Getting Kids To Start Their Own Business

I taught the children of our dear family friend how to make polymer clay accessories.  I enjoyed it so much because I saw how enterprising they were.  From the first workshop that we had, the kids were able to sell accessories to their classmates in school.  One of the children, Zes was able to create his own multiply site and has also added human nature products to his budding business! 

What I love about teaching kids how to start their own business is when I get to hear their ideas and see their eyes widen or sparkle if they have that "aha" moment for a business idea.  At his age, he's got brochures and has a notebook with his prices and marketing ideas. Aside from that he is a fast learner and quickly absorbs instructions.

Ask Zes about retail and wholesale and its like talking to an adult!  Place an order and he will diligently take down your orders and process everything in a timely and professional manner!  On top of this, he still manages to enjoy life a kid!  This should be always the case.  He's got the genes for business!  After all aside from his enterprising parents he's got a grandmother who is a fabulous crafter!  I'm a big fan of her sewing abilities and her style ideas!

Another idea of his that totally amazed me and won my vote was when he would buy candies and snacks and sell it to his siblings.  Smart kid!

His sister, Isse on the other hand would sell alphabet and number clay charms along with other handmade polymer clay accessories.  Such is their love for things that are handmade!  She was interviewed on her 16th bday no less by ABS-CBN's Kabuhayang Swak Na Swak during her bead party which consisted of beads, clays, and party favors! (She's the one on the right.  Shown here with her friends during her bday) At 16 she's got an amazing video skills!  At her young age, she's already got quite a bevy of clients ranging from students to professionals.  Older people are simply amazed and immediately become loyal clients.  She's also quite a techie who can operate a GPS tracking device.  Give her a gadget and she'll be able to figure it out in a jiffy! Nice!!!

The great thing about teaching your kids early about business is as parents, you get to develop their business acumen, how they interact and how they manage their money too.  All kids, including the youngest (8 years old) know how to manage their "baon" or earnings from their business.