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Top tips for helping teens start a business!

 

Everything we've learned over the past couple of years, we'll be sharing on our blog and our new YouTube channel we are currently recording! While all this information is completely free for you to use (and even share), we do have some affiliate agreements in place which could result in a commission being paid if you purchase a recommended product via one of our links. We commit to providing honest and transparent advice regardless of any referral commission we may receive - it's just the right thing to do!

 

Okay...let's kick off with what you need start a business:

 

• Business name

• Domain name and website

• Business telephone number

• Business cards

• Flyers

• Equipment

 

We'll discuss all these points below....

 

Business name:

Whatever business name you land on for your website, we'd recommend that you keep it simple and make sure that it is available for your website. We created a simple logo in Word but there are free logo generators such as VistaPrint that will help you create one. Do you need a website to get started? No - but having one does add credibility to your business - you can add photos and references, pricing and contact info. And it isn't difficult to create one...nor is it expensive! 

 

Domain name and website:

While you can register a domain name with any organization, it just makes it easier if you register one with the same service provider you'll use to create your website. 

 

We created ours with NameCheap which we would recommend for people who have some experience with creating and managing a website - you're looking at around just $50/year. Popular alternatives include Wix which is easier to use and has a massive choice of templates plus strong design flexibility, and also GoDaddy for people with no experience of website design and are okay with more limited design options. 

 

.com's are always the best option but it's not easy to find a domain name that is available. You can look at other TLD's (that's the last part of the domain name), and one I like is .pro which stands for professional. We like it because it implies that you are professionals and obviously it's the one we chose for The Mow Bros!

 

Business telephone number:

Our recommendation is that a parent handles the incoming calls initially. First impressions are important and the parent can demonstrate to their kids how to handle incoming enquiries. Once a comfort level is reached, calls can then be handled directly with the child. We found ordering a free Google Voice number helpful. All calls and text to it can be forwarded to any cell phone number, and you re-point it to any cell phone number at anytime. Just remember to make a note to send a call or text by Google Voice at least every 6 months or you will lose the number!

 

Business cards:

 

We used VistaPrint for all our marketing collateral including business cards! You may wish to avoid using your child's full name and address just to be safe. Do use a decent card stock, and take advantage of the option of adding text to the rear of the card. First impressions are important so don't rush this. Quality marketing materials imply that you will take equally good care of their lawn...or whatever services you are providing.

 

Yard signs, t-shirts, flyers:

One great way to start marketing your business is to pick out all the homes you would love to service, and visit in person to hand out business cards and flyers (you could even add a fridge magnet to the handouts!)  We got started by creating a simple flyer on a Word document using content from the website (or you could create inexpensive professional looking flyers yourself on VistaPrint).

 

Have your child practice their door knocking approach with you before you let them loose on your neighbors! ;)  Also, it helps if your child can present an offer to the customer (for example, 50% off your first mow) as an incentive to try you out.

 

Other marketing collateral include yard signs which we put up during every mow (we recommend the optional extra finish which protects them from getting scratched up) and t-shirts. Again, all very easy to order on VistaPrint!

 

Pricing:

It's always a good idea to try and find out what your prospective customers are typically paying at the moment and come in under that amount. Err on the side of caution because the top priority is to get your business off the ground with your first handful of customers. You can always increase your prices later once you have established yourself and are more knowledgeable about the market.

 

Attitude:

You never get a second chance to make a first impression! Always, have a walk around with the customer before you do a job to make sure everyone is on the same page...and take notes, it shows diligence and respect. Invite feedback after you've finished your job...is there anything they would prefer you to do differently next time? Take care...go as slowly as you need to to make sure that you have performed above expectations. Not only is it the right think to do, but referrals will be the lifeblood of your business. And finally, be proactive and responsive...and if you make a mistake, own it and do your very best to make it right. 

 

Equipment:

In our next blog post we will discuss acquiring all the equipment you need to start your business...

 

 

We want this to be an interactive blog so feel free to add any comments. We also love to learn, so any suggestions are always appreciated.

 

Good luck!

Daniel and David (with a little guidance from their Dad)