[KleinEnterprises]

Hey there,

I'm a 16 year old male from Toronto, Canada, and have made the decision to open up my own business over the course of the next few months, as my goal is to one day be a succesful venture capatalist.

I've assisted in the opening of businesses in the past and have prior knowledge as to the the logistics and how-to's of starting up a business, but I'm still stuck on phase one - formulating a business idea.

Of course, I have considered landscaping and other such simple business ideas, but have decided that they are either used too often, or not promising enough when it comes to guaranteeing a profit.

Thus, I've joined this forum to not only help me with my eventual venture, but also to help me establish such a venture.

I'm looking to start up a business of my own, but not something that has been frequently used in the past or is cliche, but instead something that would allow me to create a market of my own, or enter into one that has yet to be exploited. Yes, I understand it is easier said than done but I am most definitely willing to put forth an honest effort.

Ultimately, what I ask of you is not to necissarily give me a business idea, but inform me of some small-scale demands that are not being met by today's market. Further, if there are any ideas that you believe would work or have worked for you in the past, please do tell.

Keep in mind that I am not looking to make a million right now, but I am looking to start a business that would allow me to obtain business experience, and of course make a little money on the side .

Any help would be appreciated!

- KleinEnterprises

[RyanRich1016]

Ya generating a business idea is one of the hardest parts. I would focus on what you enjoy doing and try to figure out ways to generate income from your hobbies/interests.

[Peter.j.bea]

Its great to see someone so young with a strong focus and a great goal to accomplish. As a bit of advice from personal experience, I would recommend looking towards things to be bought and or resold. Maybe take items that are discarded from others and resell them or repair them.

A perfect concept is Usedcardboardboxes.com, I have been tracking this company for some time and have done a good amount of PR work for them in the past. He had a great concept, and tested it in full. Take old boxes, size and scale them, categorize them, and drop off fliers or business cards with businesses that could use them.

Possibly try drop shipping, possibly auto parts from a wholesaler, eBay etc. Be sure to start making those long term network contacts now as they will UNDOUBTEDLY become of GREAT use to you in the future. As I had mentioned in one of my previous posts; my first private investors I acquired for my first startup was from a network contact I had made a couple of years prior.

Whatever you do in business, ALWAYS be prepared to fail and be held accountable for bad products or services. Your ability to handle yourself well in THOSE circumstances can make a seemingly sour contract a GREAT long term contract "What can I do t make this right", goes a LONG way, even if you had to do a bit more then what you put forth.

Best of luck to YOU!

[KleinEnterprises]

Thanks for the advice. I'll definitely consider an idea like that. How ingenious! Making a profit from used boxes is pretty incredible.

[awayoflife]

I like your drive and the fact that you are innovative is something that I highly value. I dont know how this idea would work for you but it is relatively innovative in Ireland anyway.
Tuition Service - Grinds cost alot of money here, up to €50 an hour with a teacher. In 1st year (of secondary school) some students struggle, particularly in languages and maths. So I am in the process of setting up a grinds service where 5th years give grinds to the 1st years for €30 an hour. I have 2 schools interested in promoting it.
PM if you want to brainstorm, I am also 16.

[KleinEnterprises]

I sent you a PM with my ideas, hope they are of any help. You have a good idea and I'm seriously considering that myself as a business during the school year.

Anyone else have any ideas for a high-school-student run business that could generate a profit and allow one the knowledge, experience and capital to fund and open up a more serious business in the future?

[mthomas]

I admire your drive and focus. I think pursuing a new and untested market can be a little risky, since you don't know the demand or profitability for these market's products, but at the same time the younger you are, the more reasonable it is to take risks, since you aren't retiring any time soon anyway.

Since you have an ambitious long-term goal, perhaps diversifying and opening up a bunch of smaller yet scalable businesses might be a good idea for you. Some of these can be in safe industries where you know there is demand and profit, while others can be a bit more risky. The businesses you choose can range anywhere from private labeling existing products to inventing a new idea.

Idea generation can be difficult. There are a LOT of questions on this in a bunch of different entrepreneurial forums. Sometimes an idea can be more obvious based on your interests, other times it requires a bit more work. Entrepreneur.com and Entrepreneur magazine are great resources for spotting growing industries. Also, I had bookmarked this site awhile ago, I never got a chance to look at it but it is supposed to be useful for idea generation: ideablob.

Best of luck and feel free to PM me if you have any questions!

[meckck]

It was impressive that seeing you have the strong drive in running your own business at the age of only 16 years old. The only thing to make it realize your dream is don't give up! Remember it and you will be success in 1 day.

[.Andy]

A cheap livehelp program with an affordable app on the iPhone for my reps.