I think 17 might matter, but not 18. You don't have much longer to wait.

I really don't think your clients would care about your age,they would care more with the results you get for them.


Steve

Depends on what you are trying to sell to them. If you are trying to get then to hand you a lot of money then you will have to have great credibility and references. If you can do that then you build their trust and they will have no problem.

Mike,

I agree with Marco 100%.

I'm 31 with my MBA in Marketing with a decade of a proven track record of marketing consulting and every now and then a "ole timer" will remark that I'm just a kid!

It's definitely going to happen, but here's what I do that make sure it's just a remark before he gives me a fat check:

- My business website is super-professional with a business phone number. I built the website with flexibility theme for $0 and the business phone with Google Voice costs me $0...but don't tell my clients and prospects

- On my website, I have a opt-in offer for a video series that is uber-professional by warrior PDLaughlin that I bought for $15 bucks or so.

- After they sign up for my opt-in, they get my series of emails over the next couple of months. Yes, you know it's coming...got those emails from Dexx on here too.

- My phone interview with the prospect is completely professional and yes I use a scripted list of important questions to keep me on track. Yep, I got that on the warrior forum too, but I've modified it over time.

- After the phone interview, I email, fax or mail a professionally prepared thank you/review of the phone call on my letterhead. I got this for $10 from LogoNerds on this forum, but you can get this all day on Fiverr for $5.

- Within my package that I send my clients, I mention the fact that I'm a published author. Now, this time I personally did the work and wrote a 150 page book and yep, I include this in my package to my prospects.

Now, the reason why I did all of this is because I'm a big, black guy who would totally freak most people out. Especially if they've been watching Law & Order, CSI or BET lately.

So, in order to keep myself from freezing up and NOT doing anything, I created the most professional and polished marketing materials AND I use every tangible credibility building resource that I can get my hands on.

Hope this helps

Chris Rivers

YES YES AND YES!

I'm sort of in the same boat you're in being only 18. I was even dabbling some into offline at 16 and 17 but the biggest tip I can give you is to present yourself as older and mature. I still get questioned all the time if I'm in a meeting... "Wait, you're how old? You're still in HIGH SCHOOL?"

• GROW facial hair! If you can of course, but don't make it look like a bum..
• Judging by your picture, don't let your hair get any longer than that. I would even suggest a "business cut".
• Start an LLC or at the very least a DBA, so when you do land a client you can tell them to make a check out to ABC LLC instead of Mark McAleer, I lost a client that way....
• Get a LinkedIn!
• Make your Facebook as professional as possible, or delete it outright.
• Business Card with a custom logo
• Business Number, with Google Voice
• P.O. Box.
• Dress for success, wear a suit if you have it. (If the client fits it, i.e. don't wear one for a plumber) If not, wear a shirt, tie, and khakis.
• Learn to not look extremely uncomfortable with it on.
• If you have a beat up old truck like I do, park as far away from the door/windows as you can.

That's all I can think of right now. But yes, age is an extremely important factor, don't believe the "age doesn't matter" saying. If you can show them that you truly mean business then you won't lose nearly as many clients.

Steve

What do Jack McAleer or Suzan Feldman ( or any of your other clients ) think about your age? You obviously know what you are doing, so prove it to them with your references. If an investment banker or interior designer would give you a good review, I doubt there would be any skepticism, unless you were dealing with a major corporation.

There are many teenagers that have made MILLIONS online and offline...

Don't give this limiting belief any more power..

Cut it off now, take some action, and make some money....enough to make all your friends that are flipping burgers and packing groceries jealous

<Disclaimer> Before I talk, here is a disclaimer. I do not do IM. I just read these forums as a hobby. </Disclaimer>

I might not be an IM Guru, but I do have some experience to share here that you all can likely benefit from. I work for a large professional services company. When I started work at this professional services company, my hourly fee to clients was in the hundreds. I also looked like I was 17 (young to the point where many clients ended up asking my age several weeks after meeting me).

I had a reputation to build, both for myself and for my firm. I couldn't let my age (or appearance) detract from the professionalism I was bringing.

You are at a disadvantage which can turn into a HUGE advantage if you play your cards right. You basically have to WOW your potential clients the second you see them. Here is my advice (from personal experience):


Appearance
Clothing - Dress to the level that you would expect the person you are meeting to dress to. If you are meeting a senior manager, then you want what they are wearing (dress shirt, tie, etc...)

