The Innovators and Risk-Takers You Gotta Meet an Entrepreneur! There are lots of good ideas out there that will make money. In fact, most of us have had at least one cool new business idea where we say, "If someone made (or did) that, they'd make a fortune!" A person who takes the risks of starting a new business and doesn't listen to the voices all around that may say "this is a bad idea" and "you're going to fail" is an entrepreneur. Known as passionate, forward-thinking risk takers, entrepreneurs turn great ideas into even better businesses--building foundations for selling their ideas and making money for themselves and for their employees and investors. We need entrepreneurs for growth, new jobs, and the fresh ideas that keep our communities vibrant. Meeting one (or more!) will help you take your great ideas to the next level. Strategies * Ask family, friends, and teachers for local companies in your community. Look up these companies' stories online and see if the entrepreneur who started the business is still there. Ask him or her for an interview. * If you have a good idea for a business, ask the entrepreneurs that you have found for advice on starting up and becoming an entrepreneur yourself. * Look into entrepreneurship programs for kids that pair up students with successful business leaders. If there is no such program where you live, start one! It can be your very first business venture. Ask Away * What did you need in order to start your business? * Did you have a lot of supporters or did most people think you were crazy to start your own business? * What's your best advice for kids who want to be entrepreneurs? * What would you do differently if you were just starting your business today? Some Famous Entrepreneurs Maya Penn Gary Goldberg Steve Jobs Debbi Fields Check It Out A website about and for young entrepreneurs: www.youngentrepreneur.com Tips for kids and teens who want to start their own businesses: bit.ly/RIktmR Meet some young entrepreneurs: onforb.es/mUHImu Excerpted from People You Gotta Meet Before You Grow Up: Get to Know the Movers and Shakers, Heroes and Hotshots in Your Hometown by Joe Rhatigan All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
