Dealing With Wary Adults

"Oh, that's so cute," replies a kind businesswoman, responding to your description of your company. An irritating response when you're trying to be taken seriously in a business world wary of young dreamers. If you find yourself in this type of situation more often than not, there are several things you can do not only to be taken seriously, but also to actually use your youth to a business advantage that many of your competitors could never have.

Don't be scared. Being timid, shy or scared is exactly the thing not to do in business meetings, conferences and the like. Don't be afraid to be yourself and promote your business just because there's a bunch of bigger people than you wearing fancy suits and sipping beverages that you're too young to drink. Charm the businesspeople around you, have business cards ready, smile, laugh, look confident, and talk into the phone with volume. For crying out loud, step up to the plate!