In fact, there is no age to become an entrepreneur. If you have a great idea, zeal and determination, you can step into the world to realize your dreams and make your enterprise successful. Indeed, we have seen many young entrepreneurs make a splash in the business world. But there is one problem that every young founder faces. The big shots almost never take you seriously when you’re young.
Many young entrepreneurs don’t wait for their MBA programs to get started. And it is clear that the world remains suspicious of the intentions and commitments of millennials.
Their lack of professional experience is always a weak point. So how can you expect things to be different and treated with respect as a young founder? Fortunately, it is quite possible to change the situation for yourself.
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You Are Being Taken Seriously as a Young Founder: What You Should Know
Talk to the young founder of even the most successful business venture, and they will always talk about how they were treated with disdain and reluctance in the early days. After all, sometimes young entrepreneurs have to face blatant disrespect, including because of their age.
Before we talk about how to take you seriously as a young founder, we have one important note to make. Instead of being afraid of your age, you can always find ways to use it to your advantage.
As a young founder, you can emphasize that you are full of fresh ideas and can revive a stagnant industry. Instead of letting others look down on you because of your age, you can show them how your age can be beneficial.
Now let’s define how you can inspire respect in others as a young founder.
1. Have in-depth knowledge of your field
If you want to earn respect as a young founder, you must break the common misconception that you are an amateur who doesn’t know what he’s doing. You have to know your business, and that too in great detail.
Regardless of the age at which you ventured into the world of business, you must understand business inside and out. Learn about the industry, model and strategy before you even get started.
If you are making investor presentations, prepare additional slides. As a rule, investors are confident that they can get the better of the young founder. You must prove them wrong. Be prepared for numerous questions and know every answer.
Prove to everyone that you are not some boy who lit up in the corporate world. Show them that you are serious. Also, be prepared for what lies ahead!
When trying to attract investors, don’t let them dictate the terms. It’s your job to get a good deal. And this is only possible if you do not allow them to use your age to their advantage.
2. Choose Your Investors Carefully
As a young founder, you will inevitably need to find investors to fund your business venture. But no one will take you seriously unless you choose your investors carefully. Keep in mind that an investor is not only a source of money. It can add far more value to your business than you think.
Perhaps your investor can fill a specific role. Maybe you can find an investor who will criticize your business and show you how to move forward with maximum profit. Some investors even help entrepreneurs chart their course.
Young founders often tend to accept funds for their business from anyone, regardless of other factors. But if you want to prove to the world that you know what you’re doing, your best bet is to deal with investors who will add value to your startup.
3. Prove Your Courage
It’s hard to find a young founder who is treated with full respect on their first day on the job. You must prove your worth. You cannot expect others to believe and trust you. After all, you have no experience. And people believe that the younger generation is more likely to make rash decisions. Give them some time.
Focus on your work. Prove to potential clients, partners and investors that your business can run flawlessly. Develop a systematic and strategic way to move forward. Remember, you will have to earn the trust of your peers.
Of course, your attitude matters the most. Even if you are a young founder just starting out, imagine yourself as the most successful person. Don’t let the way you dress give away your age. Always dress professionally and focus on making a deep first impression with your investors, clients and partners. You must inspire confidence.
Every young founder has an opportunity to prove himself!
It’s easy for investors and clients to be distracted by your age. But in the end, no one remembers the number, except for your behavior. Who will know how old you are if you behave beyond your years?
So even if you are a young founder, be sure to act mature. You must show others that you can handle pressure. Dress in business attire and let your demeanor speak for your self-confidence.
We’ll get it! As a young founder, you are full of enthusiasm and ideas. At such times, a dismissive attitude can seem like a failure. But this too will pass. Surround yourself with older people with more experience. When your name stays with them, it will also increase your credibility. Remember, it is in your power to use your age for your own good!
