What Should Teenagers Do?

Summary

In this video, the speaker reflects on how they would approach their entrepreneurial journey if they were 12 to 16 years old in 2016. They emphasize the importance of identifying personal strengths and interests, such as buying and selling, and applying those skills to modern opportunities. From leveraging platforms like Snapchat and consulting for trends like Pokémon Go, to flipping sneakers and collectibles, the speaker stresses the value of using time wisely and capitalizing on youthful energy. Ultimately, they encourage young people to focus on what they’re good at and use it to create unique business opportunities.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on reverse-engineering your strengths and interests to figure out what you're good at.
• 😀 If you’re into something like the NBA, network with people in the industry, like reaching out to key figures such as Dunk.
• 😀 Be proactive in exploring opportunities within emerging markets, like Snapchat filters, which could have been a profitable venture.
• 😀 Capitalize on unique trends and consulting opportunities, like the Pokemon Go consulting example mentioned.
• 😀 The internet provides huge opportunities for buying and selling, whether it's physical goods or digital services.
• 😀 Leveraging your sales skills is key; whether it's flipping items like sneakers or engaging in other buying and selling opportunities.
• 😀 Being resourceful, such as waking up early to stand in line for limited-edition items, is a strategy for flipping products for profit.
• 😀 Recognize the importance of time at a young age; you have the ability to experiment and try different things without the pressure of adult responsibilities.
• 😀 The concept of attention is crucial in today's world; just like in the past with physical goods, attention is now a commodity.
• 😀 The key is to find what you excel at and double down on it, whether it's sales, creating content, or connecting with people.

Q & A

What advice does the speaker give about focusing on one's strengths?

The speaker advises focusing on what you're naturally good at and using that as a foundation. For example, if you're good at buying and selling, you should leverage that skill to find opportunities and succeed in your field.

What does the speaker suggest about the value of time when you're young?

The speaker emphasizes the importance of time when you're young, noting that as a teenager, you have more time to experiment, try things out, and make mistakes. This time is valuable and should be used wisely to learn and build skills.

How does the speaker view the concept of 'buying and selling' in different contexts?

The speaker views buying and selling as a key strength and something they have been involved with throughout their life. They highlight how, in their youth, they would engage in sports card trading, and today, they apply that same principle to buying and selling people's attention, particularly on social media.

What is the significance of platforms like Snapchat and Pokémon Go mentioned in the script?

The speaker points out how platforms like Snapchat and trends like Pokémon Go present opportunities to capitalize on emerging trends. They mention the success of Snapchat filters and the smart business move of Pokémon Go consulting, suggesting that understanding these trends could lead to significant financial gain.

How does the speaker feel about the opportunities available to young people today?

The speaker expresses optimism about the opportunities available today. They mention how there are numerous ways for young people to make money and succeed by leveraging the internet, technology, and trends. For instance, they mention making money through Snapchat filters or reselling sneakers.

Why does the speaker emphasize the importance of buying and selling in their strategy?

The speaker emphasizes buying and selling because it's something they've done their whole life. They believe that success comes from understanding how to leverage value, whether it's physical products like sports cards or intangible assets like people's attention.

What does the speaker recommend doing if you’re passionate about basketball?

If you're passionate about basketball, the speaker recommends connecting with people in the industry, such as reaching out to someone like Dunk, who could help you get involved. The idea is to surround yourself with people who can help you break into the space you're passionate about.

How does the speaker suggest teenagers should approach career opportunities?

The speaker suggests that teenagers should focus on identifying their strengths and then look for ways to apply those strengths in the marketplace. Whether it's creating content, being a salesperson, or building a brand, the key is to take action and leverage your natural abilities.

What does the speaker mean by 'remarketing' in the context of business?

Remarketing refers to the practice of taking products from one market (such as Asia) and reselling them in another market (like the U.S.). This is something the speaker sees as a business opportunity, especially in the digital age where products can be bought and sold more easily across borders.

What role does social media play in the speaker's approach to business?

Social media plays a significant role in the speaker’s approach to business, particularly in terms of buying and selling attention. The speaker mentions that their strength lies in engaging people’s attention and leveraging platforms like social media to build an audience and drive business.