Building up a business is never easy, but this is especially true for millennials. You will have graduated during or shortly after a time where the economy wasn’t at its best, meaning that you were left with fewer opportunities than those just a little bit older than you. You also have to face student loans, and the cost of living rising, and considering most millennials make just enough to scrape by each month, this makes it difficult to save up to start your business empire. Despite this, there are millennials making it big every single day, and with the advice below, you could join them.
Know Your Stuff
A huge advantage that millennials have when it comes to business is the internet. These days, it is easier than ever to find out information on new business strategies, personal development skills, and anything else related to the professional world, so you should be doing it as much as you can. There are lots of forums and blogs online, so find a few that relate to you and keep learning as you go. Of course, there are also plenty of books and newspapers that are also a great help.
Don’t Do It For The Money
The biggest piece of advice that anyone can give to a millennial entrepreneur is to avoid starting your own business if money is your main focus. Of course, money makes the world go around, so if you’re starting a fitness business, then you will need to find out more on Personal Trainer Salary, the same as you’ll need to find out how much the average retail business owner earns if selling products is your plan. However, this money won’t keep you striving for success when times get tough; You need stronger motivations.
Follow Your Passions
There is nothing more motivating than doing something that you enjoy and that you’re passionate about. If you hate fitness, and only got into personal training for the cash, then you’re going to quit the second you face money troubles, but if it’s something you love, then you’re going to want to keep trying. When you’re an entrepreneur, you should be turning something you enjoy into an income, rather than trying to turn an income into something you enjoy.
Forget About Age
As a millennial, you are going to face a lot more criticism than those a little bit older than you. You won’t be taken seriously at first, but don’t let your age hold you back. How old you are does not dictate how much you know, how successful you are, or how much more you can achieve, so don’t let older members of your field try to tell you that it does. Instead, prove yourself with your knowledge and expertise, and try not to get too frustrated.
Seek Help And Mentorship
As a twenty-something entrepreneur, getting a mentor is incredibly important, as they have experience that you simply can't read about in books, and can share this knowledge with you. They will also be able to provide you with encouragement and reassurance that most younger business people need to be confident in their craft. It isn’t easy to ask for help, especially as a millennial trying to prove themselves, but doing so just shows how mature you really are, and honestly will be a great help for you and your business.
Use The Criticism
As I’ve already said, you are going to face a lot more criticism than people a bit older than you, and while this may not be a particularly fun thing to experience, it is incredibly useful. All of the negative comments that you receive can be used to create the perfect product or service, and improve your business. It will also help you to grow and mature, and acquire the thick skin that you’re going to need to have to survive in the world of business.
Remain Focused
It sounds incredibly cliche, but the only thing that you can do to guarantee your failure is give up, so keep trying, keep learning, and persevere through the difficult times. If you can avoid distractions, stay consistent, and keep your eye on the prize, then you are much more likely to succeed. Just remember to enjoy yourself along the way; If you’re miserable, then the success isn’t going to feel worth it in the end.
Every entrepreneur faces setbacks, difficult times, and criticism, but millennials face it more than most. It is going to be challenging, but if this is something you really want to do, then it will be worth it.
