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The 42
05-07-2025
- Sport
- The 42
Absolute warfare: The return of Kilkenny and Tipperary after six years
IT WAS AN ugly saying to Kilkenny ears, but the inability of the Cats to beat Tipperary in a national final between the years of 1922 and 1967, during a time in which county hurling became a mass pastime and passion, gave rise to the expression, 'Kilkenny for the hurlers, Tipp for the men'. In some eras, one or the other wasn't quite at it. Tipperary went from 1971 to 1989 without an All-Ireland title, indeed, their 1988 defeat to Galway they only time they reached the final. During which time Kilkenny amassed six Liam MacCarthys to make themselves feel a whole lot better about themselves. The first meeting came in the final of 1895, a bit of a whitewash it was too as Kilkenny won 6-8 to 1-0. Another handsome Tipp win arrived in 1898; Tipp 7-13 Kilkenny 3-10. Kilkenny got one over on them, winning 4-6 to 0-12, in 1909. There were wins again for the Cats in 1911, 1913, before that spell from 1922 and 1967. Meanwhile, Tipp lifted the canister in 1916, 1937, 1945, 1950, 1964, 1971 and 1991. It took until 2009 for the pair to next meet in a final. The next three years were consumed by their rivalry that brought huge controversy and incidents. Take 2009. Tipperary came up the rails under Liam Sheedy. A few years of turmoil had bottomed out after another spell under Michael 'Babs' Keating and a generation of hurlers hadn't experienced what it was to be part of the preparation of an elite group of athletes. Kilkenny were chasing four-in-a-row. They had a settled management in Brian Cody, but as he was fond of saying, he cared little for a settled team, more a settled spirit. Sounds good, but what it meant was men gutting each other for their place on the team. The finals of 2007 and 2008 had been one-sided encounters as Kilkenny dispatched of the innocent Limerick and Waterford. This was different. An instant entry into the Hall of Fame. It looked to be heading Tipperary's way too. The odd thing was that they had substitute Benny Dunne dismissed in the 52nd minute for a wild pull on Tommy Walsh. Yet they upped their game and when Noel McGrath pointed ten minutes later, it left Tipperary two up. A minute later, Richie Power made a dash for goal. He was being fouled outside the square but referee Diarmuid Kirwan didn't blow. As he got inside the square, Kirwan felt Power was fouled by Paul Curran. Henry Shefflin stepped up and crashed to the net. And with that gale in their sails, Martin Comerford arrived a minute later to pilfer their second goal. Advertisement In 'Whatever It Takes', Richie Hogan's autobiography, he doesn't sound convinced about the penalty award. 'It was a soft penalty for sure, and if it was given the other way we would have been up in arms. We didn't often get those fifty-fifty decisions from referees, but we were happy to take it when it came,' wrote Hogan. Tipp manager Liam Sheedy was somewhat sanguine about it. 'It was a big call and matches are won on big calls. I've watched it again and it looked like a tight call. He started outside the square and finished inside it. Did anyone count the steps? These are big calls and the day you get those calls is the day you win the match.' Marty Morrissey was in puckish form in his day's work for RTÉ. In the television interview, Cody was praising Shefflin for burying his penalty when Morrissey came in, 'And was it a penalty, Brian, do you think?' Cue Cody asking Morrissey if he felt it was a penalty himself, and after a little more probing, Cody had enough. 'Ah Marty, please! Give me a break, will you?' was a highlight. The cameras cut back to the studio pundits where Ger Loughnane exclaimed, 'Will someone please pick up Marty off the floor there?' Brian Cody. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO Anyway, Kilkenny goalkeeper PJ Ryan was named Man of the Match and his reflex saves from Seamus Callanan and Eoin Kelly early in the second half went a long way to keeping Tipp down. What did it mean to Kilkenny? They weren't getting blasé about such achievements. Indeed, there was a plan that day in Croke Park of presenting Liam MacCarthy to the winning captain in a specially constructed platform. Those plans had to be shelved, stewards moving to 'Plan B' as fans spilled onto the pitch at the final whistle despite repeated requests from the GAA the week beforehand. The year after, we got our first sight of what we would soon come to understand was Total Hurling. Tipperary dragged Kilkenny players all over the defensive lines and their attack became not so much about hurlers taking shots, but the places and positions they found themselves in. Lar Corbett helped himself to a hat-trick of goals. The first came after Shane McGrath caught a PJ Ryan puckout and leathered it back in the same direction. All alone were Corbett and his