Obsidian Launch | I’m Not Old Enough to Start A Company

I’m Not Old Enough to Start A Company

There is an age related excuse, preventing many young people from launching a company. I have had a few aspiring entrepreneurs say to me that they realize they are too young to start a company. They don’t have the real world experience. They won’t be taken seriously. Plus, they have their entire life ahead of them anyway. They elect to wait.

I believe that is a mistake. A tragic mistake. There is no time better to start a business then when you are young. There is no better time then now. I could go on and on here with a list of benefits of starting young, but I’ll save that for my book.

Instead I want to tell you about an organization called Alex’s Lemonade Stand. Alex, a child who was diagnosed with cancer prior to her first birthday, set out on a mission at the ripe old age of four to find a cure for cancer. She held her first lemonade stand and raised $2000. She made this an annual event, recruited family and friends, and by the time of her passing at age eight had raised over $1M dollars.

I don’t give a crap how young you are, or how old you are. If you believe in your cause, if you relentlessly commit to its success, no obstacle can stop you. Not even cancer at the age of one. Pursue your passion, and don’t let the excuse of your age get in the way. Thank God, Alex didn't decide to wait until she was older.

Posted by Mike Michalowicz

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Comments:

Bryan R. Nesci
Posts: 2

Time is of the essence
Reply #2 on : Wed June 18, 2008, 15:35:33

I could not agree more with you, that right now is the best time to start my company. I am only 17 years old and my passion is start my company. I watch as my brother, Michael, starts his skateboard company, Instinct Skateboards, and admire how well he is doing. He has inspired me to do the same and start a company of my own but I feel as though people will look down on my idea. My idea is to start a solar product company. My first product, which i have done a lot of research on, is a solar charger for phones, ipods, and a variety of other hand held electronics . I have a passion for technology but also a passion for our Earth and keeping it clean. By starting this company people will realize the power and potential of the sun and the benefits we can receive for using it. My idea is strong but my age holds me back and its now or never because if I don't get my foot in the door now I won't get the chance ever again. I need to be ahead of the game and I am already starting a little bit behind. Another main factor that I ran into is also money. Because I am only 17 I can't apply for a loan and without money no one can start a business. But that won't stop me. I'm now getting two jobs to help save enough money to start my business. I have too much passion and to much heart to quit. Always in the back of my head is that voice tell me, "You will be successful." My brother has had the pleasure of meeting you before and has told me so much about you and your business. I only dream of being as successful as you are. I wish nothing but more success. Thank you for be inspirational to us all and helping others to be successful. I only hope to be qualified for Obsidian Launch.

Thanks and best regards,

Bryan Nesci

Scott
Posts: 2

Age
Reply #1 on : Tue June 10, 2008, 21:31:57

While watching "The Big Idae" this evening I caught the name of your company that helps new entrepreneurs launch their products. I was very excited and immediately came to your site. Unfortunately, when I read the age restrictions, I was very disappointed. I'm older than 26, does that make my idea any less great or marketable? Why do you have a restriction like that? It seems very discriminatory. I'm actually a retired military officer and spent the better part of my life defending this great country and our way of life. In doing so, I've found a great need and have the perfect product idea to fill that need for every family in America. I guess I will have to keep looking.

Good luck with your company,

Major Scott Rush, Retired, USAFR