Starting a business when your only 18? Impossible or Possible?

1. 41

   Cody Rineposted 11 years ago

   If you were 18, starting your senior year of high school, and were serious about this, how would you go about doing it? Would it be possible to you? What type of business would you start?

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   1. 61

      hifizahposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I really wish I had started business when I was 18.
      
      I remember we used to laugh at one of our friends in high school for trying to sell us accessories. When we were having good times she was busy designing and creating hair pins, necklaces, brooches, and those other small decorative stuffs. 15 years later after leaving high school, look at us now. While most of us are trying to survive and make life balance between a day job and family, she's now a very successful with her chain stores making a way much more money than us.
      
      If I could turn back the clock, I'd learn to make chocolate cakes and start this business.

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   2. 75

      wheelinalloverposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I started my first business at age 17. It was part time and the hardest physical work I had ever done. It worked because there was a demand for the service I rendered. I moved earth with a shovel. Anyplace a  digging machine wouldn't reach was my niche.
      
      Finding work at first was hard. I must have called every backhoe operator and earth moving company within 20 miles. The fact that I didn't drive was limiting. When the people I worked with found out I delivered, I was called whenever they needed my services. My pay after I had proven myself was the same as the backhoe operator made. I was never an employee. The work was always done as an independent contractor. "My own business."
      
      For being in business to work you have to have drive and determination. The best business people have one of two things going for them. They are the best at what they do or the know how to do something very few people do.
      
      It all comes down to what do you want? How hard are you willing to work to achieve it? Then what are you willing to give up to attain it.

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   3. 68

      the girlsposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      It is possible to start a business at 18. Your desire to start one is already a great sign for your entrepreneurial skill. The type of business you can venture for a start should be a result of your own study - like considering  demand and supply. Good luck!

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2. 94

   SmartAndFunposted 11 years ago

   I didn't start a business when I was 18 but I know a few people who have. The businesses they started are mainly service business, like cleaning windows, auto detailing, landscaping, pet sitting, etc. One just started a tailgating business, where he reserves a parking spot and delivers a table and chairs, trash can, trash bag, ice chest full of ice, portable gas grill, etc. to the game parking lot and sets it up for you before you arrive. After the game he comes back and cleans everything up. I think that idea is genius!

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3. 41

   Cody Rineposted 11 years ago

   Interesting ideas!! I think it would be an all around good experience for younger people to start looking into that kind of stuff.

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4. 60

   The Invincibleposted 11 years ago

   It is not about Possible or Impossible.
   It's more about the courage. While 18 is too young to go for a business venture, you could start with a low or no investment.  I had written a Hub few weeks back about the same. You might want to have a look  http://bit.ly/NZqpWq

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5. 64

   beindustrialposted 11 years ago

   Anything's possible. I know a grade schooler who started a business and he succeeded. Of course the her parents helped her with licensing and other legal matters.

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6. 63

   neophonicposted 11 years ago

   Started in 15 with web pages ( these old pages in HTML and little CSS, wordpress or other CMS didnt existed yet), it was huge money to spend very quickly as i didnt learned how to invest them.
   Today can everybody start own ecommerce on hosted solutions, make niche topic websites in several hours and so on.
   
   So, why not in 18, and why not earlier, if the person is likely to make something more than nothing&fun.
   Dont stop at first problem, dont stop at later problems. Teach Yourself to do a good job.
   
   If i was 18 years now, i would start with nonprofit idea and look for fundraising ways to keep it rolling&get some extra cash as rewards.
   
   Best Regards, J.

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7. 56

   conquerinspiteofposted 11 years ago

   I didn't start a business when I was 18, but I'm 20 and have started my own business. I am an instructor of an exercise class for seniors. The city paid for me to get certified and I haven't had to pay for anything to get started. Take what you know and what you are good at and see what you can come up with.

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8. 0

   DigbyAdamsposted 11 years ago

   I started my first business when I was 6 years old - a vegetable stand. I started my second business when I was 14 - making movies. I operated both until I went to Bennington College. They both made money and paid part of my college expenses. When I was 18 I began affiliate marketing. I have never worked for anyone but me. The only difference is that as a minor, I sometimes had to have my parents place and sign for orders. Especially when I was six.

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9. 75

   Robert Erichposted 11 years ago

   Cody! Being on HubPages is a great place to start. It's an amazing place to educate yourself, read up on  information, and network.
   
   There are tons of ideas that can be used to make money. Some crazy, others, brilliant, and still others stable and traditional.
   
   Check out this article to see how some people have made a fortune doing something brilliant but not impossible (one guy was just out of high school and wanting to go to college without any loans - so he simply made a million dollars in 6 months before going to college!):
   
   http://roberterich.hubpages.com/hub/The … ity-Stunts
   
   I've run a few simple businesses as a kid and had friends who have done this as well. Here are a few simple ideas that can certainly create a steady income for a student:
   
   http://roberterich.hubpages.com/hub/Gre … Can-Create
   
   Finally, before starting any business, make sure that you have a solid business plan (especially if you are investing money in it). This will help you know how you will handle difficult situations that come up.
   
   You can learn more with this article: http://roberterich.hubpages.com/hub/How … iness-Plan
   
   I wish you the best and share with us once you have a successful business running!

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10. 53

    adamsbellposted 10 years ago

    It is possible to make money online at the age of 18, You can do Network marketing or Multi-Level Marketing,Anyone can do it whatever the age. Its a home based business. Network marketing works on the basic principle of generating leads Here, the contacts and connections are essential for making a sale.

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11. 60

    Ashley John11posted 6 years ago

    Of course Possible if you have that much potential to start and handle your own business then it's not difficult that much. Main thing is goal. If your goal is set and you are dedicated on that then nothing is impossible in this world

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12. 61

    Nicole Suposted 6 years ago

    Of course possible, if you have money to start your business in your 18 years old.

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