marker, Noel Hickey. Corbett showed great strength to hold off Hickey and slipped the shot below Ryan's dive. His second came with a delivery to Noel McGrath. Hickey was tight to him but he produced a no-look handpass to the unmarked Corbett who dodged the thrown hurl of John Tennyson to net again. His final goal deep into injury time was the sweetest of touches. A ball inside was fielded by Bonner Maher. Lying on the turf he noticed Corbett had peeled off and, after taking a touch on the bás to kill the ball, lashed it home. Think of that touch and the aplomb that Corbett applied. Now take yourself 12 months on to the next final. Eddie Brennan streaming through the middle of the Tipperary defence. Richie Hogan has backpedalled into a position just left of the posts on the Hill 16 end. Brennan handpasses. Hogan takes a touch and then wallops it into the top corner. All that artistry wasn't the only thing about the rivalry. There were some bizarre moments too. Top of the list in that category was certainly the role that Corbett was handed in 2012; turning from an artist to a man-marker of Tommy Walsh. It took a surreal turn when Kilkenny refused to let it become a straight battle between Walsh – who was marking Pa Bourke anyway – and Corbett, so Jackie Tyrrell stayed on Corbett, which made for a bizarre quartet running around Croke Park. 'For ideal match-ups that was the plan that Lar would pick up Tommy and obviously Jackie Tyrrell didn't agree and he wanted a piece of it as well,' said Tipperary manager Declan Ryan. 'Tommy Walsh finished the game and his last 20 minutes was probably his best period of the game. I don't know how good he was in the first half. 'But I think ultimately results proved that it backfired to some extent on us.' It was a role that Tyrrell relished. For the 2011 final, he was handed the role of marking Corbett for the final. The week before, the Kilkenny coach Martin Fogarty handed Tyrrell a DVD of Corbett in action and what to look out for. Tyrrell himself put a photograph of Corbett as his mobile phone screensaver. Every time someone called, he would see Corbett's face. 'When I was in meetings or in other people's company, I would turn the phone in towards my body before I answered it. I didn't want people thinking I was a complete nut-job but the picture was there as a constant reminder to myself that something big was coming,' he wrote in his autobiography, 'The Warrior Code.' Fun and games. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO In 2013, they played a knockout qualifier in Nowlan Park with 23,307 present. It being only early July, they had been unaccustomed to meeting each other at this time. Henry Shefflin made a dramatic return for the last five minutes as Kilkenny prevailed 0-20 to 1-14, the Tipp goal inevitably coming from Corbett. Years later, a player from each side were on an All Stars tour and recalled that game. They admitted they had never played in a game with as feverish atmosphere. The 2014 decider came down to Hawkeye. In the first game, they drew Kilkenny 3-22 Tipperary 1-28. Kilkenny prevailed in the replay 2-17 to 2-14. But that it went to a replay was the incredible thing. The first game has frequently been described as the greatest game of hurling ever – a title that seems to get passed on every week or so in the last few seasons. The final play came down to John 'Bubbles' O'Dwyer. He had been on fire that day with seven points, two from frees. He caught his last free sweet but at the very end of its flight it kicked outwards. Off to HawkEye for adjudication. 'I felt he had a chance,' said Tipp manager Eamonn O'Shea. Related Reads 'We keep everything in the circle... everything outside it is just irrelevant to us' Cork make three changes for All-Ireland hurling semi-final against Dublin Tippeary selector rejects suggestion that Liam Cahill 'flogs his teams' 'I thought it was over but obviously HawkEye said no. He got a great strike on it and he was unlucky.' Wide. No score. Replay in three weeks time. Kilkenny got the business done. By this stage Tipperary were wondering what hurling Gods they had upset. They got their vengeance in 2016. Seamus Callanan went bananas with 0-13 scored and a 2-29 to 2-20 win for Tipp manager Michael Ryan. It was the fifth final between these two since 2009. But Tipp badly needed to correct the record as it was the seventh meeting in eight years in championship, Kilkenny winning five up until that point. The final meeting of the decade was also the last time they have met: 2019. The Tipperary management of Darragh Egan, Liam Sheedy, Eamon O'Shea and Tommy Dunne after the 2019 final. James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO And arguably, the biggest talking point of all. The game was warming up coming into half-time when Richie Hogan caught Cathal Barrett with a raised elbow. Some days it might have met with a stern ticking-off, or a yellow. Referee James Owens sent Hogan off. It led to Kilkenny's heaviest defeat under Brian Cody, 3-25 to 0-20. Naturally, the James Stephens man felt there were questions to be answered. 'Unfortunately, we lost a player and that is what is being spoken about. It is spoken about in general because there are divided opinions on what should or shouldn't be. 'Obviously, that is what happened to us. And we weren't able, we weren't good enough to take on Tipperary down a player. It's that simple.' Six long years have passed. It's time to take up the cudgels and let them go at it again. Check out the latest episode of The42′s GAA Weekly podcast here
