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Am I too young?

by techlover
28 replies
Hi everyone, I am techlover and I am new to this forum and offline marketing. I hope to make some great money and friends during my stay!

Alright, so I am looking to get into the offline market this summer due to inspiration from this forum and Shark Tank. I have it all mapped out, and a targeted list of clients and niches, and I have done tens of hours of business outlines.

Only problem is that I am nervous that I am too young. I am 15 years old and I will be a sophomore in high school in two weeks. I am however, 6 foot 1 and I have a deep voice.

My mom says I will not be able to succeed as clients will not take me seriously due to my age. I am very passionate about what I do, I know the market well, and I am very knowledgeable about the services I do and how they will be able to help businesses. I have done numerous presentations for various reasons before, and am comfortable pitching to other people.

Before I put money and tons of time into this however, I am wondering if I have a legitimate shot and that age is not a factor and I can be extremely successful in the offline world?

I thank each of you for reading this post, and would love to hear some advice, whether through this thread or PM ANYTIME.

Thanks all,

tech
#young
  • Profile picture of the author donhx
    Originally Posted by techlover View Post

    Hi everyone, I am techlover and I am new to this forum and offline marketing. I hope to make some great money and friends during my stay!

    Alright, so I am looking to get into the offline market this summer due to inspiration from this forum and Shark Tank. I have it all mapped out, and a targeted list of clients and niches, and I have done tens of hours of business outlines.

    Only problem is that I am nervous that I am too young. I am 15 years old and I will be a sophomore in high school in two weeks. I am however, 6 foot 1 and I have a deep voice.

    My mom says I will not be able to succeed as clients will not take me seriously due to my age. I am very passionate about what I do, I know the market well, and I am very knowledgeable about the services I do and how they will be able to help businesses. I have done numerous presentations for various reasons before, and am comfortable pitching to other people.

    Before I put money and tons of time into this however, I am wondering if I have a legitimate shot and that age is not a factor and I can be extremely successful in the offline world?

    I thank each of you for reading this post, and would love to hear some advice, whether through this thread or PM ANYTIME.

    Thanks all,

    tech
    Your age and how tall you are simply not important. Don't tell people that stuff, it's irrelevant.

    What counts is your creativity and drive. Act 21 (at least) and go for it. You'll learn valuable lessons along the way and you'll probably make some money in the process.

    Never let your age (young or old) or any other factor hold you back from achieving your dreams.
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  • Profile picture of the author SEODude
    As said above. Age has no relevance.

    Its all about whats on your shoulders
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  • Profile picture of the author techlover
    Yeah, I believe in what I do and I'm going to make it happen!

    Thanks guys!
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    • Profile picture of the author ayma
      Age has nothing to do with what you can achive as everyone else has pointed out.

      Make sure you are doing something that you're passionate about and have patience.

      Life's not a bed of roses
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    • Profile picture of the author LastWarrior
      That must be a terrible thing to have a parent who doesn't believe in you. (please tell your mother I said that.) I have no idea how that feels because growing up, my parents made me feel I could anything I wanted. I was 13 when I started to work for myself. When I was 15 I was in a professional business and had face to face meetings. Sometimes people asked about my age, but after hearing me talk, I got the job. I don't think I ever lost or didn't get a job due to my age at the time. Plus, I never blabbed about my age anyway. If they did make a young comment, I would say "Youth has it's vigour" or something like that.

      Just do what you want to do and don't ask other people what they think about your age. Also, never ask other people what they think if you can make it in a certain business, etc. I NEVER ask people what they think of my ideas or plans. It's MY dream, it's my passion, it's my goal, it's my destiny to fulfill if I want it bad enough. The only time I really ask other people about my ideas or plans is when I'm looking for feedback and information, but not to ask others if I could be successful or not. That's totally up to me, not anyone else.

      To post such a question shows me you have some lack of confidence. Well, I can assure you most certainty, your age will have no part in whether you succeed or not, but your passion and willingness to persist will. Be prepared to make several mistakes along your path of entrepreneurship. When you encounter a setback, the best thing you can do is contemplate the best course of action to remedy the situation and take action, then learn from that experience.

      LastWarrior
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  • Profile picture of the author DC England
    Never let age stop you from achieving your goals in life. Age is just a number, remember that. Bill Gates launched Microsoft at the ripe age of 18 years old. Look where he is now. If you love what your doing, age to you should just be a number.
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  • Profile picture of the author techlover
    Wow, I love this forum already!

    I know this sounds standard, but all this encouragement really means a lot. I am a member of many forums, probably 10-15, and I have NEVER on any of those ever received this much good advice!

