You know
growing up, I was not introduced to anything about owning my own business. I
remember my Grandfather had a candy store on the corner of 18th and
Titan and to me he was the wealthiest man I knew! How I loved being able to go BEHIND the
counter to pick through my choices of delectable chocolates and candies. He was however very frugal and if you didn’t
know him, you would think he was mean. But
he was not and to me he was everything.
He owned his own and called the shots on everything and worked his own
hours. Even still I didn’t think about
owning my own business. Both my parents
worked in the corporate environment so they never talked about it much. They talked about going to school, getting
and education and getting a job. A
job. BOY if I knew then what I know
now.
JOB – Just over broke…you’ve heard it? And no truer words. Why do I have a Master’s Degree and even served as an AVP in the corporate world and here I am still with just a JOB? My father was a title officer and today I wish I owned a title company. My mom was a buyer and today I wish I owned a retail venue.
Today, my
only wish for my daughter to is to own what she wants in life. I want her to be the one that calls the shots
and is the master of her fate.
I suppose that
is what I had in mind when I named her. Simone
Alexandra (TO BE HEARD and a LEADER OF MEN).
Today I will teach her about being a business owner. I will teach her about being accountable for
her own success. She will be encouraged
to ask questions, count her money and understand how it can work for her. I
want her to know that working towards ownership is the key to success in
life.
So I am sure I
am NOT ALONE.
- What are you doing to encourage your children into being their own boss? Do they have a fire that needs to be ignited?
- What is their passion? What are they continually talking about or taking an interest. You should nurture it. And though it might be a few different things over the course of some time, do not discourage them to explore. Have a conversation with them to find out those few ideas that grab their attention best. Being supportive is the key!!!
- How can a hobby or interest be monetized or turned into a business? Encourage them to research and identify what is needed to do so. BOOKS and GOOGLE!!! Or if they know someone in a field that they can talk to, this is the best opportunity to find a mentor.
- If it is your business they are interested in then of course engage them as an employee. And even if not, give them a job anyway. Teach them the administrative side of business. It is the same regardless. They can keep up your customer database, log in receipts or help with the heavy lifting when traveling and setting up shop.
- Open a bank account for your young person and teach them how to invest. There are many sites that teach financial literacy for kids. You can refer to one of these or just start with the basics.
IMPORTANT CONCEPTS TO DRIVE HOME while they are in school.
1) Communication/English
a. Encourage them to strengthen reading and writing skills. How simplistic is this? I would go so far to say to push them beyond what the school curriculum requires. Provide them opportunities to read and write outside of school. IF you start this at a young age it will become second nature and they will find pleasure in it even more so.
a. Encourage them to strengthen reading and writing skills. How simplistic is this? I would go so far to say to push them beyond what the school curriculum requires. Provide them opportunities to read and write outside of school. IF you start this at a young age it will become second nature and they will find pleasure in it even more so.
2) Math/Numbers
a. Primarily understanding the concept of money
and accounting. Need I say more on this one?
3) Creativity/Innovation
a. Seek out
opportunities for your children to express themselves and to be
innovative. When they see a need they
should ask how to fill the need. It is
so important to allow them to ask questions and to be patient with their inquisitiveness.
4) Money
and its concept
a. Children
should be taught to view the dollar as an investment not a commodity to
spend. The key is to encourage them to
recognize the power the dollar has, how is can make more money for them and
leverage them in so many decisions in life.
And it is not about being a millionaire, it is about being an expert in
the concept tis all…rich or poor!
There
is so much we can give our children with introducing them to owning a
business. They are given the joy of
exploring self-worth and being a leader with responsibility. They have more of
an opportunity to control their own life.
What better option than to be able to call the shots with their career
than being a leader! They should “BE
HEARD” and “A LEADER OF MEN”.
Below
are some cool sites to visit. Start here
and then if you haven’t already start with your children…age is no factor, the
time is now!
Leslie Crudup writes for The Business Liaisons, LLC – Business Coaching and Consulting
