Starting Your Own Business Has No Age Limit

What is an entrepreneur? Webster's dictionary defines an entrepreneur as "one who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise." Rather a blunt, detached definition, don't you think? Notice, though, that no mention is made of age. The reality is that an entrepreneur is so much more than what Webster defines, and the sense of passion and adventure that leads you to start your own business is not limited in any way by your age.

How old is old enough?

If you are old enough to conceive of a business idea and are willing to put in the time and effort to make it a reality, then you are old enough to start your own business. It does not even need to be a groundbreaking or especially innovative idea to be successful. Many successful lawn maintenance and landscaping businesses have started with one enterprising young person mowing lawns in his or her neighborhood, and more than one commercial artist has started out drawing posters for a community theater or creating cartoons for their local church newsletter.
On the other end of the spectrum, of course, are entrepreneurs who want to start a business but they think they are too old to do so. Nonsense! No matter your age, no matter your experience, you can be a successful entrepreneur if you have a good idea and are willing to put in the work to make your business a success.

What does it take to be a successful entrepreneur?

Becoming a successful entrepreneur requires a few things, regardless of age or experience. The most successful entrepreneurs typically have the following attributes:
They are constantly coming up with new ideas and make a habit of writing them down
They actively look for ways to promote and develop their ideas
Their ideas usually are based on solving a problem or providing a convenience
They use their ideas to make money
They enjoy the challenge of starting their own business
This is certainly not an exhaustive list, but these are the characteristics and behavior patterns that are common among entrepreneurs of all ages.

My parents say I'm too young

Many young people have entrepreneurial ideas, and they are more likely to be successful if they have parents who support and guide them along the way. However, even if your parents say you are too young to be an entrepreneur, maybe their concern is more about the scope or scale of the business you propose. For example, if you propose a lawn mowing business that will require so much of your time in the spring and fall that your schoolwork suffers your parents will rightfully be cautious. Try talking with them to find out what it is about your idea that worries them, and ask for their help and advice to make your idea manageable enough that they are willing to support your efforts.

My children say I'm too old

Entrepreneurs on the other end of the age spectrum often meet resistance from their own children when proposing a business idea. Again, it is very common for their worries to arise from concerns about scale and scope of the proposed business. Many adult children worry about the impact starting a business will have on a parent's health, free time, and financial well- being. Just as with young entrepreneurs, it is a good idea to talk with your children about your business idea and help them understand exactly what you have in mind.

The Advantages Of Franchising

Many entrepreneurs turn to a franchise business as a way to become self-employed. This can be a very good choice for both novice business owners as well as experienced business owners, providing many advantages over starting a business from scratch.

Help and expertise

One of the biggest advantages of pursuing a franchise business is the help and expertise available from the franchiser. While this will vary from company to company, most franchisers will provide you with or help you acquire everything you need to start up and run the business. Common areas of help include:


- Location selection
- Construction and design
- Equipment
- Supplies
- Training
- Marketing
- Operations
- Management
- Hiring and employee relations

Some franchisers go so far as to make their franchises true turnkey businesses. In these cases the franchisee may be provided with an intact business operation, established territory and clientele, and even inventory and other supplies stocked up and ready for use.

Higher success rate

Investing in a reputable franchise operation greatly increases your chances of being a successful business owner. This is because you are buying an established and proven business concept, along with all of the support and expertise provided by the franchiser. In fact, some business experts estimate that franchisees have up to an 80% chance of success within the first few years of business, compared to a 70% to 80% chance of failure for those entrepreneurs who instead choose to start an independent business from scratch.

Lower supply costs

Most entrepreneurs face significant costs for all of the various supplies and materials they need to do business. Everything from office supplies to advertising to the products themselves typically cost more because a single business owner must purchase in small or limited quantities.

A franchisee, on the other hand, typically has lower supply costs because most of their supplies are purchased through or in the name of the franchiser. The larger purchasing power of the parent company means they can get better pricing on nearly everything a franchisee needs, and that savings is then passed along.

Established brand recognition

When an entrepreneur chooses a reputable franchiser, they get the significant advantage of established brand recognition. They do not need to go through the long and painful process of creating a brand, communicating it to the marketplace, and establishing a base of customers. The franchiser has already done that, whether recognition has been established nationally or regionally.

A good franchiser will reinforce the brand recognition on an ongoing basis as well, usually through advertising and promotion. A franchisee typically supports these activities through monthly franchise fees and marketing fees, but the costs are quite a bit less than if the franchisee were to take on these functions independently.

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