    Your personal stories truly mean a ton. They connect with me, because the main reason I am doing all this is for college; my parents won't pay for my tuition anywhere out of the state I reside in. Although I'm still in high school, I need this to pan out in order to fulfill my dream of going to my dream college out of state.

    Thanks so much again guys, I hope to see you around!
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  • Profile picture of the author emmndi
    Age is just that age, let nothing stop you from achieving your intended goal. As for our height and the deep voice, is irrelevant in this kind of forum.
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    • Profile picture of the author techlover
      Originally Posted by emmndi View Post

      Age is just that age, let nothing stop you from achieving your intended goal. As for our height and the deep voice, is irrelevant in this kind of forum.
      Yeah, I realize that now, must make me look pretty dumb.:rolleyes:
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  • Profile picture of the author campers
    Perception is reality, so if you don't believe your age is an issue then it won't be. Even if a client might think you're not up to it, its because they might not have the confidence you can deliver, and might use age as an excuse. If you can present a compelling offer then there is no reason what so ever that you age should get int the way. If anything make it into an advantage, internet/technology is where young people have the upper hand!
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  • Profile picture of the author rich8169
    In fact, u have advantage to start young! Go go go, go for ur dream and what your heart ask you to!

    All the best in your venture!

    Cheers
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  • Profile picture of the author addyj672
    Age doesn't matter only your determination matter the most. If you have determination to achieve anything you can try to achieve that. Some time you will fail and some time you achieve....
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  • Profile picture of the author Ian Varnava
    Do not fall for that age BS bro. I started IM when I was 13 back around 1996 and cleared 6 figures by the time I was 14. All the 'elders' who were laughing at me shut up after that (those who knew anyway, I kept it very DL and still do).

    Though I did all kinds of stuff, I did deal with offline clients here and there as well, and they were very impressed by my knowledge and paid me big bucks to make websites for them.

    Go to the website in my sig and click on "who am I" in the top nav to read a little bit of my (interesting) story. I'm not selling anything there, but it may help put things into perspective for you and offer a little inspiration/advice.

    Again, let people talk, completely ignore the BS about you not being able to succeed, but keep your ears open for sound advice, as you are young, no matter how tech savvy you may be (that was one mistake I made when I was a teenager, didn't listen to sound advice). Just do what you gotta do.

    Just do me a favor, laugh all the way to the bank, not just some of the way.
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  • Profile picture of the author socialmassmedia
    Originally Posted by techlover View Post

    Hi everyone, I am techlover and I am new to this forum and offline marketing. I hope to make some great money and friends during my stay!

    Alright, so I am looking to get into the offline market this summer due to inspiration from this forum and Shark Tank. I have it all mapped out, and a targeted list of clients and niches, and I have done tens of hours of business outlines.

    Only problem is that I am nervous that I am too young. I am 15 years old and I will be a
    sophomore in high school in two weeks. I am however, 6 foot 1 and I have a deep voice.

    My mom says I will not be able to succeed as clients will not take me seriously due to my age. I am very passionate about what I do, I know the market well, and I am very knowledgeable about
    the services I do and how they will be able to help businesses. I have done numerous presentations for various reasons before, and am comfortable pitching to other people.

    Before I put money and tons of time into this however, I am wondering if I have a legitimate shot
    and that age is not a factor and I can be extremely successful in the offline world?

    I thank each of you for reading this post, and would love to hear some advice, whether through this thread or PM ANYTIME.

    Thanks all,

    tech
    Hey don't ever let age stop you from following your dreams like everyone is saying. Don't listen to people who are down right negative and whine all the time. Definitely listen really listen to good sound advice and never think you know it all. End of th day we are all student in life no matter what we follow or teach.

    Also to give you that extra encouragement my little brother is just 16 study full time doing his A levels here in UK and has done a big JV already and made some gd money too ;-)

    You probably heard this before but is a useful reminder to myself for affirmation. In life we are all given the power to do what ever we choose and what ever we desire, how we make those choices and the effort we take is what makes our dreams a reality. Sure this ain't easy no one said it would be there's many hurdles to go over but stick to it and focus on your goals and don't let anyone stop you from chasing your dreams!

    Hope that makes sense in one form or another.

    To your success

    Hamed......peace dude!
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    • Profile picture of the author Naeem Sikandar
      I can see passion and your burning desire & believe thats everything need to have to become successful whether in offline or online marketing world.

      I gurantee you that you will be very successful in your achieving your goals.
      Age is nonsense. How young or old you are , it simply doesn't matter. The thing that matters is how enthusiastic you. Don't think too much about how gonna people respond to you just because you are 15.

