Contents
Introduction
1. What's an entrepreneur?
2. Entrepreneurs solve problems.
3. You can be an entrepreneur, too!
4. Can you make it a combo meal?
5. Do your homework.
6. Find your customers.
7. Package your product or service.
8. Find a catchy name.
9. Price it right!
10. Hire help and buy supplies.
11. Look like you mean business!
12. Go get the business.
13. Happy customers = happy you!
14. Keep up with your stuff!
15. There is no limit!
Resources
Sample Chapter
Chapter 3
One of the great things about entrepreneurs is that they come in all sizes, shapes and ages! It doesn't matter who you are or where you're from—you can be an entrepreneur! That means you can make money!!! You just need an idea to start with.
You've learned how entrepreneurs come up with their ideas, so now you need to come up with your own idea. Then, you can take that idea, turn it into a business, and make some money! So, let's walk through how you find your business idea.
Our first step in this process is to see how you spend your time and what you're good at. Fill out the chart below so you can get an idea. I did the first row as my example of what I did at your age:
| Where I Go |
Who I See |
Things I Like to Do |
Things I'm Good At |
Things I Have |
- baseball practice
- workout
- school
|
- friends
- teammates
- neighbors
|
- play sports
- be outside
- talk to people
- work with my hands
|
- organizing
- following directions
|
- baseballs
- lawnmower
- vacuum
|
| |
|
|
|
|
I just wrote a few things for my example, but looking at those things, I would probably decide that I needed to do something outside, related to sports. So, here are some things I might consider:
Making baseball necklaces to sell at the baseball field (new product)
I already have the baseballs, I like to work with my hands, I'm at the ball fields a lot, I know lots of people who play ball.
Cleaning people's cars during their kid's games (convenient service)
I have a hand vacuum, I like to be outside, I'm at the fields a lot, and I know lots of adults who drive there in dirty cars.
Chapter continues…
Excerpts from the Book
A Glimpse from each Chapter
With his unique sense of humor and can-do attitude, Ben shares with kids how to start and run a business. Here are a few samples from each chapter:
I bet you are wondering how entrepreneurs make so much money. Well, it starts with a good idea. But, it doesn't stop there. (Chapter 1)
Regardless of what a product or service is or why it is designed, all of them solve some type of problem. (Chapter 2)
It doesn't matter who you are or where you're from—you can be an entrepreneur! (Chapter 3)
So, businesses have an opportunity to meet more of their customer's needs than just one. (Chapter 4)
Before you start selling them (your product), you need to do a little homework. (Chapter 5)
Before you start to sell your product or service, you have to decide who you are going to sell it to. (Chapter 6)
Since it's her store, she gets to choose how she wants to brand (or package) it, based on what she thinks will attract her customers. (Chapter 7)
It is your business, so you get to name it! (Chapter 8)
If you are going to make money in your business, you can't give stuff away. (Chapter 9)
Just about every business has workers or employees that help get the job done. (Chapter 10)
Professionalism is like a conduct grade in the business world. (Chapter 11)
You need to get your business in front of them so that they will want to buy your products or services. (Chapter 12)
Once you get all those customers, your number one goal should be to keep them happy. (Chapter 13)
To keep up with your money, you may want to open a bank account. (Chapter 14)
The most important thing to your success is believing in yourself. (Chapter 15)
Your Lemonade Stand
I became an expert at holding lemonade stands when I was only 4—and found myself on the cover of the Houston Chronicle. That's me! Here's how you can do it, too:
1. Gather your supplies.
Here's what you need:
CUPS
How much:$5-10 for 50-100 cups
Where: WalMart, drug stores, grocery store or home (free) |
 |
ICE
How much: $1.00 for 20lb bag (which is a lot of ice!)
Where: gas stations, grocery stores or home (free) |
 |
LEMONS
Price: 25 – 50 cents each (need 4-8) so cost $2-4 at most!
Where: WalMart or grocery store or home (free) |
 |
SUGAR
Price: $1-2 for a one-pound bag
Where: WalMart or grocery store or home (free) |
 |
WATER
Price: FREE
Where: from the faucet |
 |
POSTERBOARD
Price: $1-2 a sheet
Where: WalMart, grocery stores or home (free) |
 |
MARKERS
Price: $.50-$2 for a sharpie or a few markers
Where: WalMart, grocery store or home (free) |
 |
MONEY KEEPER
Price: $10-25
Where: WalMart, office supply (or use something at home) |
 |
LARGE PITCHER
Price: $5-$15 for a pitcher
Where: Grocery store or home |
 |
TABLE
Price:$10-60
Where: WalMart, hardware store or home |
 |
2. Make a sign (or two).
Include the price and plans for the money.
3. Make the lemonade.
(1 Cup of sugar, 1 Cup of water, 1 Cup of lemon juice which you make by squeezing 4-6 lemons, 3 to 4 cups of cold water, Refrigerate for about 30 minutes) You may need to make more throughout the day depending on how much lemonade you sell!
4. Set up the stand.
5. Put the lemonade out and sell it!
6. Make money!
Order Today!
So, are you ready to start learning about business? Ben Weissenstein started when he was only 4—and he's still a very young entrepreneur. In his new book, he has a lot to share with kids to help them learn about business and even start their own!
Only $19.95
