youth crowdfundraising

We need more conversations that show girls that they want to be girl entrepreneurs! If you want your daughter to be successful – no matter WHAT career path she chooses – you’ll start educating her to think like an entrepreneur.

Let me give you proof about girl entrepreneurship from a recent event.

I’ve delivered a lot of life skills workshops to youth over my career. I teach professional development skills like:

Interviewing skills
Personal branding
How to write a solid resume
How to market yourself to future employers
How to engage with alumni from your college
Why you want network and how to do it with ease

It’s been a great to work with students who are academic powerhouses. These kids are smart! And a delight to work with.

But therein lies the challenge. It doesn’t matter in today’s world how smart you are.

If you can’t tell someone why they should listen to you, your smart skills get you in the door!

You need to be able to speak confidently and talk about your ahas. It’s hard when you are a young person in the midst of experiencing life to share ahas. But communicating like this makes a difference.

Why I teach girl entrepreneurs about sharing their stories

I met a student who I’ve known for years. She has attended one of my workshops regularly and I was excited to learn that she was awarded a scholarship. She was one of 10 other students who would share the stage and express their thanks to the audience.

One by one, each student came to the stage. They fumbled with the mic. Were nervous often with how loud their voice sounded in the mic. And they all said the same script – My name is, I go XYZ School and thank you for the scholarship.

But the student who implemented the ideas that I share? She told a story. She stood out immediately by not resorting to the standard “this is my background and this is why the award means so much” She didn’t rattle off a list of activities.

Instead, she shared a specific story of her high school experience. Explained why that experience really transformed her. Even if you weren’t familiar with the club, you couldn’t help but relate to the “ahas” she had. You were immediately transformed back to high school and how 1 or 2 experiences could shift your entire life.

Can I say not a dry eye in the house?

She created a memorable moment that made it easy for adults to talk to her. I watched several adults share additional opportunities. One person even agreed to interview her for a job opportunity. It was easy for them to talk with her and share more than the prefunctory congrats.

Being able to tell your story will bring opportunities TO you.

This is not a young woman who will be challenged with finding future jobs if she keeps telling her story like this! Rather than having to send out 100s of resumes, she will naturally attract people to her.

I was proud! She was totally rocking out one of the lessons I continually emphasize in my workshops – be memorable in a professional way! I know that EVERY young person can do this. It makes a difference because people can relate and will immediately want to help. Or at least, they will understand why you stand out and what makes you special.

I encourage you to find resources, workshops, activities that promote this activity. Share them with Mom and Daughters and others. And don’t forget to follow this blog for more tips and invite your friends to sign up for the newsletter.

Because I want to see YOUR daughter/mentee on that stage next and leaving the audience wanting more and offering her internships after she speaks!!