Startup advice

[younggrad]

Good afternoon,

I recently graduated from college in May '08. In August, myself and a partner/investor started a corporate entertainment company, with premium opportunities for marketing/networking, that are otherwise not necessarily available to the masses.

Being a young guy, I am having trouble gaining confidence getting in the door with larger companies, especially when I have a product of $10k+. These times are tough, and in my opinion, "entertainment" is the first expense to be cut, but i do believe in our product. Despite a late start in the season, and the current conditions, we broke even through four (4) months.

My primary concern is that executives are not taking me seriously, or are viewing me as "young and inexperienced."

Any advice on gaining that "swagger" despite a lack of MAJOR success, or any marketing ideas for a young guy and a high end product in this economy.

I know the first year is supposed to be tough, but I am in essence tackling this thing solo, and am feeling the stress and pressure.

Any advice/experiences would be much appreciated. Thank you.

Nick

[Phranksizzle]

Look the part. Act the part.

I'm 21, college drop out (proudly and for now) and I have never thought like that.

You can't learn or convince yourself to be confident or have that swagger, you either have it or you don't. Also since you say you're going at this solo, I would at LEAST have a receptionist (or a girlfriend or a good friend thats a girl ACT LIKE ONE) so you seem more important.

Its all about the illusion. Especially with large corporations. Say you have also done things for BIGGER companies than thiers. If you ain't lyin' , you ain't tryin' mentality.

Large corporations have a lot of red tape you need to break through, start at the top act like you are ABOVE thier level and try to get above thier levels so they can listen to you. Corporate people fear what the person above them thinks/says and it works it way down the ladder.

Hope this helps. Nice job on breaking even.

[Doodyps]

My advice...take it or leave it...

You're in the middle of a horrible economy...yeah, fewer customers for you, but look at the bright side!

Hire a head hunter and find someone with experience in what you do who's a little older than you. If you can't afford to hire them full time, offer to pay a large consulting fee or a large commission for sales. There is so much talent sitting around now. Good, invaluable experience is all over the place delivering pizzas now. You are the luckiest guy in the world. Go find a local job search agency and tell them what you are looking for. You'll probably have a line a ex-managers, VP's, ect out your door begging to work for/with you.

[mthomas]

Let me first start out by saying that the feeling of stress and pressure is especially normal for the stage you are in. The first year is tough and in fact, the first five years are tough. Your lack of profit at this stage isn't the ideal measurement for your success since profits are hard to obtain in the beginning. Staying persistent and finding ways to keep you positive and motivated will help you plow through this period.

I can personally relate to your worries about being taken seriously as a younger businessperson, as prospects of mine have laughed at me before on account of my age. You'll come to get used to it and expect it, but you also have to overcompensate for your age by ensuring you offer something truly outstanding. Your marketing and message, above all else needs to look well put together, consistent and professional. Of course you should target well and have a good message, but since your professionalism and expertise is in question (due to age stereotypes), you need to respond to that right away by having an extremely professional and consistent looking marketing package.

I might be able to help you with specifics, but it would be easier if we knew specifically what type of entertainment you offer.