Irish Examiner
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Enda McEvoy: Overflying Kyle Hayes, asphyxiating Cian Lynch in traffic on Cork must-do list
AS befits one of the savviest people on the planet, Richie Hogan's autobiography Whatever It Takes, published last year, is two cuts above the usual fare. MacCarthy Cup haute cuisine as opposed to intermediate club pabulum. Not a shock. After all, this is a former teenage world champion handballer, the possessor of a masters in business administration and a chap who six months before the Leaving Cert took up history as an eighth honours subject – well, why not? - and got an A1. Also in his younger days he wrote to the Bishop of Ossory, and then – well, again, why not? – to the big man in Rome, imploring them to redraw the parish boundaries in Kilkenny so he could hurl for Bennettsbridge. This is exclusive subscriber content. Already a subscriber? Sign in Subscribe to access all of the Irish Examiner. Annual €120€60 Best value Monthly €10€4 / month Unlimited access. Subscriber content. Daily ePaper. Additional benefits.
Forbes
07-05-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Why Mental Health Awareness Month Matters For Young Entrepreneurs
Mental Health Awareness Month card, May. Vector illustration. EPS10 getty May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a national effort since 1949 to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and advocate for better mental health resources. While many conversations this month focus on therapy, self-care, or workplace burnout, one critical gap remains overlooked: how we prepare young people, especially student entrepreneurs, to handle the emotional toll of building, failing, and trying again. Failure isn't just possible for teen entrepreneurs — it's nearly guaranteed. Whether it's a product that flops, a pitch that misses, or a marketing idea that fizzles, entrepreneurship is a crash course in resilience. Yet most high school and college programs focus on business mechanics — business plans, branding, financial modeling, perfecting the pitch — and leave students unprepared for the emotional rollercoaster of entrepreneurial life. At WIT (Whatever It Takes), which I started in 2009, we've seen firsthand that success depends just as much — if not more — on a young founder's ability to navigate failure than on their business skills. We deliberately prioritize building emotional resilience alongside entrepreneurial tools. When we also consider that nearly 88% of adult entrepreneurs report struggling with mental health challenges, including anxiety, high stress, and burnout, it's clear we must equip the next generation with strategies to sustain both their ventures and their well-being. The Emotional Foundations of Entrepreneurial Success Those adult statistics aren't outliers — they point to a systemic issue embedded in the entrepreneurial journey. Research shows mental health challenges aren't the exception but the norm for entrepreneurs, with younger founders particularly vulnerable to loneliness and isolation. Without early intervention, today's student entrepreneurs risk following the same path toward burnout and hidden struggles. That's why emotional intelligence — the ability to recognize, understand, and manage emotions — isn't a soft skill for young founders; it's a survival skill. Studies attribute up to 90% of entrepreneurial success variance to emotional intelligence, compared to just 10% for cognitive intelligence. Building that foundation early isn't just good for business; it's essential for mental health. Why does EQ matter so much for young entrepreneurs? Because those with high emotional intelligence can: Navigate the inevitable emotional rollercoaster of startup life Make better decisions under pressure by balancing emotion with logic Build stronger relationships with customers, mentors, and team members Maintain perspective when facing rejection or criticism Despite these benefits, most entrepreneurship education programs focus exclusively on business mechanics while neglecting emotional development, creating a vulnerability that undermines young founders' potential. Learning Resilience From Those Who've Failed Forward At WIT, we intentionally center conversations around failure