Tuesday, November 09, 2010

Should You Let Your Teen Start a Web Business?

Publisher: Earl Williams
The Affiliate Mini Mall

Many children are natural entrepreneurs. If your child is motivated to start their own web business, it can be a great way for them to harness that natural instinct. They’ll also learn a lot about themselves and how to run a business. It can be a valuable education.

On the other hand, the web can also be a dangerous place. There are scammers, thieves, and criminals just waiting to prey on children. Allowing your child to start an online business may feel scary and uncertain.

The following guidelines may help you feel more comfortable letting your teen start their own web business.

Do – Support your child to choose a web-based business model that fits their lifestyle. For example, becoming a service provider may take up too much of your child’s time. When grades and school activities are a priority, they might not be able to meet their responsibilities to their clients. However, affiliate marketing, information marketing and even selling products they’ve made online are all viable business models.

Do – Help them create a starting budget and financial systems. Children often jump into things without considering the costs. That can leave mom and dad footing the bill. Help your child realize what expenses they will have to start and operate their business. Help them plan for how to save them and how they’re going to manage cash flow. YOU might consider loaning them the start-up costs and creating a repayment plan.

Do – Help your child create a time management plan. This is one of the biggest challenges for any online marketer. Most teenagers struggle with this on a daily basis. Add an online business into the mix and it can get problematic.

Do – Set expectations. It may help to set firm ground rules and expectations. For example, no online business activities until all homework is done. And no online business if grades fall below a B.

Do – Help your child learn about privacy online. Not only for their customers but also for themselves. Help them learn about protecting their customer’s information, protecting themselves from hackers, protecting their online identity and keeping their information private. There are many online predators and scammers who perceive teenagers as potential targets. Unless their identity helps them market their business, they should keep their personal information quiet.

Do – Help your teen manage financial expectations. It’s easy to believe you’re going to be the next internet millionaire. However, that may not happen. Find the balance between supporting your child’s goals and objectives and helping them stay grounded. They’ll be better able to make business decisions if they can approach their business realistically.

Online business is a great way for many teens to make extra money. They have the freedom to control their hours, earn money doing something they enjoy and learn the ins and outs of owning their own business. It can be an amazing learning experience.

About the Publisher: Earl Williams is a real entrepreneur who is making money with his online marketing business using some of the largest Affiliate programs on the Internet. He uses the affiliate programs to setup Affiliateminimall.com where you can fine discount shopping along with great coupon deals. To learn more visit: www.shoptamm.com

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