Latest news with #WIT
Forbes
4 days ago
- Business
- Forbes
5 ChatGPT Prompts That Can Help Teens Launch A Startup
teen entrepreneur using ChatGPT to help with her business Teen entrepreneurship continues to be on the rise. According to Junior Achievement research, 66% of U.S. teens aged 13-17 say they're likely to consider starting a business as adults, with the 2023-2024 Global Entrepreneurship Monitor finding that 24% of 18- to 24-year-olds are currently entrepreneurs. These young founders aren't just dreaming—they're building real ventures that generate revenue and create social impact, and they are using ChatGPT prompts to help them. At WIT (Whatever It Takes), the organization I founded in 2009, we have worked with over 10,000 young entrepreneurs. Over the past year, I've observed a shift in how teens approach business planning. With our guidance, they are using AI tools like ChatGPT not as shortcuts but as strategic thinking partners to clarify ideas, test concepts, and accelerate execution. The most successful teen entrepreneurs have discovered specific prompts that help them move from idea to action. These aren't generic brainstorming sessions—they're using targeted questions that address the unique challenges young founders face: limited resources, school commitments, and the need to prove their concepts quickly. Here are five ChatGPT prompts that consistently help teen entrepreneurs build businesses that matter. "I notice that [specific group of people] A teen might use this prompt after noticing students at school struggling to afford lunch. Instead of assuming they understand the full scope, they could ask ChatGPT to research school lunch debt as a systemic issue. This research may lead them to create a product-based business where the proceeds help pay off lunch debt—combining profit with purpose. Teens notice problems differently than adults because they experience unique frustrations—from school organization challenges to social media overwhelm to environmental concerns. According to Square's research on Gen Z entrepreneurs, 84% plan to still be business owners five years from now, making them ideal candidates for problem-solving businesses. "I'm [age] years old with approximately [dollar amount] to invest and [number] hours per week available between school and other commitments. Based on these constraints, what are three business models I could realistically launch this summer? For each option, include startup costs, time requirements, and the first three steps to get started." This prompt addresses the elephant in the room: most teen entrepreneurs have limited money and time. When a 16-year-old entrepreneur employs this approach to evaluate a greeting card business concept, they may discover that they can start with $200 and scale gradually. By being realistic about constraints upfront, they avoid overcommitting and can build toward sustainable revenue goals. According to Square's Gen Z report, 45% of young entrepreneurs use their savings to start businesses, with 80% launching online or with a mobile component. This data supports the effectiveness of constraint-based planning—when teens work within realistic limitations, they create more sustainable business models. "Act like a [specific demographic] and give me honest feedback on this business idea: [describe your concept]. What would excite you about this? What concerns would you have? How much would you realistically pay? What would need to change for you to become a customer?" Teen entrepreneurs often struggle with customer research because they can't easily survey large groups or hire market research firms. This prompt helps simulate customer feedback by having ChatGPT adopt specific personas. A teen developing a podcast for teenage female athletes could use this approach by asking ChatGPT to respond to different types of teen athletes. This helps identify content themes that resonate and messaging that feels authentic to the target audience. The prompt works best when you get specific about demographics, pain points, and contexts. "Act like a stressed high school senior applying to college" produces better insights than "Act like a teenager." "I want to test this business idea: [describe concept] without spending more than [budget amount] or more than [time commitment]. Design three simple experiments I could run this week to validate customer demand. For each test, explain what I'd learn, how to measure success, and what results would indicate I should move forward." This prompt helps teens embrace the lean startup methodology without getting lost in business jargon. The focus on "this week" creates urgency and prevents endless planning without action. A teenager wanting to test a clothing line concept could use this prompt to design simple validation experiments, such as posting design mockups on social media to gauge interest, creating a Google Form to collect pre-orders, and asking friends to share the concept with their networks. These tests cost nothing but provide crucial data about demand and pricing. "Turn this business idea into a clear 60-second explanation: [describe your business]. The explanation should include: the problem you solve, your solution, who it helps, why they'd choose you over alternatives, and what success looks like. Write