So I am trying to start a business...

This stuff is tough when you are doing something a bit "outside" the norm.

It is also extremely tough to be taken seriously at the age of 26. I honestly can't imagine what I would do back in the day of strictly sit down meetings; the ability to contact people via email gives me the "ever so slightest" chance of even getting my foot in the door. Being able to provide exactly the information they are looking for before they ask, showing a well planned business model, it all helps build their trust before they even see my face. Walking into a business for help with services at my age, combined with how young I look really hampers moving forward.

Of course, anything good has always been worth fighting for. My business model currently appears to support the ludicrous insurance quotes I am getting.

You're leaving us on a bit of a cliff hanger.

You typed three paragraphs about your business and I have no idea what you do. Lay it out concisely in the 1st paragraph if you want us to say shut up and take my money.

I don't think your age is a problem - lots of guys in their 20's make mint selling. It could be your salesmanship though. Sales is a tough job. I've been the tech sales engineer who travels with the suits to act as a translator and while sales guys appear to be the dumbest humans on the face of the earth there is a knack to it that I simply do not have. I've tried and much to my chagrin I have had to admit that if I want to run a company that requires sales then I need to hire a proper salesman.

I have a feeling that GPS would not make a good salesman because while trying to sell, he says the same smart ass E36 M3 that he says here.

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: You typed three paragraphs about your business and I have no idea what you do. Lay it out concisely in the 1st paragraph if you want us to say shut up and take my money. I don't think your age is a problem - lots of guys in their 20's make mint selling. It could be your salesmanship though. Sales is a tough job. I've been the tech sales engineer who travels with the suits to act as a translator and while sales guys appear to be the dumbest humans on the face of the earth there is a knack to it that I simply do not have. I've tried and much to my chagrin I have had to admit that if I want to run a company that requires sales then I need to hire a proper salesman.

What if he's looking to start a business in the lucrative field of vague internet posting?

N Sperlo wrote: I have a feeling that GPS would not make a good salesman because while trying to sell, he says the same smart ass E36 M3 that he says here.

My wife refers to this as "Having no filter". If she only knew how much E36 M3 I've left unsaid because I thought it might be inappropriate... she would have called for the white coats long ago. The filters are saturated.

Guys, maybe he's just venting, not trying to sell us stuff?

In reply to bluej:

Well, I figured that, but now I want to know.

bluej wrote: Guys, maybe he's just venting, not trying to sell us stuff?

Thank you

Yes, just venting. Until everything is finalized, it seems a bit foolish to post up details I would think. On top of that, the business is Canadian based (not much use to you yanks)

I am not in sales (not really anyways, selling of the product is simple enough in this case). I'm talking about the necessary business contacts that go into starting your own business, small or large. Getting companies and people on board with the necessary support services.

I clean up well, speak well, and present well. Those are non-issues (or on the backburner). You can instantly tell when you walk in the door though that their opinions change or bias shows when you are younger. I am not complaining it is unfair (that would be ridiculous), just surprised when you offer to give people your hard earn money to further your business and they are not interested.

Edit- And I am not in the slightest letting this slow me down or deter me. I just found it interesting, and was making a general comment

Rule number 1 of sales. STFU.

Too much info is a bad thing.

It also helps if the sales person doesn't know everything about what he is selling.

I suck at sales. That's why my business partner is a salesman.

Good luck getting it off the ground. It can be a PITA, but stick with it. In the long run it's worth it.

Is there any way you could offer you service to free as a way of building credibility?

90 second "evaluator" pitches across the board. To clients, investors, suppliers, everyone.

Age isn't a favor in being taken seriously, attitude and support is.

Grow a beard.

Boom Done!

I started my first business at 23. Yes, there are those who might hold that against you, but tenacity will get you through. And YES!! to STFU. I work in an office now with 4 other salesmen. We have a new guy that just does not know how to listen and be quiet. Don't think he will be here very much longer. Whatever you will be doing, just go for it and don't let the idiots get you down. Good luck!

wvumtnbkr wrote: Grow a beard. Boom Done!

Lumberjack beard, not a hipster beard, that would make it worse

Giant Purple Snorklewacker wrote: I've been the tech sales engineer who travels with the suits to act as a translator and while sales guys appear to be the dumbest humans on the face of the earth there is a knack to it that I simply do not have.

I REALLY appreciate guys like you!

captdownshift wrote: Age isn't a favor in being taken seriously, attitude and support is.

While I accept that you have your opinions, I disagree with them.

Age is a HUGE factor in making conscious and unconscious decisions with many things in life. I am not saying that ALL of my interactions have been poor. I have had some great interactions (just currently got off the phone with one) of people who are supportive and helpful, age notwithstanding.

