The Teen Entrepreneur

1. The Teen Entrepreneur

2. Sections 1-4 Discussion Questions to get you started. • Why would you want to start your own business? • To work for yourself • Do not have to report to a superior or someone • Use your talents or gifts or hobbies • What is an entrepreneur? • A person who brings together productive resources to produce a good or service and then assumes the risk of taking that product or service to the marketplace • What is a business plan? • A form stating a set of goals for your business, giving the reasons why they are expected to be achievable and the plans for attaining those goals.

3. Business Plan Components • What are the components of a business plan?

4. Business Plan Components • What are the components of a business plan?

5. Why is it important for every business to have a business plan? • It provides directions for the business and those individuals or financial institutions who will loan you money. • It will provides if the business will survive before investing time and effort to establish it. • What are some advantages to owning your own business? • Your own boss; In control of the assets • What are some disadvantages to owning your own business? • Everything falls on “your shoulder” for losses • Who is Shaun Decker? (read the passage) • Why does Shaun Decker need a business plan? • To convince his parents that his new business has the potential to be successful, so that they would provide him a startup loan to start it.

6. Project 1: Choosing Your Teen-based Business: • What is a sole proprietorship? • An unincorporated business owned by one person and bears the responsibilities for the debts and the risk of loss if the business fails • What is a partnership? • An unincorporated business owned by two or more persons. Each share the potential for profit and risk of loss. • What are the advantages and disadvantages to owning your own business as a teenager? • Advantage – you can start now understanding the ways to develop a business • Disadvantage – doesn’t have much knowledge on starting a business • List and discuss some possible teen-based businesses you could feasibly start. • Babysitting, car washing, tutoring and training, music, exercise training, etc.

7. Project 1 – continue… • What special skills or talents do you possess that might assist you in starting your own business? • Drawing, cooking, good with math, enjoying reading, understanding the techniques in playing video games, training or helping others • What talents or abilities do you possess that you can turn into a profit-making venture? • Persuader, multi-task, doer, accomplish things on time, posses time management, leadership skills, self motivated, etc (think of the Management skill Pyramid) • What business did Shaun Decker decide to start? • Desktop publishing • Why did Shaun Decker choose his business? • To provide the community a one-stop source of quality desktop publishing products and services in producing high quality documents.

8. Project 2: Creating the Company Description • Company name • Business Summary • Form of Ownership • Industry Classification • Location • Year Established • Primary Function • Employees • Business Advisors

9. Project 2: Creating the Company Description • What is the purpose of the Company Description of a business plan? • To provide detail information on what you are trying to accomplished, explanation of your products or services; a clear picture; Your objective • Why is it necessary for a business plan to include a Company Description? • So that others can understand your overall productivity of your work or business without questions or insecurity for investments • Why is the name of a business so important to its success or failure? • Your business name represents who you are and your vision; A name that would be an “eye catcher” to others. The name could “make your business successful or cause your business to fail”. It’s all in the name. • What are some business names that “jump out” at you? • My business name is “Training Just For You”

10. Project 2: Creating the Company Description Cont.. • Why is it important to not use a business name that already exists? • It could cause many problems with the city; your title issues; Better Business Bureau, • Why is it important to get other people’s opinions before deciding on a business name? • Having more than suggestions can help you decide on a name that is more attractive to the public • What is Shaun Decker’s business name? • Decker’s Digital Desktop • Do you think Shaun Decker made the right choice in choosing his business name? • Yes, Digital Desktop is representing many types of documents or electronic products and services

11. Project 3: Creating a Logo and Tagline • What is a logo? http://www.logobee.com/feature3.htm • A design symbolizing ones organization. • Why are logos so important to a business? • This is a design that is used for company’s letterhead, advertising material, and signs as an emblem by which the organization can easily be recognized. • How does a logo help create an identity and image for a business? • It It is a graphic representation or symbol of a company name, trademark, abbreviation, etc. and often uniquely designed • Why is it important for a company’s logo to be simple in design and color? • It’s has to be done in a stylish manner yet remaining conservative so that it’s easier for the eye to catch and the brain to memorize your logo design