it in conversational language a teenager would actually use." Clear communication separates successful entrepreneurs from those with good ideas but poor execution. This prompt helps teens distill complex concepts into compelling explanations they can use everywhere—from social media posts to conversations with potential mentors. The emphasis on "conversational language a teenager would actually use" is important. Many business pitch templates sound artificial when delivered by young founders. Authenticity matters more than corporate jargon. The difference between teens who use these prompts effectively and those who don't comes down to follow-through. ChatGPT provides direction, but action creates results. The most successful young entrepreneurs I work with use these prompts as starting points, not endpoints. They take the AI-generated suggestions and immediately test them in the real world. They call potential customers, create simple prototypes, and iterate based on actual feedback. Recent research from Junior Achievement shows that 69% of teens have business ideas but feel uncertain about the starting process, with fear of failure being the top concern for 67% of potential teen entrepreneurs. These prompts address that uncertainty by breaking down abstract concepts into concrete next steps. Teen entrepreneurs using AI tools like ChatGPT represent a shift in how business education is happening. According to Global Entrepreneurship Monitor research, young entrepreneurs are 1.6 times more likely than adults to want to start a business, and they're particularly active in technology, food and beverage, fashion, and entertainment sectors. Instead of waiting for formal entrepreneurship classes or MBA programs, these young founders are accessing strategic thinking tools immediately. This trend aligns with broader shifts in education and the workforce. The World Economic Forum identifies creativity, critical thinking, and resilience as top skills for 2025—capabilities that entrepreneurship naturally develops. Programs like WIT provide structured support for this journey, but the tools themselves are becoming increasingly accessible. A teenager with internet access can now access business planning resources that were previously available only to established entrepreneurs with significant budgets. The key is using these tools thoughtfully. ChatGPT can accelerate thinking and provide frameworks, but it can't replace the hard work of building relationships, creating products, and serving customers. The best business idea isn't the most original—it's the one that solves a real problem for real people. AI tools can help identify those opportunities, but only action can turn them into businesses that matter.
Associated Press
6 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Tier4 Group Expands Support of Women in Technology (WIT) as Strategic Partner to Help Shape the Future of Tech Talent
Tier4 Group expands its support of Women in Technology (WIT) by becoming a Strategic Partner, further cultivating a connected community of women in technology. 'This expanded partnership with WIT is a natural extension of our mission to empower individuals and organizations to succeed through talent.'— Betsy Robinson, CEO, Tier4 Group ATLANTA, GEORGIA, UNITED STATES, June 4, 2025 / / -- Women in Technology (WIT) proudly welcomes Tier4 Group, the 2025 Presenting Sponsor for all WIT Forums and Socials, as a Strategic Partner. This partnership reinforces a shared commitment to cultivating a robust and connected community of women in technology while highlighting Tier4 Group's dedication to supporting meaningful career pathways for women and strengthening the tech talent pipeline across industries. As a Strategic Partner, Tier4 Group will continue to engage deeply with WIT's programs and initiatives, spanning over 60 annual events and digital platforms that connect women to career opportunities, mentorship, and professional development. The collaboration will also offer Tier4 Group premium brand visibility, access to exclusive events, and direct engagement with WIT's thriving network of professionals and students. 'This expanded partnership with WIT is a natural extension of our mission to empower individuals and organizations to succeed through talent,' said Betsy Robinson, CEO of Tier4 Group and President of the WIT Board. 'We're honored to support a community that's shaping the future of technology and innovation.' About Tier4 Group Tier4 Group is a woman-owned and diversity-certified technology and professional recruitment firm connecting exceptional talent with top-tier employers seeking to fill critical roles and execute projects. By combining advanced recruitment automation with a personalized approach, Tier4 Group strives to identify the best fit for both the customer and the candidate. Tier4 Group has been recognized as one of the nation's fastest-growing companies for six consecutive years on the prestigious Inc. 5000 list. Tier4 Group has also received multiple honors from the Atlanta Business Chronicle, including five straight Pacesetter Awards and recognition as one of Georgia's Best Places to Work. To learn more, visit About Women in Technology (WIT) Women in Technology (WIT) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to expanding a vibrant community that connects talented women to each other, to exciting career opportunities, and to the companies that need them to help shape the future. Through education, exposure, and experience, WIT ensures that women and girls have the confidence, connections, and support they need to thrive in technology careers across industries. Jonathan Palombo Tier4 Group +1 770-807-0583 email us here Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content 'as is' without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
