Romance Answers

So you've already heard about a couple great speakers from the Teen Business Summit; the wonderful, Guy Kawasaki and the awesome, Shonika Prokter, and there are still many more to come! But today, you'll find out about; the magnificint, Sarah L. Cook!  She has co-authored "The Parents' Guide To Raising CEO Kids",  with her husband, Jerry L. Cook.  Sarah's the founder of the website; www.raisingceokids.com  (Check it out, there are lots of great blog posts!). She is a  sought-after speaker, a business coach, a sales trainer and she has interviewed over 160 entreprenure kids and their parents (including us here at Romance Answers! The article should be up on her blog the September 20th!  Don't miss it!).  She has three kids who all have their own businesses! and she wants her kids to make a life filled with joy and love. 

While she was speaking at the summit, she spoke about gaining parents' support, she also told about an acronym that she calls; 'the winning formula'. Let's dive deeper into what she means.  
W stands for Word.  You have to keep your word, whether it's your clients, parents, mentors, etc., you've got to keep your promise.  She said, and I quote; "People have successful businesses because people can count on them, and when you have built customer loyalty, then you will have repeat business."

I is for Investigate.  Reaserch those in the field that are doing what you are or want to be doing.  Talk to them!  They've been in the same place you are as an enterprenur.
Investigate the cost of goods, and the costs of service, also the time Commitment.  Is it something you could do on the weekend, on your lunch break, or even in between classes?

Start ups take time, but it's worth it!  Look into the business name/trade mark.  So many people have wasted thousands of dollars, because they didn't do their research.  Show initiative, your parents will like to hear that you have done your research, and made sure you have time to do everything.

N for Negotiate!  One of the most valuable assets in business is the art of negotiation.    Get what you want, and help others get what they want.  Negotiate with time, money and roles.  You may have to go it alone without your parents' help, if so, gain support from community and by contact through social media around the world.  Find what works best. If you need money to get your business off the ground, you can start making money by doing odd jobs.  Say "What can I do for you to make money?".

N for Network!  Get beyond the network of your parents. Your parents might have connections, and they might not, either way, your parents can spread the word just by telling people about it.  You'll need to make a short (30 second) commercial.  If you live in a rural community, that dosen't have many networking options, you can network online.  Contact your heros, all of them started out small, they had to work their way to the top - just like you'll have to. They'll want to help you get succesful, you could get a leg up!  Don't be afraid to ask them questions, just don't take up all their time either!  Ask them if they have an internship program (Sarah Cook does!) you might just be able to learn the ways of a real pro!  

I for Initiate!  Initiate converations with your parents, ask them when would be a good time for them to talk, don't just assume they aren't doing anything right then.
Initiate decisions.  Weigh out your pros and cons, ask your parents for their advice on what they think is the best choice.
Initiate your next steps, plan what you are going to do next. Take a step out of your comfort zone.

N for Neccessities, like; food, sleep, time off and friends are essential to being successful.  If you're living on coffee, in place of food and sleep, you will eventually crash, and that would most certainly not be good.  You have to spend time with your friends because if you don't, you'll burn the bridges that you had with the people you love, and no one will be there for you.

G for....GO!  Make the decision to go!  Teens that had support from thier parents did most of the work.  Parents want to love and support you. The difference between the kids that get the parents' support and those that don't, is going the extra mile.  Parents have to decide to support you or not. Working without your parents support can be hard.  At first, Sarah's parents didn't support her because they didn't know if starting a business so young would be a good idea.  Later on, they decided to support her, and now she's very successful!

Go to Sarah Cook's website, Raising CEO Kids (www.raisingceokids.com) to buy her book today!  And remember to consider your possiblities, and use her 'Winning' Formula!

Until next time, See yaaaa!  

Sarah Cook's: Website - Facebook - Twitter - RaisingCEOkids Twitter
         
                              ~Belle :{)