Fix the little things in your appearance - Guys are guilty of this more than girls. Iron your shirt and pants, If you wear a tie, remember to do up the top button. ALWAYS make your hair appropriate. Don't forget your socks and shoes. They should match (black trousers = black belt + black shoes).

Optional - Do something that stands out. It speaks a lot to your character. Personally, I wear dress shirts and dress pants to work all the time. Pretty dull if you ask me. A bright coloured tie (that doesn't clash) can immediately change that dull outfit into something bold.

Phone Introductions
The first 10 seconds of the conversation count the most. Same with a phone call. I start every call with "Hi, I'm NAME (first and last) at COMPANY NAME. How are you doing today?" After they answer, then you can tell them what you are selling. The first sentence must be assertive. Use the exact same mentality even if you're talking to a secretary.

Meeting in person
When you meet the person you want to speak to, introduce yourself (if they don't know you're coming), look into their eyes and greet them by name. "Hi, It's nice to meet you Mr. X)."
Eye Contact - Keep Eye contact, and try not to look around the room.
Smile - I used to be scared going to talk to senior staff at my clients. I learned to smile regularly, which seemed to suggest confidence. After a while, I was no longer scared.
Sit up Straight

How to sell in person
You never sell a product or service. You sell a solution. (eg. You aren't selling a website, you're selling a way for new customers discover you and old customers to rediscover you.) The link here is that you are bringing something that benefits them. If they see the value, price is much easier for you to discuss.

Ending the conversation
If things go well, give them a handshake and tell them you'll follow up with more info (if applicable)
Give them your business card.
Thank them (by name) for their time.

If they say no, thank them for their time, and ask them to think of you if they need the service in the future.

In conclusion, you have to get rid of their preconceived notions that 17 year old teens can't provide value. Meet them, be professional and you will be successful.

Good luck

Play up the fact that young people have a better understanding of social networking. Also, I have told this story to people when justifying having a high school aged employee:

Cars became fairly common in the 20s, but the golden age of cars didn't arrive until the 50s, when the generation that grew up with them was old enough to hold decision making positions at auto companies.

The same thing is happening with the internet, I'm 30, the net became pretty popular when I was 15, but my 15 year old employee who was born that year just BREATHES it, he has an intrinsic understanding of the internet and computers that I could only dream of. Its because he was born with it, you could compare it to language learning. If you start learning a language after the age of around 10, you will always have at least a trace of an accent. I have an accent when I speak computerese, but I have never met a 15 year old that wasn't fluent.

Personally for me I wouldn't take you serious... I'm sure you probably know your **** but id be reluctant to hand over my money.

I'm 41 and I'd just love not to get a contract as I'm too young!

However don't let it stop you - I spent years delaying over being a success as I was 'too young' then suddenly you find your self middle aged!

Dress yourself up smart and position yourself as a whizz kid.

Why not focus on new technologies such as Facebook?

A lot of older people kind of accept (rightly or wrongly) that 'kids' are good at all this new social media & technology stuff.

Good luck!

Hugh

I was a telemarketer at 16... All people/organizations care about is RESULTS!
Good luck :-)

All the way through that, I see your worried about what other people think, when what is important is how you think and position yourself.

If someone is not going to take you seriously because of your age, they are making a business mistake.

See, the fact is, if you know what you're talking about, and you know what you're doing... It's a smart business move for them to work with you. If you're really worried about it, go over the phone to start -- that's what a lot of people do. Most people can't tell how old you're over the phone (I know I can't).

Caleb

Thanks for the help1

I started internet marketing when I was 16 and have never really had any age issues, even after meeting companies.
It only really matters if you think it matters, as long as you're good at what you do, it shouldn't be an issue.

[DELETED]

Mike,

I know where you're coming from because I started with "IM" when I was about 13'ish (28 now), and some of the businesses I did in the beginning (such as web designing) required me to meet with business owners and sometimes just random people in person.

You're 17 and I think you will be a big success, just go out and do it. I didn't have any problems doing transactions with people at a much younger age... of course at 13 my parents had to be involved one way or another... I couldn't accept checks in my name, it had to be my mom or dad's name, etc, but I'm assuming you've got all that worked out.

