Yours is a different kind of generation (but you probably already knew that). Just a few of the things that make you stand out are your innate understanding of tech and social media, your drive to make a future for yourself and your passion to help others. This approach to life, business and social responsibility is going to change the future – for the better.
By imagining and creating a business or organization, you’re gaining hands-on work experience, chasing your dreams and someday, maybe sooner than you think, you could be making money to keep fueling your dream.
More than this, you get the chance to do something and create meaningful change. The kind of change that transforms lives and contributes to a more sustainable world.
These are things you can do now to help you strengthen your entrepreneurial skills, so that you can launch a business, organization, social venture or a non-profit organization. If you’ve already launched your business, try these opportunities to help you grow from humble startup to industry-leading corporation.
1. Find a problem you care about. Channel your drive into something you’re passionate about. Not only will it give you energy to overcome problems or setbacks, but you’ll also attract co-leaders and customers who are passionate about the same things.
2. Identify a niche market. Find out how you can solve small problems first by asking yourself: what groups or populations are most affected by this problem? Then work towards becoming an expert in that field. If everyone focused on just one problem they could solve, just imagine what a difference would be made.
3. Channel your creativity. You have your own mind, skills and creative abilities. Don’t shy away from what’s different and unique. You could create an empire based on your own talents, voice and experiences.
4. Seek out a mentor. Find a local or global leader in business, sustainability, human rights or more, whom you aspire to become. Research what their journey looked like. Better yet, ask them to mentor you and see what happens from there.
5. Never stop learning. Research the skills and knowledge you need to think more innovatively and entrepreneurially in your space. Access to educational tools (TedTalks, how-to videos, interviews, high school clubs, etc.) and connect with industry experts online through Linkedin and local professional networks. Remember, entrepreneurship is a lifelong commitment to learn and innovate.
6. Build your team. Great businesses and organizations know it takes diversity to thrive. Use the skills and talents of people who have different experiences than yours to make your product or organization better. This way, you’ll create an organization that inspires its employees from day one.
7. Get inspired by others. Starting and growing your business is more achievable than you think. But when you feel stuck, look at the people who came before you for inspiration. We know you have what it takes, too.
