I'm a 15 y/o - How to take my businesses to the next level?

[Logan Graham]

Hi guys,

Currently, I run a few projects. I'm a freelance writer, freelance designer, landscaper/gardener, and babysitter. However, I'm still wondering how to take my projects to the next level. The run-down -

Freelance writer: I run a blog, youthbusinessblog.com. I'd like to do some writing work, and I've done 2 small projects already. How do I make myself known?

Freelance designer: like above, I've done 2 small projects, and a lot of free, fun work. The question is the same as above.

Landscaper/Gardener: I run a small business (if you can call it that)... weeding, watering, mowing, edging, gardening, yard work, etc. I've given out plenty of business cards and put up many flyers. However, I still have only had 5 clients.

Babysitter: I believe that I'm an out-of-the-ordinary babysitter for my age. I'm very mature and responsible, great with kids, and respectful. I have one steady weekly job, and about 5 other clients that are really more anytime clients.

How can I further capitalize on these?

EDIT: I know that this is a more general question, and pretty ambiguous, so thanks in advance

[Ske]

About the blog, you should just optimize your blog to get picked up by search engines (SEO).
There's a lot of information out there about SEO so just use Google.
There's even an official document about how to get ranked in Google, though i haven't got the link anymore but it shouldn't be too hard to find it as the article is on Google itself.

I don't know about your other projects so i can't help you with that.
Good luck

[Scar Tissue]

Very proud of you Logan! Just watched another story about a 16 year old girl and her homemade cake business at the UK trade show.

Read ''Unlimited Social Traffic'' , this ebook only 29 pages, easy to read and it explains how to use social media to market your website and blog.

Hope it helps. Gook luck!

[myfayt]

Logan,

There is many freelance writing jobs available on craigslist classifieds: jobs, housing, personals, for sale, services, community, events, forums pick different areas and search. Many you don't even need to be in the same country.

[Scar Tissue]

Yes with the internet , you can work online with people around the world that they have never met in person, and serves a global market.

[ethansmith]

You may consider writing a Baby Sitting Business Guide and giving it away in eBook form on your blog. This will give people a reason to believe you as a teen business blogging authority, as well as assist you in building an email list which can be very valuable in the future.

As far as the other two go, do some guest posts and actively bid on freelance projects on forums and other freelance sites to build your reputation and freelancing resume.

[inle]

Who's your customers?

[benmaxime]

email me: b@langonline.com
was just at that stage (but now im 16)

[LSnyder]

Great job! I have one suggestion that my be a selling factor in your baby sitting business. CPR and First Aid.
As a parent, when my children were at the "need a sitter" stage - which by the way just ended 2 years ago! - that was a definite seller for me. If a young sitter was actually skilled and certified in cpr and first aid, it showed me they were not just out for making a few bucks but that they truly were responsible and wanted to be sure they were able to properly take care of a child under dire circumstances.

Maybe a portfolio showing the work you have done along with customer references. Pass out fliers. Be one of those people who leave the ads on our windshield at the grocery store. Only 1 out of every 10 reads but if it brings you one more regular customer it was worth it!

Good luck!

[infinity01]

Hello,

I am Margaret by name, and i am a Consultant and usually like to deal with young and postitive minded fellows.

I guess you've read the story of Mark Zuckerberg, and so i believe anybody with great potentials will surely make a changes and distinguish him or herslf.

Feel free to contact me on my email at : abiolamargaret at yahoo dot com for more information, or better still catch me online on Yahoo messenger.


Rgds,
Margaret

[altwebdesign]

thats a hell of a lot for someone your age, well done!! I wish I had that much get up and drive when i was tht young, but like someone mentioned about the babysitting and CPR/first aid its a brilliant point!

[Fadzuli]

Congrats for doing so much. However you are also doing too much and not focusing on one particular source of income. You are becoming the Jack of All trades.

Focus on one and make it great!

Example. If you were the best baby sitter and you have done well in it, don't you think the parents of the child will recommend you to the neighbors? In this case focus on the service and doing your best. Eventually it will spread virally.

All the best young man!

[LSnyder]

Word of mouth is the best and most reliable source of advertising!

[brogers614]

Focus on your blog to get more visitors, it can be very lucrative with Google add sense if you have high web traffic.

[peteyflow]

Just get a job first, and then work for a company when you get older, gain the most experience as you can from your job, and then start your own business.