Forbes
02-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
What Great Mentorship Really Looks Like (And How To Find It)
Happy mentee listening to their mentor Mentorship gets portrayed as something exclusive—reserved for Ivy League networks, elite accelerator programs, or founders who happen to know the right people. Valuable mentorship doesn't require impressive credentials; it requires genuine care and guidance. It requires connection, consistency, and genuine support. At WIT (Whatever It Takes), the organization I founded in 2009, I've watched thousands of young entrepreneurs transform their lives through meaningful mentorship relationships. One of our most successful pairings involved a 16-year-old who wanted to start a sustainable fashion brand and a 19-year-old college student who had just launched her own eco-friendly jewelry business. The college student didn't have decades of experience or millions in revenue. Still, she understood the exact challenges our teen was facing—from sourcing sustainable materials on a budget to building an authentic social media presence. Most surprising discovery? The best mentors aren't always the ones with the biggest titles or most impressive resumes. They're the ones who remember what it felt like to be exactly where you are now. Whether you're 16 and launching your first business from your bedroom or 26 and navigating your first management role, the right mentor consistently shows up, listens thoughtfully, and guides you without overwhelming you. The data proves this matters: mentees advance their careers 18 months faster on average than those without mentorship, while mentored businesses increase their revenue by 83% more than their peers. Before exploring what makes mentorship effective, it's essential to understand why many people struggle to find good mentors. The traditional approach—seeking out the most successful person in your field—often backfires. The best mentors aren't always the most accomplished people. They're the ones who genuinely care about your growth. This shift in thinking opens up significantly more opportunities for meaningful mentorship relationships. Emotional Intelligence Trumps Accomplishments The best mentors listen more than they talk. They ask thoughtful questions, reflect back what they hear, and help you think more clearly about your next steps. According to Harvard Business Review, 84% of CEOs credited mentors with helping them avoid costly mistakes, and this guidance stems from emotional awareness, not just industry knowledge. A great mentor doesn't just give answers—they help you discover your own. This approach builds your problem-solving capacity rather than creating dependency. Consistency Over Grand Gestures Real mentorship occurs through monthly check-ins, prompt responses to challenging emails, and encouraging texts before significant pitches. The power lies in small, consistent gestures rather than occasional impressive interactions. Relationship-Based, Not Transactional The strongest mentorships develop from mutual respect rather than lists of favors. These relationships aren't about what someone can give you—funding, introductions, or access. They're about having someone who believes in your potential and walks alongside you during growth. Alignment Matters More Than Status Sometimes, we assume our mentor needs to be exactly where we want to end up. The most valuable mentors are often just a few steps ahead, remembering what it felt like to be in your position. Mentorship works best when rooted in shared values and similar energy levels, not hierarchy. Why Your Best Mentor Might Be Just 3 Years Older Than You Not all mentorship comes from people decades older. Near-peer mentors—people just 2-5 years ahead—often offer the most relevant, relatable advice. 83% of Gen Z workers believe having a workplace mentor is essential for their career, yet only 52% report having one, according to Adobe research. The gap often exists because people look too far up the ladder. If you're a teen entrepreneur, a college student who's launched a small business might be your ideal guide. These mentors remain accessible and approachable and remember your current challenges. How To Send The Perfect Mentor Outreach Message Don't open with "Will you be my mentor?" Try these proven approaches instead: Option 1: The Specific Question Approach "Hi [Name], I'm working on [specific project] and admire how you handled [specific situation]. Could I ask you two quick questions about [specific aspect]?" Option 2: The Value-First Approach "Hi [Name], I noticed you mentioned [specific challenge] in your recent [post/interview]. I recently solved a similar issue and thought you might find [specific insight] helpful. Would you be open to a