by inviting accomplished entrepreneurs to speak candidly about their setbacks and recovery journeys. Rather than showcasing polished success stories, these sessions give students an honest, behind-the-scenes look at the emotional realities of entrepreneurship. Guest speakers walk students through questions like: What was your most significant business setback? How did you handle the emotional impact? What specific strategies helped you recover? How did that failure ultimately shape your success? By normalizing these discussions, young founders understand that failure isn't a stopping point — it's a pivotal part of growth. When students hear successful founders speak openly about struggles, they realize failure isn't a career-ending anomaly but a normal, valuable part of the entrepreneurial journey. The Power of Peer Support for Teen Entrepreneurs Adult entrepreneurs rely heavily on peer groups for emotional support and business guidance. Organizations like Entrepreneurs' Organization (EO) and Young Presidents' Organization (YPO) provide structured environments where business leaders can discuss challenges, receive feedback, and combat isolation. Teen entrepreneurs deserve—and need—the same support structure. Structured peer groups for young founders yield impressive results by providing: Regular accountability that sustains motivation through challenges Emotional validation from others who understand entrepreneurial pressures A sense of community that combats the isolation many young founders experience These groups work best with consistent schedules, confidentiality agreements, and structured formats that ensure balanced participation. When implemented properly, they create a psychological safety net that empowers teens to take appropriate risks and navigate setbacks effectively. Five Practical Methods for Building Entrepreneurial Resilience You cannot teach emotional resilience through theory — it's built through practice, reflection, and community. To help young founders develop this critical skill, WIT incorporates interactive strategies designed to reframe failure and support emotional growth: 1. The 'Failure Resume' Instead of hiding mistakes, students are encouraged to document them. By listing setbacks alongside lessons learned and next steps, they create a living record of growth — a powerful reminder that every failure leaves behind valuable insight. 2. Emotion Mapping We guide students to pinpoint the most emotionally challenging moments, from pitching investors to handling negative feedback. By mapping these 'hot spots' in advance, they can proactively prepare strategies for staying grounded and resilient in high-stress moments. 3. The 'What Else?' Practice When a rejection or failure hits, students learn to ask: What else could this mean? What else might I try? What else could I learn from this? This simple but powerful set of questions helps break negative thought spirals and opens space for creative problem-solving. 4. Celebration-Reflection Rituals Regularly, students share either their biggest win or their 'most valuable failure' — the mistake that taught them the most. These moments normalize setbacks as part of the process, building a culture that prizes learning and adaptability over perfection. Benefits Beyond Business: Life Skills That Last The emotional skills developed through resilience-focused entrepreneurship education extend far beyond business outcomes. Adolescents with stronger coping mechanisms report higher life satisfaction, better mental health, and greater academic persistence. Early resilience training helps those who continue as founders avoid common mental health traps facing adult entrepreneurs. A survey from Sifted revealed that only 23% of adult founders seek professional help despite widespread challenges, and 81% don't speak openly about their struggles. Normalizing these conversations early prepares young entrepreneurs to prioritize their mental health throughout their careers. The Future of Entrepreneurial Education Mental Health Awareness Month offers an opportunity to reconsider how we support young entrepreneurs. The current focus on business mechanics remains essential, but insufficient. By integrating emotional resilience training into entrepreneurship education, we address the critical gap between knowledge and execution. This approach acknowledges a fundamental truth: entrepreneurial success stems from what you know and your emotional capacity to transform setbacks into stepping stones. The most successful entrepreneurs aren't necessarily the most knowledgeable or skilled; they can navigate failure without being defined by it. By teaching resilience alongside revenue models, we can equip young entrepreneurs with their most valuable competitive advantage: the emotional foundation to transform challenges into opportunities, setbacks into growth, and failures into their finest learning moments.
