Business Management Skills Helps Your Teen Be More Social
Having good social and communication abilities is one of the fundamental business management skills needed for success. This alone is enough for parents to encourage their teenagers to start their own business.
Being shy is natural among kids. It is a common emotion that usually surfaces when children are faced with unfamiliar social situations. In adolescents, shyness may be brought about by self-consciousness or low self-confidence.
Children at this stage typically resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms. Teens may tend to avoid social gatherings or feel reluctant to meet new people. This could even last until their adult life.
How Does Managing a Business Develop Strong Social Skills?
You may not know it, but the best entrepreneur books emphasize the importance of having strong social skills. Businesses depend a lot on communication, be it in verbal or written form. Thus, a person who wants his business to succeed should develop strong social skills.
Whether your teen is running a small business or a big one, having the ability to effectively communicate with people could turn a good business into a great one. Along with this, your high schooler will also need to develop the ability to multi-task. Such skills include being a good leader, making sound decisions, and learning to be resilient.
This is not to say that technical skills are unimportant. These are of course likewise essential. However, a great business person will not thrive on technical skills alone. Young entrepreneurs will realize that they will have to learn how to properly interact with their customers, and with their business partner if they have one.
If you manage to inspire your teen to try starting a business, then he is well on his way to developing social skills that would greatly benefit him in the future.
How Do Parents Encourage Their Teens to Overcome Their Shyness?
What if you feel that your teen is not confident enough to start a business? A good strategy would be to start small. It would be better for your child to first accomplish something that is easily achievable.
It is not advisable that you force teens to come out of their shell. Instead, try to be like a good friend. Make them realize that they don’t need to have a business entrepreneurship degree to try their hand at making money.
There are various types of entrepreneurs. This is because each person has his strengths and capabilities. Teens should choose a business that interests them. They could also pick one that could be easily managed. Some of the best small businesses to start with are:
- selling stuff online
- starting babysitting or dog sitting business
- offering academic tutoring
- creating apps
- offering to run errands
- selling food and drinks
- becoming a tech consultant
As parents, it is essential that you make your kids feel that you are with them every step of the way. Overcoming social anxiety does not happen overnight. It will certainly demand some effort from you and your children. Offer sound advice, but make sure that you give them enough room to make their own choices. This is essential for them to develop self-confidence.
Here’s How to Help Your Teen Be More Social When Running a Business
Business communication skills are naturally developed when your teen becomes an entrepreneur. Successful teen entrepreneurs today are those who know how to apply great social skills in their business.
Here are more ways that would encourage high school kids to develop social skills in the business.
- Reassure them that it is normal to feel apprehension or anxiety when meeting new people. This is the same when they start on a new project.
- Urge them to join groups that would enhance their knowledge and skills in their chosen business.
- Teach them how to be appropriately assertive when dealing with employers and customers alike.
- Expose them to situations where they have to make phone calls or talk to people in public settings.
- Encourage them to make small talk with people they meet.
- Give them credit where credit is due.
Aside from these, it is also essential that you are there for your children. Your presence whenever they have questions, or if they want to run things by you is crucial. Learning how to trust other people begins at home. Establishing good communication channels with your teen will eventually make them feel comfortable relating with other people in their business too.
When Is the Time to Seek Professional Help for Your Teen?
If you think you have exhausted all means to lessen your teen’s shyness and nothing seemed to work, consider seeking professional help. Ask for recommendations from your pediatrician about whom to talk to about your child’s situation.
Similarly, if you want to support your teen on his entrepreneurial journey, contact experts in this field. This is your best option if you have no idea how to go about it.
Again, keep in mind that one of the most desirable teen entrepreneur characteristics is having the ability to maximize social skills for the benefit of the business. If your teen understands the significance of business management skills even at his young age, then no doubt he will be a significant contribution to society in the future.
