I recently had the pleasure and honour to be a speaker and judge for Kid Ventures.  Kid Ventures is an initiative of the Greater Nanaimo Chamber of Commerce and a number of Nanaimo schools.  The program teaches elementary school children how to research a business idea and come up with a plan on how to launch their business.  Then they get to present their business idea to judges, parents and other students at a business fair with other students.

I thought it was a great opportunity for kids to learn about business but what I didn't realize is how much I would learn!

As a professional speaker, I run a lot of workshops for adults interested in business.  So it was interesting to contrast my usual audience to this group of kids. 

The first thing that surprised me was the questions!  Adults seem to be scared to ask questions, afraid that others in the class might think their question dumb.  From the kids, the questions were fast and furious and I probably could have done nothing but answer questions during the full session. 

The second thing I noticed was the lack of fear.  Adults are tentative and conservative in their business plans and ideas - many of these kids were fearless in their approach. 

The third surprise was belief and enthusiasm.  The kids were sure their ideas were great and firmly believed that everyone would want their product or service.  Adults were once again tentative and their plans much less grandiose.

Now, some might think that the adults were being realistic and the kids just don't understand the difficulties.  But not me!  I think these kids were showing entrepreneurship in its truest form.  Of course, they will have to adapt their business ideas when they start their business, but what business doesn't? 

I believe that we build out lives by what we focus on, believe in and work on. So, like these kids, I'm going to achieve and dream big dreams.

Two more things:

1.  I had better, more professional business presentations from some 11-12 year olds that I have had from some adults.

2.  There were a couple of these ventures I think I'm going to invest in when they start!

Garland Coulson, ?The E-Business Tutor? is an acclaimed speaker, author and coach in the field of Internet marketing for small business and home business. For more information, visit The E-Business Tutor web site at www.ebusinesstutor.com or call toll-free in North America at 1-866-413-0951.

Last Updated Friday, March 25 2005 @ 02:43 PM CST