Other than that, as many others said already, dress to impress (but don't overdo it), shirt and tie or suit depending on the type of business you're meeting with. Speak with confidence. Talk the talk then walk the walk.

One advantage I had when I was doing that stuff was because of the way I spoke and projected myself, anyone I met with came to perceive me as "the young smart kid who knows what he's doing on the Internet", and they were willing to pay me big money to do what they wanted me to do... as long as you can create the same perception, which I'm positive you can, you will be perfectly fine.

Good luck and you're welcome to PM me if you need any help or advice!

P.S. I agree with the facial hair thing someone said above, if you grow facial hair and have a nicely trimmed thin beard, it can make you look more mature as well and help alleviate any concerns clients may have with you being 'young'. Of course, if you don't grow facial hair, or not blessed with a pretty beard, then go with a nice clean shave.

hate to tell you but it definitely matters people will think you are just a kid.

I'm 16, and my birthday is in a few weeks. I have never had a client say anything bad in terms of my age, in fact they have all been pleasantly surprised. Even in the online world, I haven't received anything but good remarks when it comes to my age. In person, with clients and meetings (speaking of which, I'm meeting with a client tomorrow morning ) I let them know my age, but at the same time, I wow them with everything I've got to offer. I am completely professional and could compete with those ten years older than me. Just because you're young doesn't mean that you don't possess knowledge. Be firm, be the authority. Let it show in your voice, in your body movements. Be prepared and be strong.

Show you are mature by BEING and ACTING mature.


edit: To add, I wrote this article on teen professionalism http://squarkmag.com/387/how-to-main...iews-and-jobs/

Well, I think if you prepare properly and you know what you are talking about, your age won't be an issue. Just be sure you can answer any question about why they should be listening to you.

Get incorporated and you won't have much to worry about. If a company can see your past work or you have references AND you have a Corporation, LLC that's all they should care about. If the President has to be your father, then so be it. If anyone asks, tell them he is your "business partner", the "money man".

Money investors don't usually like to get involved in the day-to-day operations of a company. This way they'll know better than to try to contact him, and they know they need to straight deal with you.

Try using a black Sharpie to give yourself a snazzy mustache

[DELETED]

As long as you can provide better output then I don't think age will matter to them. Try providing portfolios so they can have visualize samples of your work.

Hi Mike,

That was an insightful question.

I think that age can matter to some people. I started a consulting practice to law firms and the U.S. government in my early 30's (after I had a PhD) and some people would ask, "How old are you, Doc?" They meant that question to imply that I might be too young and inexperienced to be in such a position.

At some point I expect to get the same question, but with a different emphasis... meaning that they will be implying that I'm too old to still know what I'm doing!

It's natural for people to question competency based on age. There were excellent suggestions here; including those from Valueseekr, Chris Rivers, empowerment warrior, and sodevious.

I would emphasize that you make your age known after you provide a good upfront presentation (online, over the phone, through the mail, etc.), but before you make a personal appearance. First impressions are all important. You don't want to waste any part of your in-person sales pitch because they are thinking about your age and not about what you are saying.

One final suggestion. Dress the part. By that I mean, if you want to be taken seriously as a business person, look like a successful business person in your dress and accouterments (good briefcase or folio, good writing pen, good business card holder, etc.). The term and concept "Dress for Success" has a lot of merit. Perceptions are very important.

Obviously, you believe that you have something valuable to offer now. Show in your dress and manner that you are already successful and others will believe it too... and want what you have to offer.

Best of luck. I'm sure you'll do just fine.

Doc Reed

Thanks for the support. I have a few clients in the works and definitely think I can handle it. It will work out.

Mike,
I just want to first commend you on adventuring into the world of business at the age of 17. While your friends are playing Xbox and video games your trying to make things happen for your future. If more teenagers had the mind set that you do, the world would be alot more productive. But to answer your question, if you present yourself as professional, demonstrate your work, and provide guarantees, I don't think you'll have as many problems.

Besides if you get turned down because of your age, just say next and move to a different client you'll eventually get a yes and the rest will be history because you could use them as a testimonial on your website and promotional materials.

If you know what you are doing, and act professional. Your age should not matter.

Mike,

I know no matter what we said here, even if all odds are against you, you are already determined to work hard to achieve your targets.

