It was 20 years ago that I signed the dotted line and opened my business.

I was 26 at the time. Can you relate having also started out young in your career?

I remember questioning whether I was too young to start a business or if I had enough experience. Despite being certified to deliver proven programs, I doubted whether anyone would hire me.

But what I lacked in experience I made up for by surrounding myself with wise counsel and a boatload of activity.

I threw myself into the world of entrepreneurship with determination and a willingness to learn. I sought guidance from seasoned professionals and absorbed every nugget of advice they generously shared.

The first couple of years were filled with early mornings, late nights, and endless hustle. Hmmmmm, come to think of it, not much has changed…. though I have learned to recharge my batteries more often (More on that in #4 below). 

In a world where age is often equated with experience, young professionals may find themselves facing doubts and challenges as they navigate their careers. However, the scriptures say, "Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young." This was an anchor for me, especially in the early early years!

Being young doesn’t mean lacking capability or insight; it simply means having a different perspective and a unique set of strengths to offer.

Here are five encouraging tips for young business professionals:

1.  Embrace Mentorship:

Mentorship can be a powerful tool for career development, especially for young professionals. Seek out mentors who can offer guidance, support, and wisdom based on their own experiences. The IDC has structured groups for this exact purpose. Take advantage of the resources available. Approach possible mentors with humility and a willingness to learn. Remember, mentorship is not about finding someone who has all the answers, but rather someone who can help you navigate the challenges and opportunities that come your way.

2.  Learn to Process Criticism Productively

Learning to process criticism productively is an essential skill for personal and professional growth. Rather than engaging in the blame game, approach feedback with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Here are a couple of questions to ask yourself:

• Is there any truth to this?
• Is this feedback a trend?

If it's a recurring theme, then maybe that’s a sign you need to pay closer attention to that area.

While we all like praise and compliments, how often have we grown from compliments? On the flip side, how often have we grown from criticism? Learn to process it productively and then learn when to make adjustments and move on! 

3.  Don’t Be Afraid to Be Wrong:

Mistakes are inevitable, especially when you’re just starting out in your career. Instead of fearing failure, embrace it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Don’t let the fear of being wrong hold you back from taking risks or trying new things. Be open to feedback, learn from your mistakes, and use them as stepping stones towards success. Remember, some of the greatest innovations and achievements have come from individuals who were not afraid to fail. Winston Churchill captures it this way: “Success is the ability to go from one failure to another without a loss of enthusiasm.”

4.  Recharge Your Batteries Often:

Stress kills creativity. It also kills our health, and relationships and robs our joy if we let it. Recharging your batteries early and often is key to keeping the flame going over the long haul. Early on in my career and early in my marriage, there was an unhealthy focus on the business. So much so, that after a 3-month separation in my marriage, it reminded me that nothing is more precious than our relationships. It highlighted the need to prioritize taking time to recharge and make sure life wasn’t solely about business. I’m thankful now for a marriage of 26 years and counting. Prioritize your health, relationships and do those things often that recharge your batteries; especially with those you love the most.

5.  Always Be Learning:

We live in a world where there is a wealth of knowledge available at our fingertips. Yet, simply having access to information isn't enough; actively engaging with it is crucial for professional growth. Whether it's enrolling in a course, tuning into a podcast, or delving into a book, the act of continuous learning is essential. These deliberate efforts not only expand our skill sets but also foster adaptability and innovation in our careers. If you’re looking for a new book recommendation, follow @MarisaPensa on LinkedIn and I share a book of the month to help you sort through it all.

Remember, age is just a number, and with the right mindset, mentors, and ongoing commitment to learning, starting young can be a tremendous asset to you. As I celebrate two decades since I took that leap of faith, I am grateful for the journey that has shaped me into the entrepreneur I am today.

For Entrepreneurs, if you also started when you were very young, we’d love to hear your story. Please send an email to: Marisa@methodsnmotion.com with the subject line: Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young.

Hats off to you for working through many of your own challenges to continue to thrive as an independent dealer!

1 Timothy 4:12 - “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young…”