Forbes
22-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
6 ChatGPT Prompts To Develop A Powerful Entrepreneur Mindset
Entrepreneurs of all ages juggle competing commitments and limited resources while developing business skills. This balancing act can feel overwhelming, but artificial intelligence tools like ChatGPT can be valuable allies in the entrepreneurial process. In today's educational landscape, developing an entrepreneur mindset—identifying opportunities, solving problems creatively, and implementing solutions—represents a key learning approach for students and professionals alike. At WIT (Whatever It Takes), the organization I founded in 2009, specializing in entrepreneurship education, I've witnessed thousands of entrepreneurs leverage AI to clarify their thinking and develop strategic approaches. While traditional education often focuses on knowledge acquisition, entrepreneur mindset education emphasizes application, resilience, and creative problem-solving, skills increasingly valued by colleges and employers. Here are six powerful ChatGPT prompts designed to help entrepreneurs cultivate a stronger entrepreneur mindset: "I'm interested in starting a business that aligns with my values and skills. I care about [list 2-3 causes or interests] This prompt helps identify opportunities that match your authentic interests rather than chasing trends. Research shows that 58% of teen entrepreneurs are more likely to start a business if it connects to a cause they care about. Educational research also shows that purpose-driven learning increases engagement and persistence, key factors in both academic and entrepreneurial success. When your business aligns with your values, you'll persist through inevitable challenges. "I'm facing a challenge with my business: [describe your specific obstacle]. Help me reframe this situation as a learning opportunity by 1) Identifying three potential lessons from this setback, 2) Suggesting practical next steps to move forward, and 3) Providing examples of successful entrepreneurs who overcame similar challenges. What skills am I developing through this experience that will strengthen my entrepreneurial capabilities?" Resilience distinguishes successful entrepreneurs from those who give up. Educational psychologists have long recognized that learning to persist through setbacks may be more valuable than mastering specific content. Building emotional intelligence through entrepreneurship creates a competitive advantage—studies attribute 89% of entrepreneurial success to emotional intelligence compared to just 11% for IQ. "I'm creating a [type of product/service] for [target audience]. Help me develop deeper empathy for my potential customers by 1) Outlining five questions I should ask them to understand their needs better, 2) Identifying three common pain points they might experience, and 3) Suggesting ways I can gather authentic feedback from real users. How can I incorporate this feedback into my business model to create something people truly want?" Successful entrepreneurs build products people want, which requires understanding customer needs and pain points. This market awareness is fundamentally about empathy—a core component of emotional intelligence that significantly impacts business success. Sophie Beren, founder of The Conversationalist, emphasizes this connection: "The most important thing I've learned as an entrepreneur is that being a good listener is the key to everything because it empowers you to build genuine relationships rooted in empathy." Hospitality pioneer Danny Meyer provides another powerful example of empathy in entrepreneurship. The founder of Shake Shack and numerous award-winning restaurants prioritizes emotional intelligence in his hiring decisions, famously stating: "I really don't give a damn what your IQ is." Instead, Meyer looks for empathy, self-awareness, and work ethic—qualities he believes predict success more accurately than intelligence