brief conversation about [topic]?" Option 3: The Genuine Interest Approach 'Hi [Name], your journey from [starting point] to [current position] really resonates with me. Would you be open to a 15-minute conversation about how you navigated [specific challenge]?' Essential Questions To Ask Potential Mentors Once you've established initial contact, these questions help deepen the relationship and provide maximum value: For Career Guidance: For Business Development: For Personal Development: Several organizations excel at creating meaningful mentor-mentee relationships: WIT (Whatever It Takes): Since 2009, we've helped over 10,000 young entrepreneurs develop business skills while connecting them with experienced mentors who understand their unique challenges. SCORE: SCORE provides free business advice through our network of 11,000 volunteer mentors in person and online. Their focus on small business growth makes them particularly valuable for new entrepreneurs. Industry-Specific Programs: Many accelerators and incubators now emphasize mentorship as a core component, recognizing that 92% of small business owners believe that mentors have a direct impact on the growth and survival of their business, according to Kabbage Inc. research. Step 1: Identify Your Ideal Mentor Profile (Today) Write down three specific challenges you're facing and the type of person who has successfully navigated similar situations. Focus on people 2-7 years ahead of you rather than industry superstars. Step 2: Research and Reach Out (Within 24 Hours) Find 2-3 potential mentors using the platforms mentioned above. Send personalized messages using one of the templates provided. Quality beats quantity—better to send two thoughtful messages than ten generic ones. Step 3: Prepare for Conversations (Within 48 Hours) Create a list of 3-5 specific questions about their journey, decision-making process, and lessons learned. Show you've done your homework about their background. Step 4: Follow Through Consistently After initial conversations, send thank-you notes within 24 hours. Share relevant updates or small wins every 2-3 weeks. The mentor you need may be closer than you think—they're waiting for someone brave enough to ask thoughtful questions and committed enough to apply what they learn.
Business Wire
16-05-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Winners of Women in Technology's 26th Annual Leadership Awards Announced at Annual Gala
FALLS CHURCH, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Women in Technology (WIT) the premier organization contributing to the success of professional women in the Washington, D.C. area technology community, has announced the winners of the 26th Annual Leadership Awards. The awards were presented at WIT's annual gala held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency in Reston, VA. The annual WIT Leadership Awards celebrate women who have excelled in entrepreneurship, STEM, government, and corporate sectors. This year, WIT received an unprecedented number of award nominations, reflecting the growing recognition of women who are empowering their communities and driving excellence in the technology industry. 'We are incredibly proud to honor this year's winners, who are true trailblazers in their fields and serve as an inspiring testament to the profound impact women are making across the technology sector,' said Lisa Shea Mundt, president of WIT. "With bold ideas and unwavering determination, they're leading by example and encouraging the next generation of women to succeed in the technology field." The winners of the 26th Annual Women in Technology Leadership Awards are as follows: Corporate Large-Market Sector: Carol Williamson, Leidos Corporate Mid-Market Sector: Indunil Ranaviraja, REI Systems Corporate Small-Market Sector: Ariana Amparan, Proveo Automation Founder / Entrepreneur: Sanam Boroumand, Main Digital Government and Defense: Chandra Donelson, United States Space Force Non-Profit and Academia: Aliyah Pandolfi, Kashmir World Foundation Rising Star: Cory Everington, CACI International, Inc. STEM Leadership: Nisha Paliwal, Wings for Growth Unsung Hero: Elizabeth 'Brett' Mills, Booz Allen Hamilton President's Award: Kathi Hanrahan As the winner in the Founder / Entrepreneur category, Sanam Boroumand will also receive a scholarship and admission to WIT's next Leadership Foundry cohort, sponsored by Ampcus. This nine-month program, based in the Washington, D.C., metro area, features an intensive board training class conducted by the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), as well as monthly training sessions and opportunities to build trusted relationships through networking events. Applications for the next Leadership Foundry cohort are now open. For more information, please visit: Women in Technology (WIT) is a not-for-profit organization with the mission of advancing women in technology — from the classroom to the boardroom. With more than 1,000 members in the Washington, D.C. area, WIT fulfills its vision by providing leadership development, technology education, networking, and mentoring opportunities for women at all levels of their careers and for girls interested in STEM. For more information, please visit: or connect with us via Facebook, LinkedIn or X (@WITWomen).