All I am saying is that there are clearly people, especially so in the business world, who instantly write an individual off simply by their age (which I am NOT even saying is unfair, with age hopefully comes experience). That isn't to say all of them do, and hell, maybe there are some who prefer younger business owners/partners. But I thought it was an interesting commentary on the business world I have encountered so far.

wvumtnbkr wrote: Grow a beard. Boom Done!

I do actually have facial hair, unfortunately, for my "normal" job, I had to shave the other day. Even the girlfriend thinks I look too young without it and she is only 22...

cwh wrote: I started my first business at 23. Yes, there are those who might hold that against you, but tenacity will get you through. And YES!! to STFU. I work in an office now with 4 other salesmen. We have a new guy that just does not know how to listen and be quiet. Don't think he will be here very much longer. Whatever you will be doing, just go for it and don't let the idiots get you down. Good luck!

Thanks for that :) I don't think anyone is being an idiot though, just some people don't realize how hard it can be to start an actual, full scale business that isn't driving around in a truck and doing (insert manual labour here).

Datsun1500 wrote: I started my business at 24. Many said it would not work, I was too young, etc. I didn't listen, You shouldn't either.

I need to get in on this "starting a business" stuff.

I have the ability. I have the drive. I don't have any ideas that could be a viable business.

mtn wrote: I need to get in on this "starting a business" stuff. I have the ability. I have the drive. I don't have any ideas that could be a viable business.

I have the ideas and ability for sure, maybe drive, definitely not money

A polished elevator pitch is worth it weight in gold. Ninety seconds max to put a clear picture in my mind is the goal. The perfect elevator pitch would be a fart that smells like $$$: "I like what I hear, smells promising and I would like to hear more to see if there is any substance behind it. ". People who smell $$$ don't care how old you are.

We have an organization here in London Ontario called "Tech Alliance". (Sure you have an equivalent where you are) This group lives and breathes in your space. Always good to have a like minded flock to discuss challenges with.

The group is worth joining if for no reason other than padding your Rolodex and being able to name drop some of the more established members during conversations with new contacts. You will also get very good advice from members who have overcome hurdles you are facing and ones that you are not yet aware of. Plus they tend to have great socials every so often!

If you leverage the Tech Alliance contacts against the London Economic Development mandate, you can sometimes get some good traction. Use this to find Angel Investors with patient money.

You knock on IRAPs door yet for funding? How are you looking for SR&ED credits after the first year? Make sure there is some R&D so you can get a cash refund.

It's not what you do, its sticking it out long enough to find your niche and exploit it. If you can start and finish a multi year car project you will probably do ok in business. If your projects tend to get pushed to the back of the garage or sold as projects your business is doomed to fail. Simplistic and arrogant maybe, but there is some truth in there.

bearmtnmartin wrote: If your projects tend to get pushed to the back of the garage or sold as projects your business is doomed to fail. Simplistic and arrogant maybe, but there is some truth in there.

Plainly and simply not a true statement.

Says the business owner with many unfinished projects. I don't know if I have ever completely finished one, as mine tend to evolve.

In reply to NOHOME:

take this as gospel, NOHOME clearly gets it and understands how to overcome hurdles via brainstorming and using resources to ensure that systems get developed and things work.

I started my first business in my early 20's, and what I learned early on is to be prepared. The first step to impressing those that you need to get started is to show for whatever meeting you have on time, and have everything you need with you. Also be able to answer all questions instantly or be able to bring up the supporting documents at will. Speaking clearly and being professional also go without saying.

I would say your age may work to your advantage if you can show maturity, preparedness, and professionalism. And of course dress appropriately. I managed to have a sizable bank backing, but it took about a year of planning and meeting the right people. Don't give up most of all!

Thanks for the support everyone. I recently received a good phone call... costs are expensive to startup, but that is for numerous reasons. The 2nd year overhead should drop by a substantial amount, which translates into money in the business pocket

My excitement is a little overwhelming. I love it when a good plan comes together!

mtn wrote: I have the ability. I have the drive. I don't have any ideas that could be a viable business.

That's the thing, IMO, there are two types of small business people. There are "serial entrepreneurs" that bounce from one thing to the next until they either succeed or die/are bankrupt. I've always found it surprising how long these people manage to get along with never producing a company of value.

Then there are the people like me. I simply recognized a niche/market that wasn't filled currently. I wasn't even thinking of starting a business this year, or any year. I'm taking a novel approach to make it work part-time, and then expanding as market share grows

I learned the hard way when my father's business went bankrupt over a decade ago. Starting out too big (aka being greedy) is a surefire way to tank as the risk is too high if things don't pan out exactly as predicted. I am starting small, and building up!