alone. "I'm balancing my business with [list your main commitments like a full-time job, family responsibilities, school]. I have approximately [X] hours weekly to work on my venture. Help me create an effective weekly schedule that 1) Identifies high-impact tasks I should prioritize, 2) Suggests specific time blocks for different business activities, 3) Includes buffer time for unexpected issues, and 4) Maintains balance with my other commitments. What systems can I implement to increase my productivity during limited work hours?" Managing business responsibilities alongside other commitments presents a real challenge for entrepreneurs. Creating a realistic schedule with specific times for business work helps prevent burnout. This planning matters, especially since maintaining a consistent digital presence requires regular attention for most modern businesses. These time management skills directly transfer to academic success. Research from the International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology shows that students who effectively prioritize tasks and manage their schedules achieve better learning outcomes and experience less stress. "I've identified this problem in my community: [describe specific issue]. Help me brainstorm innovative solutions by 1) Suggesting three different approaches to address this problem, 2) Identifying potential technology or resources I could leverage, 3) Explaining how each solution creates value, and 4) Outlining the first steps to test these ideas with minimal resources. How might I combine elements from different solutions to create something unique?" Innovation requires looking beyond obvious answers. This prompt encourages lateral thinking by pushing entrepreneurs to consider multiple approaches to the same problem. According to the World Economic Forum, abilities such as creativity and critical thinking are among the top 10 skills employers will prioritize by 2025. Entrepreneurs who practice innovative thinking develop valuable capabilities that transfer to any career path. "My [type of business] is currently generating [current results]. I want to scale my impact and revenue over the next three months. Help me develop a growth plan that includes 1) Two to three areas to focus on first based on potential impact, 2) Specific metrics I should track to measure progress, 3) Low-cost marketing strategies I can implement immediately, and 4) Ways to adapt my approach if my initial strategies don't work as expected." This prompt helps entrepreneurs transition from startup to growth phase, a transition that requires different thinking. It focuses on identifying the highest-leverage activities when time and resources are limited. Creating concrete metrics and contingency plans builds the strategic thinking capabilities that distinguish successful entrepreneurs. These strategic thinking capabilities align with higher-order learning objectives in education, where students must analyze systems, evaluate options, and synthesize information to create effective solutions. The development of an entrepreneurial mindset represents a powerful educational approach that transcends traditional subject boundaries. Whether in classroom settings or through experiential programs, this mindset will help you identify opportunities, take calculated risks, and create value—skills relevant to all career paths. For young entrepreneurs, programs like WIT offer comprehensive entrepreneurial education designed specifically for teens. For adult entrepreneurs, accelerators like Y Combinator provide a similar structure with age-appropriate resources. Educational institutions increasingly recognize entrepreneurship as a career path and a learning methodology. By combining AI-powered guidance with practical action and community support, entrepreneurs can develop business skills and mindsets that will serve them throughout their lives, whether they become business founders or apply these skills in other careers.
