It’s Never Too Young to Teach the Entrepreneurial Spirit
Wednesday evening, I had the pleasure of attending the Young Entrepreneurs’ Symposium at Appalachian State University, sponsored by Backyard Burgers. I first Met Julia Rowland, Assistant Director for the ASU Center For Entrepreneurship when I was hosting the High Country Mom squad TV show on MTN. We did a show about women in Business, and she gave us some tips and resources for moms who are in business for themselves.
Julia invited me to come speak on the panel at the event, and it was such a pleasure to meet fellow business people as well as incredibly creative, motivated students. It is still really weird to think of myself as a businessperson, but I’m going to have to get used to it. The transition from a hobbyist to a professional has been interesting to say the least, and I learned a lot from listening to others’ experiences.
I know there are some pictures out there of me wearing a Snuggie to demonstrate a point, but I haven’t seen them yet!
I could tell that the Center’s Director, Bryan Toney, was wise yet approachable with a passion to help young people. Scott Prewitt from Family Only Inc. (Back Yard Burgers and Marble Slab Creamery) urged the students to take accounting class very seriously! I needed that advice back when I was a music major at ASU… and I still need it now. My fellow panelists were some of the most fascinating people!
- 13-year-old Pastry Chef Daijua Corin, who made the cutest ASU cupcakes for everyone at the event! Checkout her creations at her website, Vela Delight. I spoke to Daijua and her mom for a while afterward – what an exemplary family. Her story proves that children can do amazing things when given support and guidance by great parents!
- Jimmy Hunt, founder of Yellow Dog Entertainment and Music on the Mountain Top: a one of a kind, ecologically driven large-scale music festival, offering first class entertainment as well as educational awareness on current environmental issues. They have some big plans for kids’ music, art, and activities so hopefully I will be able to bring you details as they get closer to the 2010 festival. Oh, and he graduated in 2008 (12 years after me..)
- Chris Cornwell is actually still an ASU student and runs his own window tinting/ custom vinyl graphics company. He also has started making custom t-shirts and teams with local tattoo artists to bring their design to life on vinyl. Chris was the 2009 ASU Student Entrepreneur of the Year.
- The band Do it to Julia (the name was inspired by a quote from Orwell’s 1984) spoke about the business side of music industry. They also played for us, with a refreshing folk-fusion style. I l,ove all kinds of music, so it was a real treat to be introduced to a great new band, and genuinely nice people. You can get their music on Amazon, or iTunes, and hear them live at 2010 Music on the Mountain Top. Here’s a great video I found on YouTube.
The keynote was delivered by Jon West and Chad Ledford, founders of the online retail company 3tailer. The story of their business inspires one to learn from each experience, take risks, and take advantage of every opportunity to improve.
In a world where we hear tragic stories involving young people, it’s so refreshing to see over 450 young, motivated students, striving to make the world a better place. But the Center for Entrepreneurship is not just for students. It can offer resources to the greater community as well! One event coming up is the “Start Your Own Business” Workshop Series
The Rural Entrepreneurial Outreach program, designed to support and develop local entrepreneurs, small businesses and the community, is hosting a “Start Your Own Business” workshop series to boost aspiring and existing entrepreneurs in the Watauga County area. The workshops are a series, and therefore build upon each other. Space is limited to the first 30 registrants.
—————————————————————————————————————-
Today I found a great article from Toilet Paper Entrepreneur on how to teach children to be entrepreneurs. My 
favorite tip is from Nicole Crimaldi of mscareergirl.com
Anytime there is a small household problem that causes distress in your child’s life (i.e. cold wet feet from bad snow boots, soggy sandwiches at lunchtime), commend them for noticing a flaw that can be improved. Then (once the storm calms down!) sit and brainstorm solutions to that issue with your child. This will get your kids in the habit of constantly creating solutions. Perhaps someday one of these solutions can be monetized and made into a business. See more tips…
Do you have an idea for a business? Have you started your own business? And how do you teach your children to be entrepreneurial? Let us know in the comments!
Comments
By Lanelle on February 26th, 2010 at 6:34 pm
Great article girl! I absolutely loved the Young Entrepreneurs’ Symposium at Appalachian State University. There were over 460 people at the event and only 3 kids asked questions. We have to teach our kids that it is alright to speak up and make opportunities for themselves whether it be academic or professional objectives.
By Tiffany on February 27th, 2010 at 8:09 am
Awesome! I agree that it starts young. My kids and I always talk about the “behind the scenes” part of businesses: what did the supplies cost? how many employees did that need? what type of profit is involved? how could it be more efficient?, etc. It seems to make the whole idea a lot less overwhelming. I always encourage them to make “proposal” around the house when they need money and I only accept the ones that make sense.
By Sarah on February 27th, 2010 at 8:38 am
Tiffany, that is brilliant! I can’t wait to see what awesome things your kids do as they grow up!