12. Project 3: Creating a Logo and Tagline • Why is it important to sketch several logo designs on paper before creating it on a computer? • Logos can be very different with shapes. The best shapes to use are symmetrical geometrical shapes. These shapes can be placed almost anywhere. • What are some popular logos you can think of? • http://picdorsey.com/work/view/various-logos-designs • http://www.joseguizar.com/753995/Various-Logos

13. Do you recognize these logos?

14. Project 3: Creating a Logo and Tagline • What is a tagline? http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol112/tagline.htm • The one or two line descriptor that often comes after a product logo or company name. Another name is called slogans. • Why are taglines so important to a business? • They efficiently manipulate the mind and enhance your desires to believe that this product is the best the world has to offer • What are some popular taglines you can think of? • Nike – “Just do It”; • Taco Bell – “Think outside the bun” • Subway – “ Eat Fresh” • http://www.buzzle.com/articles/ad-slogans.html

15. Project 3: Creating a Logo and Tagline • What do you think about Shaun Decker’s logo and tagline? • “The Image for Your Future” • What are some possible elements you can include in your company logo? • Catchy slogans are short, crisp, unique, relevant, and personalized from the consumer's point of view are the ones that manage to win the heart and influence the mind. • It is connected to the brand – must make sense, consistent with your company’s vision, culture and values. • It’s is “ownable” – tie into the core of your company • It is dead simple – No one has time for complexity -if it needs to be explain it is obviously no good. • It is clear • It is consumer-focused – why should buy from you. http://ethnicomm.com/blog/marketing/5-elements-of-a-great-tagline/

16. Project 4: Creating the Description of Products and Services • What is the Description of Products and Services section of a business plan? http://www.business-plans-guide.com/products-and-services-description.html • A brief definition of your industry – describe what your business is about • Products and service you will provide • Nature of work or what is your responsibility in getting the job completed-what will the consumer see or receive or obtain • http://retail.about.com/od/businessplans/p/products.htm • What is the purpose of the Description of Products and Services section of a business plan? • To provide to consumer detail information about how your business works; what they can expect • To describe what products and services are offered, any plans for future goods or product lines.

17. Project 4: Creating the Description of Products and Services • What is usually included in the Description of Products and Services section of a business plan? • The uniqueness of the product or service • The method in which the items are sold – how it is sold • Benefits to the customer • Why customers will purchase it from your business • Vendor details, noting any exclusive dealerships • How does your products differ from the competition • The products and services section is not intended to list each and every product, but to give an overview of the product lines and the associated research. (list enough so that consumers can become well knowledgeable of what your business • What kinds of products and/or services are offered in the type of business that you selected? • Shaun Decker business offered: flyers, newsletters, business cards, etc • What must be done to produce the products and/or services in the type of business that you selected? • Research the type of business you have and identify the type of products or services they have produced.

18. Project 5: Creating the Market Analysis: • What is the Market Analysis section of a business plan? http://www.netmba.com/marketing/market/analysis/ • I. Analysis of the Target Market   • II. Analysis of the Competition  • III. The Outlook of the Industry  • IV. Owner’s Personal Strengths • What is the purpose of the Market Analysis section of a business plan? http://www.entrepreneur.com/startingabusiness/businessplans/businessplancoachtimberry/article78002.html • To determine the attractiveness of a market and to understand its evolving opportunities and threats as they relate to the strengths and weaknesses of the firm • What is a target market? (Analysis of the Target Market) • Specifically categorized group of consumers that a business "targets" when developing products/services and marketing strategies for its company. • To build the success of the company; to make yourself known • Basic information about the target consumers, such as age, gender, income/occupation, and marital status; Lifestyle - areas of living (urban or rural); hobbies, interests, and extracurricular activities • Important to try and determine how frequently the product or service will be used • Must discover what the target market needs and desires so that it can appeal to those things through advertising and develop fresh ideas that address those specific needs

