ForumsStarting a Business

Well, I was a manager at McDonalds for almost 3 years and not too long ago. I really don't want my teens around the influences they would encounter there and I can pretty much clue them in as far as what they will learn there. They have all expressed an interest in being business owners. We are brainstorming ideas. Also, we are trying to decide if they should start individual businesses or find something they can do together?

I have considered the following:

Pooper Scooper Biz
Door Hanger Biz
Lawn Mowing/WeedEating in the summer
Washing out people's outdoor trash cans
Washing windows

My boys actually want to learn something computer related as well, but that will take some time. My oldest is interested in programming and game development and my younger son is interested in Internet advertising and SEO type work.

That is an idea. It is actually my 16yo daughter that is interested in the outdoors. She says she could never take a job where she is stuck sitting down or at a computer or indoors all day. She has horses, dogs, cats, rabbits and a gecko so she loves animals. She could probably handle a blog of some type because that would not tie her down all the time. She homeschools and is getting ready to start earning her college degree and high school diploma simultaneously next semester so she needs time for her studies. She has been testing college level for almost 3 years so we decided it was really a waste to not earn both together. She is quite independent and enjoys learning new things. Thanks for the idea. I iwsh that new site was up too.. be sure and let me know when it is!

EagleEye
http://www.blitzlocal.com
http://www.avivadirectory.com

Something that might make them money...in this day and age of "green", it's extremely inconvenient to get rid of items like old gas cans, house paint, etc.

If they could locate a place that does accept these items, they could go door-to-door and offer to pick up these kind of items on the spot. Provided the place they find handles things the right way, they could put a "Green/Environmental" spin on the sales pitch.

Personally, I'd hand someone $20 to haul off the 10 or so old house paint cans in my garage if they showed up and asked.

It's amazing what i learn from working on sites that previously - I had no knowledge about. I've been doing work for ProCirCuitProducts.com and they sell new batteries, testers and accessories, so I've had to do a lot of research concerning battery products.

Of course, anything 'green' these days will garner support, however, handling hazardous materials under a 'business' environment would probably carry local, state and federal regulations.

Don't mean to be a party-pooper here; it's a fine idea. Just look up what might be required. I know a 16 year old in North Carolina would not be able to work for someone as an employee if required to handle battery products, particularly if they were potentially damaged or had acid corrosion exposure around the battery.

Perhaps your daughter could start a business caring for animals for others in your community. There is exercising (dog walking, etc.), grooming, or feeding and watering the animals while the owners are away. And, of course, let's not leave out cleaning up after them. I'd pay to have someone clean up the manure in our corrals.

Start small. Many times, a good business starts with one or two customers. If she does a good job, her business will grow quickly with referrals.

Also, have her make business cards. This can be accomplished without a lot of money by purchasing blank cards and creating your own on your computer. This will impress potential customers and show that she is serious.

Hope this helps. What are the boys interested in?

Tanya
Elite Financial Services, LLC

Hi Tanya,

Thanks for the ideas! I had not thought about making them business cards right off the bat and that is a wonderful idea. The boys would like to do game testing. They love video games. LOL I don't mind them doing game testing, but they need to raise the funds to buy all the different types of gaming systems so they are likely to get more games to test. They also need to make more money than game testing will likely net in the beginning so they can buy themselves cars, insurance, etc. I have 7 kids, so I have had to let my kids know they will ALL have to raise the funds necessary to get their first car and pay for insurance. That may sound harsh, but I am not rich and I cannot do for one or two kids and not for the others as this would not be fair. So, when it comes to things like cars and cell phones with ongoing expenses.. well they have been told they are on their own. To be truthful, I am leaning toward the boys doing yard work for people, whether that entails scooping poop, power washing exteriors, cleaning trash cans, washing windows, mowing lawns, etc. I am open to other ideas as well. This forum has been great to offer ideas and inspire me to think of new ideas and ways of executing them. Thank you so much!