When it comes to pursuing a revolutionary business idea, there are many advantages that come with with being a kid. Kids don’t feel the kind of pressure grown ups feel. They have more time on their hands. And if they do decide to sacrifice their video or Pokemon Go time, it’s likely for an idea they feel passionate about. Nor do kids have a zero-sum mentality. They’re thinking about trying to solve a problem, not inching out the competition. And even some of their seeming limitations work in their favor. Kids might be dependent on their parents for a ride to the next business meeting, for instance, but this dependence makes them instinctively reach out to people for help. Very few businesses succeed without a support group. You could say that the natural affinity of being a kid brings out some of the best entrepreneurial qualities. Here are 5 things everyone can learn from kidpreneurs.
- They have a playful attitude. Creative people maintain an open, playful mind. Science has now confirmed that hybrid forms of work and play may actually provide the most optimal context for learning and creativity. Cultivating a childlike sense of play is actually one of the traits creative adult geniuses employ because playfulness provides lightness and flexibility when generating new ideas. Playfulness also helps kids work steadily towards a goal without becoming stressed or depleted. It keeps them from giving up too soon. Playfulness is their portal to persistence.
- They pursue passion not business. All good entrepreneurs know that the success of a business depends on adding value to the lives of people. One of the benefits to being a kid entrepreneur is that well, kids don’t have to work, or they’re not expected to. Most kids who pursue an entrepreneurial goal at a young age do it because they feel passionate about a cause or a product they believe will help solve a problem and improve lives. They pursue something if and only when their cause is more valuable to them than the time they could spend playing video games, watching TV and the general idle luxuries only afforded once in a person’s life. It’s precious time actually. And while some are motivated by money, very rarely is that the end goal when you’re a kid.
- They have an everybody-wins-mentality. Most kids who pursue a business don’t believe in a everybody-wins mentality over a zero-sum game. Their business is driven by the opportunity they see in helping others. Even in the face of competition, kids have been known to help an adversary.
- They Daydream. Far from being idle, daydreaming (or meditating) is actually a very active mental state where the mind consolidates memories, imagines the future, finds meaning and connects dots. We tend to find the solutions that we’ve been searching for not when we’re sitting in front of the computer or doing homework, but when the mind is occupied elsewhere like walking the dog or taking a shower. In daydreaming, creative kids connect dots and get in touch with their own unique perspective, which is the very essence of creativity, says Steve Jobs.
- They seek support. When you’re a kid trying to navigate the world of manufacturing overseas, finding storage facilities, or developing a highly customized app, you need help, even if it’s to get a ride from your mom to meet a top executive, open up a bank account, or to borrow a cell phone. Many of the kids I’ve interviewed have a tremendous support system. As an adult, it’s easy to fall into the trap of being self-sufficient. But surrounding ourselves with positive energy and encouraging people is an integral ingredient to succeeding. Everyone needs help, support and encouragement. Nobody understands this better than kids do.
