling mistakes, grammar correct! Thank a teacher!!

 

[iArtist]

I am 14. Could anybody tell me a simple business I could run?

I'm not sure about running a business but you can earn approx £8 ($10) writing product reviews for this site

First person reviews (I'll pm you website url if this is something that interests you)

That is unless they have an age restriction.

I think young people are great at this type of thing as you know more about new technological items than us old fogies

You could write about computer games, ipods and so on.

Gadgets mainly

Good luck with whatever you decide

Leah