19. Project 5: Creating the Market Analysis: • Why is it important to understand who your competitors are and what they do? (Analysis of Competition) • To see what you can do better or different from their business structure • Saying “Keep your enemy closer than your friend”; you need to have detailed information about the planning strategy, new product launch and various promotional mediums undertaken by your competitor. • to study your competitor closely and gain knowledge about the products, services offered by him, pricing and distribution strategies adopted by him and the goodwill the rival firm carries in the market. • competitor's strength and weakness will help you to evaluate the areas where you can successfully attack your competitor. For example, if your competitor has a strong product offering but has a weak distribution network, you could strengthen your logistics by which your product can easily reach the customer within no time. • Look in the Local Chamber of Commerce • Look in www.switchboard.com

20. Project 5: Creating the Market Analysis • What resource can be used to research the future outlook of the industry category your business falls in? (The Outlook of the Industry) • Use the Occupational Outlook Handbook and look under the section “Outlook” ; Type your industry in the Search box: Example: Childcare industry • http://www.bls.gov/oco/ • Why is it important to research the future outlook of the industry category your business falls in? • To be able to plan your prospective position as where you would like to direct your company products and services compared to your competitors. • Who is Shaun Decker’s target market? • Small businesses who does have the need for a full-time desktop publisher for which they can purchase brochures, business cards, etc.. • Who are Shaun Decker’s competitors? • The Printed Page • Paper Stocks • Noffri’s Publishing • Electronic Publishers, Inc. ***

21. Project 5: Creating the Market Analysis: • Who are some of your competitors? • What are his future outlook of the industry? • Shaun discovered that “firms are finding it more profitable to print their own newsletters and other reports than to send” so his focus will be on small business who can not afford to hire a full-time publisher. Therefore, it will be strong and growing. • What are some his your personal strengths as the owner of the business? (Owner’s Personal Strength) • Being able to operate out of his parent’s home • Minimal cost for overhead expenses (rent, utilities, miscellaneous, • What is saved from overhead can built a more competitive market

22. Project 6: Creating a Business Card • What is the purpose of a business card? • For these reasons: students on the look out for jobs, people who want to change their professions, those having a side-business / planning to start one and individuals who are passionate about something and want to network with similar or like-minded people and to help advertise your business as well as provide customers your information • What is usually included on a business card? • Company’s Name, Logo, contact number, website, tagline, explanation of about your business • Why is it important to have a business card? • They are used by several professions, businesses and individuals to pass information to potential customers and other professionals for networking.Read more: What Is the Purpose of a Business Card? | eHow.comhttp://www.ehow.com/facts_4894286_what-purpose-business-card.html#ixzz1ntD5bZuZ

23. As a business owner, when do you think you will use your business card? • Business cards are an easy marketing tool used by professionals to advertise their services. They are used when a person's contact information is requested, at professional conferences or meetings, and to refer another person to a business or person with whom you've worked. Anytime you are traveling or socializing • Read more: What Is the Purpose of a Business Card? | eHow.comhttp://www.ehow.com/facts_4894286_what-purpose-business-card.html#ixzz1ntDY9zS2 • Why is it important to sketch several business card designs on paper before creating it on a computer? • To have multiple opportunities to choose the best layout for your business as well as for your clients for an interpretation of your business; • Why is it important to include your company logo on your business card? • It’s identifies you or your business or interest

24. Project 7: Creating Company Letterhead: • What is company letterhead? • A letter that is used from your business to display the company name, address, contact numbers, website, logo, and sometimes VP, CEO, important individuals. • Why is it important for businesses to use letterhead when corresponding with customers? • Customers would know who you are representing • Why is it important to sketch several letterhead designs on paper before creating it on a computer? • To have a variety of choices and what is best for your business • Why is it important to include your company logo on your letterhead? • To display your business so that others would know how to recognize your business