Age shouldn’t really matter when it comes to owning a successful business. I started ActionCOACH when I was very young, so it can certainly work if you are prepared and know what you are doing.

Of course image plays a role in this. If you don’t tell people your age, dress in a suit and act in a professional manner people will be none the wiser about how old you really are. Odds are the will just think you are a young sales rep.

You also might consider projecting your company as a larger company, which should make convincing people you are just one of the sales reps much easier. That said, you never want to lie about the company to a client.

You may be young, but it’s important to remember that you are only limited by your personal beliefs. If you believe that people will not respect you for your age, they won’t. But if you know your stuff and come off as a polished, professional person they will have to respect you for what you know. And if someone doesn’t respect you because of your age, what does it matter what people think of you? If you believe and back yourself, you will go far.

One great way to meet plenty of business owners that will take you seriously is by joining local networking groups. These are often great places to establish credibility.

Another way to establish your name in the industry is through press releases or other forms of public relations.  Have you written anything for the local paper or magazines?

Once you start helping clients, get testimonials from them and post them on your website or bring them to meet with new clients so they can see some of the great work you’ve done.

You could even have a bit of fun with the situation. For instance, a young business owner I worked with used to hire an old pensioner who looked presentable and fit the image he wanted to present. They went together to a prospect. The older man would open up then introduce the young business owner to give the real pitch. And it worked.

The most important thing to understand is that your potential customers are not the one with the “problem”, you are. At ActionCOACH we like to say that life is a mirror, you get back your reflection. The question you need to ask is “Who do I need to become and what do I need to do differently so that they see and hear what they need to be comfortable in giving me their business?”

All the best,
Brad Sugars