Forbes
15-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
How To Start Your $2,000/Month Side Job As A Teen
Teen entrepreneurs are transforming simple ideas into profitable side jobs that outperform traditional summer jobs. While the average teen summer worker earns $15.68 per hour, up 36% since 2019, ambitious high schoolers are creating businesses that generate $2,000 monthly while offering flexibility, higher profits, and valuable experience for college applications. This entrepreneurial trend is growing rapidly. According to recent surveys, 66% of teens aged 13-17 say they're likely to consider starting a business as adults. At WIT (Whatever It Takes), we have guided over 10,000 young entrepreneurs since 2009, watching them turn passion projects into profitable ventures. These early business experiences build skills that translate directly to future success—teens with entrepreneurial experience develop resilience, problem-solving abilities, and financial literacy that serve them throughout life. Starting a side hustle gives teens significant advantages over traditional employment. First, there's no income ceiling. While conventional jobs cap earning potential at hourly minimums, business ownership removes this limitation entirely. Many WIT students have transformed small investments of $100-200 into businesses generating thousands in revenue. Equally important is the scheduling flexibility. Traditional summer jobs lock teens into rigid 20-40 hour workweeks with little room for adjustment. Entrepreneurship eliminates this constraint, allowing teens to design work schedules that complement rather than compete with academics, sports, and other priorities. College admissions officers increasingly value entrepreneurial experience. A teen who can articulate how they identified an opportunity, navigated challenges, and created something valuable stands apart in competitive admissions. Julia Howe exemplifies this potential. She created the Hitting The Wall podcast, which is focused on teenage female athletes and addresses mental health struggles and societal pressures young women face in sports. Her experience developing the podcast, reaching out to guests, coordinating community events, organizing paid partnership deals, and managing social media has built a platform that helps others and strengthens her college applications through demonstrating leadership and initiative. Most small businesses know they need social media content but lack the time or skills to create it. Teens with digital fluency can effectively fill this gap. To start, build a simple portfolio showcasing your video editing or graphic design skills. Select a specific niche—coffee shops, boutiques, fitness studios—and approach businesses with a concrete offer: "I'll create eight short-form videos for your social media for $300-400." Your competitive edge? Offer to handle everything: filming, editing, adding trending music, and writing captions. This comprehensive service appeals to busy business owners who know social media matters but don't have time to learn the platforms. Path to $2,000: Landing five to seven clients monthly at $300-400 each gets you to your target. This side job's scalable nature makes it particularly attractive—you can manage multiple clients simultaneously as your efficiency improves. Academic support remains in high demand year-round, and parents are willing to pay premium rates for quality assistance. Rather than generic tutoring, focus on specific needs: SAT/ACT prep, coding instruction, essay writing support, or math skill development. Specialization justifies higher rates and attracts more motivated clients. Create a simple website highlighting your qualifications, subjects, and hourly rate, then distribute your information to neighborhood families and local parent groups on social media. Path to $2,000: Charging $30-50 hourly and securing 10-15 weekly tutoring hours puts this goal within reach. The advantage of a tutoring side job is minimal overhead—just transportation costs and possibly workbooks or online resources. This translates to high profit margins, with almost all revenue becoming profit. Selling handmade or personalized products can be financially rewarding and artistically fulfilling for creative teens. Choose one specific product type—custom tumblers, digital illustrations, handmade jewelry, or personalized apparel. Initially, focus on quality and consistency rather than variety. Establish a dedicated Instagram account showcasing your process and finished products, and leverage local summer markets, craft fairs, and online platforms like Etsy or Depop to reach customers. Path to $2,000: Calculate your costs precisely. If each item costs $8 to produce and sells for $25, you must sell approximately 120 units monthly to reach $2,000. While this sounds substantial, focused production sessions and strategic marketing can make it achievable. Creating digital products offers exceptional scalability with minimal ongoing costs after initial development. Consider developing downloadable templates, study guides, printable artwork, or digital planners targeted at specific audiences. For example, one WIT student created custom study guides for AP courses, charging $75 per guide and focusing on five subjects she knew well. Path to $2,000: With minimal production costs, most of your sales become profit. Depending on complexity, pricing digital products between $15 and $80 means selling 25-135 