One challenge many young entrepreneurs face is earning respect from experienced professionals in their field. Even potential clients may hesitate to trust a new, young business owner with their projects. However, age and limited experience don’t have to be barriers to success.
Below, 10 members of the Young Entrepreneur Council share their best advice for young entrepreneurs struggling with this issue. They also explain how these strategies helped them in their own business journeys.
1. Have Confidence in Yourself and Your Product
Young entrepreneurs need to believe in themselves and what they offer. In the early stages of business, it’s easy to be influenced by others, especially experienced professionals. You may have a new idea that even experts haven’t thought of, and it’s important to protect that idea from negativity. Some people might try to convince you that your idea won’t work just because it hasn’t been done before. Don’t let that stop you from moving forward. – McCullough Shriver, Sweetflexx
2. Master Your Craft
Every challenge comes with hidden advantages. When I started as a 14-year-old entrepreneur, I struggled to be taken seriously. However, my young age encouraged experienced professionals to take me under their wing and offer guidance. If you’re facing a similar situation, don’t worry about the respect that comes with years of experience. Instead, focus on learning as much as possible and seek advice from others. With time, respect will come naturally. – Tyler Bray, TK Trailer Parts
3. Establish Yourself as a Thought Leader
People respect those who share valuable insights and practical advice. That’s why I suggest building credibility by creating content. You can make short videos, write in-depth articles for well-known websites, or grow your audience on LinkedIn or Substack by sharing helpful content. Over time, this will position you as an expert and may even lead experienced entrepreneurs to follow your lead. – Ron Lieback, ContentMender
4. Listen More Than You Speak
Confidence is important, but arrogance can be harmful. Young entrepreneurs must recognize the difference. Too much confidence can come across as disrespectful to others. I make it a point to listen more than I talk. Giving someone your full attention shows respect and helps you learn. In meetings or conversations with experienced professionals, I often wait to share my thoughts last. This approach allows me to gather valuable insights and contribute more thoughtfully, which in turn earns me more respect. – Kelly Richardson, Infobrandz
5. Strive to Be the Best in Your Field
When I started my painting business at 19, many people in the construction industry doubted my abilities due to my age. Even potential clients questioned whether I could meet their expectations. Instead of letting that discourage me, I worked hard to become the best in my industry. Over time, my reputation grew, and my age became irrelevant. Strive to be the best at what you do, provide excellent customer service, and always keep your word. – Jonathan Clausen, Lilac City LLC, AAG LLC, AR-TT LLC
6. Let Your Passion Show
As a young entrepreneur, I often felt underestimated—and sometimes I still do. However, I realized that when I show my passion and commitment to my business, people take me more seriously. Running a business is tough, but if you genuinely care about your work, others will notice. Passion is contagious, and when clients, investors, and partners see your enthusiasm, they’ll believe in you too. – Shu Saito, All Filters
7. Balance Confidence with Humility
Young entrepreneurs should be comfortable in their own skin. Confidence is essential, but it’s just as important to stay humble. Believe in yourself and what you bring to the table, but don’t seek constant approval or try to prove yourself at every turn. When you strike the right balance between confidence and humility, people will respect you and take you seriously. – Kristin Kimberly Marquet, Marquet Media, LLC
8. Solve a Problem No One Else Has Solved
If you want experienced professionals to take you seriously, show them what you can do. Find a problem they haven’t been able to solve and offer your own solution. By proving your skills and knowledge, you’ll demonstrate that you belong in the industry. Remember, you have just as much right to be there as anyone else. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and show that you’re a force to be reckoned with. – Abhijeet Kaldate, Astra WordPress Theme
9. Prioritize Your Customers
When I first started my business, I focused on the most important principle: understanding my customers and their needs. Everything else was secondary. By deeply understanding your customers’ pain points and working hard to solve them, you’ll prove your value. Once customers see that you are serious about helping them, they will respect you regardless of your age. This, in turn, will also earn you respect from competitors, vendors, and industry leaders. – Vinay Indresh, Spacejoy
10. Find a Mentor for Guidance
The best advice is to never give up, but the next best thing is finding a mentor. An experienced entrepreneur can help guide you through challenges and introduce you to key industry connections. Many successful business owners enjoy mentoring others. Once you establish a relationship, ask your mentor to attend industry events with you. Their presence will boost your credibility and give you opportunities to meet new people. Additionally, use LinkedIn to network and share your insights. Over time, people will start to recognize you as a serious player in your field. – Alexandru Stan, Tekpon
By following these strategies, young entrepreneurs can gain the respect they deserve and build strong, lasting careers in their industries.
