Starting a business for today’s girls is not just a nice thing. An entrepreneurial spirit is a powerful way of thinking that will serve her for LIFE! Imagine where you would be in life if you made decisions like an entrepreneur? Or if you are one, can you see the benefits that knowing how to pivot and innovate? While others are scrambling to recover during down periods, you are already working on Plan B.
So while it’s important for girls to earn good grades, it’s also important for them to nurture their creativity and focus. Things that entrepreneurship can “teach” in a fun an organic manner. And yes, the earlier you start the better! So while challenges might arise, read below to get ideas about how to get started.
1. What does she do in her free time?
So often, we are stuck doing what we “have” to do. But starting a business – especially when you are young – works best when you do what you enjoy. So, listen to your daughter’s creative moments and where she spends her free time.
- Does she spend hours writing her own stories?
- Playing with paints and her art kits?
- Stuck on video games?
Pay attention to where she spends time. Challenge her to come up with solutions to problems that get on her nerves with those areas. If she is dealing with a topic that interests her, I have no doubt that she could spend hours thinking about “What I wish”:
- Perhaps there are tools that would make her arts and crafts more fun?
- How about slogans that she could put on tshirts?
- Or maybe designing and writing greeting cards?
- How about accessories or apps that could make online games more fun?
Don’t stress about the business being too practical at this stage. Let her explore and list everything. Many entrepreneurs do this activity on a regular basis and find that their best ideas come from continual brainstorming.
If you are ready to take these ideas to the next step, check out this article on Inc.com about how to leverage those ideas.
2. Pay attention to what her friends like
If she is in middle school or high school, I’m sure you know ALOT about what her friends like. These topics might drive you crazy on a normal basis. But when it comes to nurturing her entrepreneurial spirit – it is a great thing to be knowledgeable about what her age group is attracted to.
For example, you might notice in the school car pool or on social media, that all of the girls are wearing THIS TREND. Ask your daughter about it. Why do girls like it? What makes the trend so exciting to her?
Businesses do this all of the time. It is market research. Your daughter is the perfect researcher because she will be able to articulate why girls her age are interested in a particular trend.
For example, millennials like electronics, fashion, and videogames. She can come up with a business idea using all of the items or select one. I found this site recently and thought it was amazing for kids who love video games. If they are already spending hours online, challenge them to create their own game. Today it’s easier than ever to do this without needing to know how to code.
Following a trend is a great way to start a business. Encourage your daughter to ask questions and think about what complementary products or services she could add to those existing trends to wake her entrepreneurial spirit. Understanding what others want and offering them solutions is one of the best things you can pursue and teaches her the value of innovaton.
3. What is she curious about?
Maybe the best way you can help nurture your daughter’s entrepreneurial spirit is by helping her pursue any curiosity and hobbies. These are talents she already has, so it’s easy to bring them to the entrepreneurial world.
- For example, if she is good at sports, she can help local students with some practice drills.
- If she loves computers, she can offer repair services and if she enjoys decorating rooms, she can offer services to a variety of people.
The main idea is to help your child pursue her dreams and encourage her to take it the next step and start her own business in this interest area. It will boost her self confidence as she realizes that the activities that she enjoys can help others and help her get paid!
Every girl has the potential to have an amazing entrepreneurial idea. It all comes down to their parents to help her pursue all those dreams. Even if she doesn’t earn thousands in her venture, it all comes down to believing in those small ideas and just taking them to the next level. Even the simplest entrepreneurial ideas can change your daughter’s life, so you should offer her assistance and support throughout this entire journey!
