Going into business as a 6th grader!

Going into business as a 6th grader.


I realized at a very young age that business was my forte. It provided me a place to take on new challenges, make the world a better place, develop lasting friendships and all the while make money. 

I thought.......... How can I make money under my own umbrella? (I had already mowed grass, installed frog ponds, built work benches and tree forts, sold candy bars and more) I wanted to make some money like adults were making......

I shared my desire to start a small business with my parents at the age of 12. Spring time came around and my mother told me that I should aerate not only my yard, but all of the neighbors’ yards whom in previous years had shared the cost of an aeration rental. I thought that fit perfectly for a number of reasons outlined below. 

• Cost of Rental = $100 with trailer 
  
• Average cost of lawn aeration = $35 
  
• Year one Total profit = $250
• I am physically fit, loved talking with people and was up for a challenge that had great pay. 
  

Success stats from my experience --- 

• Year 1: 10 Customers and $250 Profit 
  
• Year 2: 25 Customers and a $500 Profit 
  
• Year 3: 75 Customers and a $1,500 Profit
• Year 4: 100 Customers and an $1,800 Profit 
• Year 5: 125 Customers and a $2,100 Profit
  

NOTE: Figures are approximate! 

What I learned and will apply in many ventures yet to come --- 

• Start Small Finish Big: Start small or you might as well not start at all! 
• Manage Your Money: What you make must be more than what you spend! 
• Keep Your Clients Happy: If they are happy you are happy! Go the extra mile! 
  

This small venture proved to be a starting point for many more to come! I did not make huge amounts of money, but for a middle school and early high school kid it was not bad!

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