I wish I have found this forum when I was 17. I spent most of my time than working hard to get into medical school.

My best wishes to you.

Graham

I would give you a try, if the results are there than who cares how old you are

Well, I think age could matter but it comes down to how well your present and handle yourself in business matters. There are many young kids that have started successful companies.

[DELETED]

Just go for it. Follow the advice in the posts above and see what happens.

Even before you meet with them in person, (perhaps on the phone), you may want to inoculate your clients by saying something like, "I'm sure you're open minded enough to judge someone by their abilities and skills, not by their age."

For inspiration, check out Cameron Johnson (who was selling Beanie Babies on eBay and making a fortune. No one knew he was something like 12 years old.)

You might even send this link to your potential clients.

YouTube - CameronJohnsonInc's Channel

Hi Pickthat ,

I agree with you that teenager not have vast exp to internet.So its most risky to our business reputation online.

In this business, it matters if you go see the client personally.

Successful marketing depends upon your skills and performance. If you have speaking
power and self confidence and can motivate others, than you age don’t matter. Some
people can not become good marketers even in the age of 40 because of no confidence
and skills.

The age is usually linked to experience.
Let's be honest, how many kids want to earn money online at an early age?
But age is not so important, after all.
For example, if I am a teenager and have as a hobby traveling and writing, there is absolutely no reason why I shouldn't write travel articles and make a few extra dollars.

Plus, I think it's better for teenagers to work online, write or design stuff, if they are talented. It's much better than working in a restaurant in the summer holidays.

This is probably one of the few businesses where it's almost expected that the service provider may be younger. Now, 17 is young, but you're not going to walk into a meeting and announce your age, or pass around your drivers license.

There's already been some good suggestions made, and doing all the 'authority' things can help you as well. ...and being ambition in the eyes of older clients can impress them as well.

(man, to be 17 again!)
_____
Bruce

Mike,
The advise in the posts are awesome. I just wanted to add that I had the opposite problem. Many potential "clients" thought I was "too old" to know anything about the Internet! That it was a "young persons" business. Now the advantage you have is that you are going to get older, however, I can't get younger!

Here are a few tips of how I handled the age objection and how you can as well.

I informed them about my online experience. I indicated that I had paid for my daughter's college education at a major university, as well as for her wedding - with the income I earned from affiliate marketing.

Next, I informed them that this experience taught me a lot about generating business online and that I could help there business to attract new customers. Then I provided a review of their site and what they needed to do to help their business online. Lastly, I offered to have them pick one local keyword phrase and one web page that they wanted to rank for with the phrase. I then said, "if I can achieve a page 1 ranking for the phrase, will you agree to work with me for an agreed upon price. (I gave him a proposal). He agreed. In just under 5 weeks I got the contract and he has since referred me to two other clients.

Most of my recent clients have had bad experiences with SEO services and they receive calls daily from companies and individuals pitching them online services.

What I recommend is that you first ensure that you can deliver on your service offerings. Have examples of sites that are currently ranking and earning for you. You can say, "yes, I'm young, however here are some results that I have achieved and all I want is a chance to prove to you that I can do the same for your business."

If you can "walk your talk" age may not matter. The first client is the hardest to acquire, however once you deliver and begin to get testimonials, you will be on your way to building a nice income.

Follow the advise of the other posts and you will do well. Don't get discouraged. If age continues to be an issue, you may want to consider partnering with an older person who understands internet marketing to overcome the age perception. The rest you'll just make up as you go!

Good luck and I hope this was helpful,
Vito

I think sometimes being too young to a business or industry it is hard to gain a trust to a clients since mostly in my own opinion others prefer older ones because they know it is more experienced. But for me it does not matter, aslong as you know what you are doing and you are intelligent enough to that industry, and attitude counts.

I think to face the reality, age matter, no matter what kind of business you are dealing, that's why sometimes as a younger ones we need to prove they are wrong, since sometimes it is hard to gain a customer for the wrong impression due to age difference. But I am not against with the young ones, in fact they are the ones that gives more new stuffs and fresh ideas.

I thingk it doesn't matter if you behave well during the meeting

For offline marketing i believe it does matter.

The best thing to do is do your stuffs online and not offline.

[DELETED]

[DELETED]