Tips for teens keen to launch their own summer business

Plenty of local teenagers have part-time jobs — but how many of them are savvy enough to start their own business?

All it takes to get started is vision, a goal and an entrepreneurial spirit.

Here are four tips for teens who want to start their own business.

What do people need?  Don’t just consider cutting the neighbours’ grass, start a service business.

Gardens also need weeding and watering, cars need washing and dogs need walking and bathing.

Seniors and busy neighbours could use assistance the most and won’t mind paying a teenager for help.

Put together a price list. Find out what other businesses are charging for the same services and set your pricing accordingly.

Most teenagers have limited work experience, so it is expected that their pricing will be lower.

Use this to your advantage — everyone is looking for a bargain.

Put a plan in place. The next step is to put together a list of services, prices and contact information and make an eye-catching flyer or brochure.

Once you have jobs under your belt, get written references that you can include in your marketing.

Set up a computer system for tracking jobs, producing quotes and billing.

Advertise. Be creative. Don’t just put your flyer in mailboxes. Use Facebook, e-mail everyone you know and give copies to all your friends and family.

Post on bulletin boards at churches and stores and have parents take the flyers to work.