This presentation is for Teen Entrepreneurs who are trying to figure out their 'Why' and where they belong. I presented it for the U.S. Small Business Administration, National Small Business Week 2010. They recorded the audio but need approval from legal. So since I don't think the approval has been made yet, :-P I included the key talking points on each slide (hence why it's a little wordy). The objective of the presentation is to give teen entrepreneurs so guidance, who need support figuring out their purpose or finding their way in business.

1. Me…Myself….and WHY? Me, Myself and Why?: A Business Roadmap for Determined Teens Who are Making Their Way Presented By: Shonika Proctor, Co-Founder Renegade CEO’s February 25, 2010

2. 2. My Entrepreneurial Journey Me, Myself and Why? Shonika Proctor at Young Entrepreneur Society Movie Premiere with twins Shane and Shawn of Shane and Shawn Shoes I built my business for my customer (and they filled the gaps of my inexperience). I built my business for me. I had little experience in my industry and I seldom struggle. I had a lot of experience in my industry and I often struggled. My business chose me because I was inspired by MY WHY! I chose my business because of my circumstances. My business started me. I started my business. In 2008…. In 2005….

3. 3. Presentation Overview Me, Myself and Why? Young people come up with creative and brilliant ideas everyday. Yet, they are often ‘unsure’ how to pursue their great ideas or turn their concepts into entrepreneurial ventures. Frequently this is because teens haven’t figured themselves out yet; they don’t realize how their ideas fit into the greater scheme of things; they don’t necessarily understand the direction of their life yet and how much control they have of it; and they don’t fully have a grasp of how things go together. The process that they undergo to discover themselves and understand how they fully connect with their environment is what I call their ‘WHY’. Danielle Herb, 16, provides equine therapy for ADD/ADHD and Autistic kids through the use of natural horsemanship. She started her company when she was 13.

4. 4. Topic Relevance to Teen Entrepreneurs Me, Myself and Why? Everything and everyone around you is a tool to your success and not an obstacle to it. The most accomplished entrepreneurs are those who understand this and have been able to create opportunities where other people saw problems. It will be easier for you (regardless of your age or experience) to turn problems into opportunities once you know and start connecting with Your WHY… (photo right) Matthew Turcotte, 17, on the cover of Absolutely Business Magazine (NY, Nov 2009). His company, North Shore Web Development, designs websites for small towns all over the U.S. because Matt realized a lot of web design companies were too expensive for businesses in small towns like the one he lives in. He just finished publishing a book, from Main Street to Mainstream and is the only entrepreneur in his high school. Matthew Turcotte, 17, CEO of North Shore Web Development

6. 6. Discovering Your WHY! Me, Myself and Why? YOUR WHY ….is one of the most critical things that you need to discover in the early stages of your business….yet it is something that you are not going to be able to read about in a book, find on the internet or learn in a class. It’s also something that teens find a little embarrassing to talk about in general conversation. On the following slide are some important ‘WHY’ questions I often answer for teens on what it means to ‘turn problems into opportunities’ and thus being able to discover their WHY. Discovering Your Why is a process that everyone must go through regardless of age and whether you choose to work for yourself or someone else. (photo courtesy: Fractal Artist on Flickr)

8. 8. Step 1. Me, Myself and Why? Why are you unsure about starting your business? A. You don’t know where to begin or what’s the first step A. You don’t know who would be willing to support you (for free) A. You don’t have enough [money, experience, time etc] Step 1: Recognize and appreciate your value. Just because you don’t have business experience and you don’t have money doesn’t mean you don’t have value or that you are inferior. AzureRae Turner , 13, model, actress and creator of Dream Azure Fragrance Line. She also hosts self esteem workshops for tween and teen Girls.

9. 9. Step 2. Me, Myself and Why? Why does everybody you know seem to have a ‘Master Plan’ for you….EXCEPT YOU? A. You are not being clear and confident on what you want. It’s more important to say what you want, not what you don’t want. Stay in tune to the goal (dream) not on the process/how. Step 2: Follow and further explore the things that makes your heart sing. Passion is a defining point for many in discovering their why. Unfortunately, it is often confused as being what your good at… but in reality it’s what’s good for you!

12. 12. Step 5. Me, Myself and Why? Why don’t people take me seriously? A. It’s not about what you will do. It’s about what you have (or have not) done. The answers to your future are hidden in your past. Step 5: Find strength and inspiration in the trials and tribulations in your life because other people will do the same. While you cannot rewrite your story from the beginning, you can write a new ending starting from today.

13. 13. Step 6. Me, Myself and Why? WHY don’t I know my WHY? A. Because you do not yet fully trust your own advice. It will come in time as you go out and create more experiences and relationships. Step 6: ASK family, friends, teachers, faith based and community leaders what types of things they think you are good at. Then ask yourself if you agree. You will most likely see patterns and commonalities in regards to what others see in you. Is the person they describe the ‘real’ you or the person you desire to be? In reflecting on your answer (which could take some time but will come), you will discover your WHY .

14. 14. Step 7. Me, Myself and Why? WHY am still confused as to what I am supposed to do next? :) A. Entrepreneurship is creative as it is structured. It is a lot like life – the most important lessons you will learn can’t be taught by a teacher, a textbook or a strange voice talking through your computer. Step 7: Entrepreneurship - You must LIVE IT to learn it! Follow your internal compass . It always points Due North so you can never get lost. Like there are no universal instructions for life, the same holds true for starting and running a business. What works for someone else may not necessarily work for you because there are way too many variables in your personal situations.

15. 15. Closing Thoughts Me, Myself and Why? You may be asking yourself just now, “Where is the Roadmap” mentioned at the beginning of my presentation. Well, what I have found in coaching teens through many types of businesses they started is: Every business has it’s own ‘map to success’ . The key to finding your path is in the strength, passion and determination you put into whatever [ad) venture YOU create. Daniel Uribe , 20, attending a ‘board meeting’ :)