Do you ever think about owning your own business when you grow up? Starting a cool company or organization can be exciting! There are many adults who we look up to including our parents, family members and friends who own their own businesses, and of course there are popular people like Aliko Dangote, Atedo Peterside and Bill Gates who are popular business owners in Nigeria and beyond.
Some people work in organizations as employees and managers, some own the organizations as founders and entrepreneurs, and sometimes people combine both. So, let’s take some time today to introduce you to some of the basic steps for being a successful entrepreneur that you can start to think about now and build on when you are a little older
Discover Your Passions
Think about the things you love to do and the cool ideas that can solve a problem for people or give other companies something that they need. Maybe you love drawing, playing sports, teaching others, repairing broken toys, or creating fun games. These passions can be turned into amazing business ideas when you're older! Successful business owners always tell you that their business ideas came from things they loved doing that other people need.
Plan Your Adventure
Just like planning a treasure hunt, create a map for your business. This plan will help you reach your goals, step by step. For example, if you want to sell cool bracelets you design, your map could include getting materials for the bracelets; coming up with different styles and colours; and figuring out a fair price to sell them. Again, successful business owners always start with a business plan, and they keep improving that plan as they go along with their business
Understand Money
Running a business means knowing how money works. You need money to buy supplies and make more products. Plus, you earn money when you sell what you create.
Make sure to set a price for your product that covers the cost of supplies and gives you some extra money to keep! Counting the money coming in and going out will help you be a smart business owner.
Share Your Big Idea
Talk to your family and friends about your amazing business idea. Ask them what they think and if they have any helpful ideas. Listening to others can make your plan even better! Your family and friends will not only give you their ideas, but they can become your first customers and introduce you to their own friends to help you grow your business.
Let People Know
Marketing helps people learn about your business. You can create colourful posters, share pictures of your products on social media (with the help of your parents), or even make a website. The more people who know about your business, the more customers you might have! Without marketing, you will not be able to have customers and without customers your business cannot survive.
Be a Problem-Solver
Running a business can have some tricky moments, like when materials arrive late, or customers ask for changes. Don't worry! Take a deep breath and think about ways to fix the problem. Being a problem-solver will help your business grow.
Keep Learning and Growing
As you start your business adventure, remember to keep learning and trying new things. Don't be afraid to ask for help or learn from your mistakes. You can also learn a lot from other successful business owners!
Starting a business can be an incredible adventure. So, believe in yourself, come up with a fantastic business idea, and have fun! Who knows, maybe one day you'll be a famous entrepreneur! We have an amazing story called “The Big Abuja Trade Fair” that teaches children your age about starting and running a business. If you would like to read that story, please ask your parents to reach out to us.
To learn more about these and other life skills, please click the link below to get a FREE copy of our storybook "Birthday Savings for Omo" and learn more about other amazing storybooks and games you will enjoy.
Entrepreneurship is the key to the future for kids.