We’re seeing many more young people joining the ranks of entrepreneurs. Are young people at an advantage or at a loss when it comes to starting their own business? In this article for SFGate, Lisa Evans finds out what it takes to be taken seriously.

Focus on your reputation

Anthony-James Green, founder of Green Test Prep, an online SAT and ACT prep program, didn’t get discouraged when clients were reluctant to sign up after discovering how young he was. Instead, he managed to land a few clients and focused on the success they achieved together. Word spread quickly that they were achieving results, and his credibility and amount of clients grew from there.

“If you can do something well for people, they really don’t care how young you are.” -Anthony-James Green, founder of Green Test Prep.  

Focus on the client

Green learned how important it is to focus on the client. As a newcomer, he didn’t have experience, so talking about himself led to awkward, dead air. On the flip side, asking the client questions about his daughter’s hobbies or what she was struggling with encouraged the client to open up.

“Turning the sales conversation away from yourself and focusing instead on asking the client questions about their needs and telling them your game plan for solving their problems is the way to bypass your inexperience.”

Act beyond your years

Like Maddy and Alex Husalek, founders of Love Grown Foods, you might have to dress in business attire and conduct yourself in a mature manner in meetings to come across as mature beyond your years.

Surround yourself with successful people

A surefire way to grow up faster as an entrepreneur is to surround yourself with older, more experienced individuals. The more established a person, the more they can show you the ropes, give you advice, or even act on your board of advisory. But don’t forget to stick by your beliefs. Some older, experienced entrepreneurs are more well-versed, but make sure it doesn’t suffocate innovation.

Leverage your age

Although some young people might feel pressure to lie about their age, in some cases, their youth can give them a boost. For Maddy and Alex, for instance, their youthful perspective set them apart when they pointed out how stagnant things had become in their industry.

These young entrepreneurs are proving, once again, that “Age ain’t nothing but a number.” When leveraged the right way, being young and full of fresh ideas can be an advantage.

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