Ten Best Business Ideas for Teens

So you’re ready to start making some extra money, but don’t know how to get started, or even what some of the possibilities are.  Here are some ideas to get you thinking!

1. Social Media Consultant:  Do you know how to use social media, search engines, and other online resources?  You could be a social media consultant for another business. Offer your services creating, managing, and maintaining a blog, a Facebook page, and a Twitter account for a monthly fee.

2. Babysitter: An oldie but a goodie.  When parents want to get out of the house but need someone to watch the tots, you’re the one they call.  Many experienced babysitters will bring their own games, toys, or books so they can keep the wee ones occupied without relying too much on screen time. Remember, having the kids like you is important, but it’s the parents who pay you, so be sure to leave the house at least as clean as you found it, and make sure you follow their rules about food, bedtime, etc.

3. Tutor:  Think about what you’re good at. Chances are there is someone who would like to learn to do that very thing.  The most common tutoring jobs are for academic subjects, but you can also teach someone to play a musical instrument (or play it better).  Also, you’ve probably noticed that many adults don’t have the technological understanding that’s taken for granted by teens. If you help Gran figure out her social media, she might tell all her friends how helpful you were, and you’ll bring in steady money by explaining how Instagram and Twitter work!

4. Assistant: People need help with the daily details of their lives. Moving, running errands, dog walking, grocery delivery, personal shopper–any of these are services people will often happily pay for.

5. Online work: If you’re creative, you could create YouTube videos, blogs, or podcasts about any number of subjects.  In order to monetize these things, you need to have enough people watching, reading, or listening that will either pay you or that will create enough interest so that you can get advertisements. There is also the “behind the scenes” work. Graphics designer, creating web pages, proofreading, editing video, creating apps, writing e-books–any of these can keep you busy bringing in extra money.

6. Performer: This is more than just the full time actor or musician. Busking is always an option, but you can also hire yourself out as entertainment at kids’ parties as a juggler, magician, or mime. This is more than about skill–enthusiasm is also necessary!

7. Artist: Think beyond getting your watercolours in a museum.  You can also sell on Etsy, or set up your own website. Also, artistry isn’t restricted to painting. Photography, including portraits, is a big market, and you don’t need a studio to do it. Many families love a natural outdoor setting, so head down to the park!  If you love animals, another growing niche is pet photography.

8. Farmer’s market vendor:  If you have the space and the ability to grow food in your home or garden, you can start a booth at your local farmer’s market to sell those home grown food items. Many farmer’s markets also have vendors that sell hand crafted non-food items. Don’t forget to check your local regulations first.

9. Yard work / pet clean up:  We all want our outdoor areas to look lovely, but that doesn’t mean we always want to put in the time and effort ourselves to make that happen. This is where you and your landscaping company come in. Don’t forget the before and after pictures (with the owner’s permission, of course) to show prospective clients!

10. E commerce:  Often, people want to get rid of the clutter in their house and will sell it cheaply or even for free if you pick it up from their house. Once you find a good deal, you can resell it online for a marked-up price.

Three things to remember, no matter what business you’re in:

Professionalism counts. You’re a business owner, so be on time, courteous, and do the job you were hired for.

Promote your business once you’ve started it. Think about who  your target group is, and get the word out!

Keep track of your expenses.  Eventually, you might make enough money that you’d have to pay taxes on it, but even if that never happens, you’ll want to know how much money you’re bringing in relative to how much  you’re spending on expenses so that you know if you’re profitable enough to continue.

Sources:

• https://www.moneycrashers.com/business-ideas-teenagers-kids/
• https://smallbiztrends.com/2016/10/business-ideas-for-teens.html
• https://fitsmallbusiness.com/business-ideas-for-teens/