Dealing With Wary Adults
When it comes to proving yourself as an entrepreneur, you're only as young as you act.
By Ben Casnocha • May 5, 2006 Originally published Jun 6, 2002
Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.
"Oh, that's so cute," replies a kindbusinesswoman, responding to your description of your company. Anirritating response when you're trying to be taken seriously ina business world wary of young dreamers. If you find yourself inthis type of situation more often than not, there are severalthings you can do not only to be taken seriously, but also toactually use your youth to a business advantage that many of yourcompetitors could never have.
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| There are plenty of otherteens out there trying to get over the age hump. Read about themhere. |
Don't be scared. Beingtimid, shy or scared is exactly the thing not to do in businessmeetings, conferences and the like. Don't be afraid to beyourself and promote your business just because there's a bunchof bigger people than you wearing fancy suits and sipping beveragesthat you're too young to drink. Charm the businesspeople aroundyou, have business cards ready, smile, laugh, look confident, andtalk into the phone with volume. For crying out loud, step up tothe plate!
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