(flickr/RMP)
Another election season has come and gone, and through it all, the economy was front and center. Instead of trying to find a job, how 'bout learning how to CREATE one! What about your children and their eventual search for employment?
Can you teach self-reliance? Can you teach someone how to make their own money? I don't know! Here's something that could get you going in the right direction.
10 steps to teaching your kids to become entrepreneurs from inc.com. Check these out:
Goal setting is vital for future success
Set goals and follow through. Have your kids define and write out a goal, and then write down the steps it'll take to accomplish the goal.
Kids must learn how to recognize opportunities
Teach your kids to seek out opportunities and take action on them. Have them point out small problems, like not being able to reach items on a high shelf, and then brainstorm ideas that will resolve the problems.
Selling is involved in every part of life
Encourage your kids to start with small projects like selling their old toys, or starting a lemonade stand. Let them price their products and sell to customers. I love this one. How can you pass a lemonade stand without stopping! You can't!
Financial literacy is a must
Teach kids about money at an early age by earning money through chores (this one is controversial in many households), and helping you with your business. Teach them about paying themselves first and then giving back. Teach them how to invest, and how their money can be used to make more money in the future. Help them set up a bank account and learn about budgeting.
Inspiring creativity will build marketing skills
Teach them about marketing by having them pay attention to marketing marterials like billboards, banners, printed ads, and commercials on TV and radio. Ask them what catches their attention about the message and breakdown the headline and "call to action" message.
Schools are wrong about FAILURE
Failure is not bad, in fact, it helps you learn valuable lessons about business. Allowing your kids to fail will force them to create new ways to accomplish their goals and learn from their mistakes. When they fail, don't punish them, but instead talk about what factors lead to the failure and brainstorm ways to prevent it from happening again.
Effective communication improves all relationships
Social media and texting has made kids horrible at face to face communication. Teach them, by example, to be polite and respectful. Practice maintaining eye contact when speaking in person. When using the phone, teach them to speak slowly and clearly. When using email, do not let them abbreviate words and phrases.
The art of giving back creates happiness
A successful business gives back to a greater cause. Ask your kids to choose a charity or special cause to support with a portion of the income they generate.
Independence creates confidence
Next time your child asks for money to buy a toy, this is your opportunity to ask them to brainstorm ways to create money through entrepreneurship. This will inspire their creativity.
Get the advantage by becoming a leader now
Children are taught in school to follow the rules. Entrepreneurship teaches them to "think outside the box," create solutions and lead others. Your kids will learn to lead by joining outdoor sports, learning music, or putting together small business projects with their friends. You can also encourage them to propose a toast or give a small speech at family dinners.