      People like you can change the world and make it a better place to live.

      God bless you.

      Naeem Sikandar
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  • Profile picture of the author techlover
    Thanks everyone, appreciate the advice.

    I read your bio Ian, excellent stuff....
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  • Profile picture of the author Workaholic1
    No way, even greatest athlete is the same age like you. if I not mistake Rafal Nadal just 24 age but now damn rank no 1 that long.
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  • Profile picture of the author DIGITALCHAMELEON
    Age is not a requirement anyway what is important is you have the knowledge, expertise and attitude.
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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisKahler
    Honestly, use your young age as a weapon for you. You are showing signs of ambition that very few people your age exhibit. You should be proud of that and boast about wanting to do this. Anyone that tells you you can't do it is one more person that can be left in shock when you do do it.

    As for any business owner that tells you no, if you think it's because of your age ask them. Be straightforward and find out if that's the reason. Then you can re frame their thinking and by being so blunt and bold about it you'll definitely catch them off guard and can influence them immensely.

    Being young in todays time is a magnificent weapon. It's better to be young and ambitious than to retire and decide to go get em. You aren't wasting any time, and I commend you for that. Keep going and you'll not only surprise everyone else, but you will surprise yourself as well.
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  • Profile picture of the author Max Stryker
    The younger here, the better.
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  • Profile picture of the author macostello
    Wow Techlover,

    Power and respect to you. To have the balls, the guts and the passion to seek out information and support to fulfil the dreams, goals and aspirations that you have at your age is truly amazing.

    You can do absolutely anything you want in life and already, you have taken the hardest and biggest step.

    The world is your oyster.

    Reading your post has made me smile and made me proud of you.

    Go for it!

    Michelle

    PS. Try and get to read Think & Grow Rich and the Secret - they may well make a difference to you aswell.
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  • Profile picture of the author DanteRomero
    It is great that you are giving it a try. Keep this in mind, though.

    If you think you are too young - and as a result don't try - the same thing happens as if you actually were too young. You don't achieve your goals. And

    I think most entrepreneurs have had to learn the following as well. If someone isn't supporting you, don't tell them anything. I personally had to stop telling everyone I knew what I was doing. But, if you have people who are positive support, focus on being around them the most. In response to being wildly successful, remember this:

    "If you don't have the passion to make something work, you probably won't." - Mark Joyner


    I have faith in you. Go get em.
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    "Perfection isn't important. Improvement is."

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  • Profile picture of the author ysb888
    Guy! Age is just a number, Result is the thing!
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  • Profile picture of the author Vlad Bacioiu
    Do not worry, age does not matter, I know many children who earn more than an adult on the internet. In addition, you're talented, you like what you do. If you deliver an excellent product as you promised to your client and he asks how old are you and you tell: "I am a teenager but I did a good job and there's nothing to accuse me! " I'm sure it will remain amazed, will buy again and will envy your activity at an early age.
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  • Profile picture of the author happyme
    That's not true. I mean age does matter. But, why wouldn't clients take you seriously if you have a good deal for them? Forget about your chances of loss, focus on the possibilities of winning.
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  • Profile picture of the author umairsheikh2002
    Buddy you are so young for marketing, you must focus on study.
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    • Profile picture of the author bolaji
      What's up, dude?

      I recommend you surround yourself with other young (and successful) entrepreneurs.

      FOllow these guys:
      Michael Dunlop - How To Make Money Online, Young Entrepreneurs | Making Money Online, Popup Domination - Get More Subscribers & Make More Money In 2011!

      Onibalusi - YoungPrePro - Young Entrepreneur Blog | Helping You Achieve Online Success

      http://www.EpicLaunch.com

      Between those three sites, you'll find dozens of other young entrepreneurs (in the blog comments, and in featured articles) that are defying expectations, and enjoying more success than most grown-ups.

      I think that's all the encouragement you need right there!

      Also note - you will hit roadblocks at some point. At those down points, be sure you are using people who believe in your ability to succeed, as sounding boards. Don't listen to the naysayers, even if they are family. Family can love you, but still hinder your business progress. Love family always - family comes first always - but don't assume that they know enough about your business to give you sound advice on it.

      (At the same time, never ignore your parents' advice in other aspects of life! Ha ha.)

      Good luck!

      Bolaji.
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  • Profile picture of the author ChrisQ
    I'm 42, am I too old?

    Fake it 'til you make it. As long as you're not being actively fraudulent with someone then you are who you say you are.

    The only problem you have at 15 is that being under 18 you need a parent to help with anything legal or contractual, and as long as your parents are willing to play ball then your only limitation is one you set on yourself.
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