5 Essential Skills
Every Young Entrepreneur
Should Develop
by Target Evolution Inc.
April 2024
Becoming a successful entrepreneur is no easy feat, especially for young individuals looking to make their mark in the business world. However, with the right guidance and a commitment to personal growth, aspiring young entrepreneurs can acquire the essential skills needed to thrive in a competitive professional landscape. This is particularly true for youth in programs like the Teen Biz Camp by Target Evolution, where we provide unique opportunities for kids and teens to gain hands-on work experience and build strong foundations for their professional and entrepreneurial journeys. Take a moment to reflect on the importance of each of the skills outlined in this article on your education and outlook on life.
1. Creativity:
Encouraging young minds to think outside the box is essential! Innovation is at the heart of any successful business venture, allowing entrepreneurs to identify new opportunities, solve problems uniquely, and stand out in the market. Creativity affects all parts of a person’s work ethic, often unexpectedly. You never know when the opportunity to improve an old way of doing things will reveal itself.
2. Adaptability:
In the ever-evolving business world, adaptability is a must-have skill. Young entrepreneurs need to be flexible and open to change, responding to shifting circumstances. We help kids learn adaptability at Target Evolution by allowing them to work and learn in dynamic retail environments and pop-up shops, but there are ways that you can encourage it in your children as well. Be sure to encourage them to work through problems when they arise, and never be too set on one specific pathway forward.
3. Communication:
Communication is the cornerstone of success. Whether it’s pitching an idea, negotiating a deal, or leading a team, honing your communication skills is non-negotiable. Being able to articulate your vision, actively listen, and connect with others on a deeper level can set you apart, whether it’s with customers or potential business partners. Remember, it's not just about speaking but also about understanding and being understood.
4. Financial Literacy:
Understanding the financial aspect of business is non-negotiable. Young entrepreneurs should learn how to manage their finances, create budgets, and make informed financial decisions. This may sound daunting to children and their parents. Thankfully, Target Evolution now offers the Teen Biz Workbook, which features fun and easy-to-understand activities and templates to help instill an understanding of basic personal financial principles as well as more advanced mastery over business financial matters.
5. Resilience:
Entrepreneurship is a challenging journey, and setbacks are inevitable. Resilience, the ability to bounce back from failures, is a critical skill. Young entrepreneurs should develop a strong mindset that enables them to persevere in the face of adversity. I have already covered the importance of resilience in a previous blog post, the Role of Failure in Youth Entrepreneurship. Take a look if you haven’t already.
In today's fast-paced and competitive business world, young entrepreneurs must equip themselves with these essential skills to succeed. Creativity, adaptability, effective communication, financial literacy, and resilience are the building blocks of a thriving entrepreneurial career. For those involved in programs like Target Evolution, the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop these skills is a valuable step toward a prosperous future in business. By focusing on these essential skills, young entrepreneurs can confidently navigate the challenges that come their way and build successful businesses that make a positive impact on society.
Andrew Cobble
Former Executive Assistant for Target Evolution Inc
Masters of Sociology from University of Texas at Dallas