units monthly. The key advantage is creating once and selling infinitely—your income isn't directly tied to your time investment after the initial creation. Service-based businesses like pet sitting, lawn care, or car detailing provide reliable income with low startup costs. Summer is peak travel season, creating high demand for pet care. Create a simple one-page business plan outlining services and rates. Advertise on neighborhood apps like Nextdoor and leverage family connections for initial clients. Charge $25-30 per day for dog walking (two 30-minute walks) and $50-75 daily for overnight pet sitting. Adding premium services like plant watering or daily photo updates can increase rates. Path to $2,000: Securing 5-6 regular dog walking clients (at $150/week each) plus weekend pet-sitting gigs ($300/weekend) puts $2,000 monthly within reach. The key advantage is the recurring nature of these services—once you prove reliable, clients tend to book repeatedly. Before launching any business, teen entrepreneurs should ask themselves these critical questions: What problem am I genuinely passionate about solving? The best teen side jobs start with real interests rather than what might impress college admissions officers. Genuine interest helps teens continue when challenges emerge—a critical skill since colleges increasingly value resilience and initiative in admissions decisions. What skills do I already have, and which ones will I need to develop? Young entrepreneurs often underestimate their existing talents. List your current abilities, then identify what you still need to learn. The entrepreneurial process itself teaches many necessary skills. How will this fit into my current commitments? To prevent burnout before launching your side job, create a realistic schedule with specific times for business work. Who can support and guide me through this process? Every entrepreneur needs advisors. Before starting, find potential mentors who can help navigate challenges. Organizations like WIT and entrepreneurship competitions connect teens with experienced business owners who offer valuable ideas. What does success look like to me, beyond money? Financial returns matter, but focusing only on profits often disappoints teen entrepreneurs. Define personal success measures that match your values, whether building leadership abilities, gaining confidence, or creating positive change. The difference between teens who talk about making $2,000 monthly and those who earn it comes down to execution. Here are the practical implementation steps that successful teen entrepreneurs consistently follow: Start with a minimal viable product (MVP) - Rather than perfecting your offering, launch a basic version quickly to test market response. For lawn care, start with just mowing before adding edging and landscaping. For content creation, offer a single-video package before developing comprehensive plans. Implement consistent marketing blocks - Dedicate 30-60 minutes daily to promoting your services. This might mean sending five direct messages to potential clients, posting on community boards, or creating content showcasing your work. Consistency matters more than duration. Develop systems immediately. From day one, create simple templates for client communication, scheduling, and payment tracking. These systems allow you to scale efficiently as demand grows. Use technology strategically - AI tools can help with everything from content creation to market research. ChatGPT can help draft professional emails, create social media captions, or develop pricing strategies. Tools like Canva simplify design work, while simple spreadsheets track finances and customer information. Schedule weekly implementation sessions - Set specific times to work on growth initiatives. Even 30 minutes twice weekly can drive substantial progress when focused on the right activities. Limited startup funds - Begin with service-based businesses requiring minimal investment, or use the "pre-sale" model where customers pay before you create products. One WIT student funded her custom apparel business by pre-selling designs before ordering materials. Parental concerns - Address worries by creating a simple business plan showing how you'll manage commitments. Outline safety measures for meeting clients and handling money. Involve parents as advisors where appropriate. Pricing confidence - Research competitors but avoid underpricing. Remember that reliability, quality, and personal service justify premium rates. Client acquisition - Start with your immediate network—family, friends, neighbors, and school connections. Ask satisfied customers for referrals and testimonials. Offer incentives for referrals that convert to paid clients. The entrepreneurial journey doesn't require perfect preparation or extensive funding. The most essential step is to begin with available resources and refine your approach through experience. By solving real problems, maintaining quality service, and building genuine customer relationships, teens (and even adults!) can transform simple ideas into profitable side jobs $2,000 monthly or more. The skills developed along the way—resilience, financial literacy, marketing, and problem-solving—provide lasting benefits beyond monetary gain, creating advantages in college admissions and future careers. The most important step isn't perfecting your business plan—it's taking that first action toward bringing your idea to life.