Forbes
20-04-2025
- Business
- Forbes
5 Side Hustles Teens Can Start This Summer To Make $5,000
SIDE HUSTLE text word collage colorful fabric on denim, entrepreneur, horizontal aspect With teen summer workers earning an average of $15.68 per hour—up 36% since 2019—ambitious high schoolers have unprecedented earning potential. But the truly savvy teens aren't punching time clocks. They're launching businesses that offer more flexibility, higher profits, and valuable experience for college applications. As the founder of WIT (Whatever It Takes), I've seen firsthand how teens transform simple ideas into profitable ventures, many outperforming traditional summer jobs. Research shows that 66% of teens aged 13-17 express interest in starting businesses, and for good reason. These early entrepreneurial experiences build skills that translate directly to future success—teens with summer work experience earn 14-16% higher wages in their twenties. They are 7% more likely to graduate on time. With over 6 million teens competing for traditional summer jobs, creating your own opportunity offers a distinct advantage. Here are five accessible side hustles any motivated teen can launch this summer with minimal startup costs and realistic potential to earn $5,000 before school resumes: Summer is the peak travel season, so pets need reliable care. This service requires minimal startup investment while providing consistent income. Getting Started: Create a simple one-page business plan outlining services and rates. Advertise services on neighborhood apps like Nextdoor, distribute flyers at local pet stores, and leverage family connections for initial clients. Smart Pricing Strategy: 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 $5,000: Securing just 3-4 regular dog walking clients (at $150/week) plus weekend pet-sitting gigs ($300/weekend) puts this goal within reach. The key advantage is the recurring nature of these services—once you prove reliable, clients tend to book repeatedly. 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. Getting Started: 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." 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 $5,000: Landing just two clients monthly at $300 each yield $1,800 over the summer. Expand to 3-4 monthly clients by July, and reaching $5,000 becomes realistic. The scalable nature of this business makes it particularly attractive—teens can manage multiple clients simultaneously as efficiency improves. Academic support remains in high demand year-round, and summer offers a perfect opportunity for students to strengthen their skills before the next school year. Getting Started: Identify 2-3 subjects where you excel and create a simple flyer outlining your qualifications, subjects, and hourly rate. Distribute to neighborhood families and local parent groups on social media. Smart Positioning: Rather than generic tutoring, focus on specific needs: SAT/ACT prep, essay writing support, or math skill development. Specialization justifies higher rates and attracts more motivated clients. Path to $5,000: Charging $30-40 hourly and securing 10-15 weekly tutoring hours puts this goal within reach. The advantage of tutoring is minimal overhead—just transportation costs and possibly workbooks or online resources. This translates to high profit margins. Seasonal yard maintenance provides a practical option for teens who are comfortable with physical work and outdoor conditions. Getting Started: Invest in basic equipment (lawn mower, trimmer, work gloves) or use clients' equipment initially. Create service packages (basic mowing, premium care including edging and cleanup, and garden maintenance) with transparent pricing. Smart Scaling: Begin with neighbors and family connections, then expand through referrals. Offering reliable weekly service schedules makes this attractive to busy homeowners. Path to $5,000: Charging $30-50 per standard yard (depending on size) and servicing 10-15 yards weekly generates $1,200-1,800 monthly. Adding specialized services like garden weeding, mulching, or hedge trimming increases profit margins substantially. Selling handmade or personalized products can be financially rewarding and artistically fulfilling for creative teens. Getting Started: Choose one specific product type—custom tumblers, digital illustrations, handmade jewelry, or personalized apparel. Initially, focus on quality and consistency rather than variety. Smart Marketing: Establish a dedicated Instagram account showcasing your process and finished products. Leverage local summer markets, craft fairs, and online platforms like Etsy or Depop to reach customers. Path to $5,000: This model requires calculating your costs precisely. If each item costs $8 to produce and sells for $25, you must sell approximately 300 units over the summer. While this sounds substantial, focused production sessions and strategic marketing can make it achievable. The difference between teens who dream about making money and those who earn $5,000 comes 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. One WIT student, Maya, started a personalized study guide service for AP courses last summer. Rather than creating materials from scratch, she developed a template system that allowed her to customize existing frameworks for individual students. By charging $75 per customized guide and focusing on five subjects she knew well, she generated over $6,200 in three months while working just 20 hours weekly. While making $5,000 represents a tangible goal, the skills developed through these entrepreneurial ventures provide lasting benefits beyond financial gain. Teen entrepreneurs build critical customer service, financial management, marketing, and problem-solving capabilities—skills that translate directly to college applications and future careers. Young business owners learn to spot market needs, handle finances, interact with customers, and respond to changing situations. These practical experiences directly build the capabilities colleges and employers want, giving entrepreneurial teens a distinct edge when applying to universities or future positions. The key step is to begin. The best approach is to start with current resources and refine the business model through experience. By solving real problems, maintaining quality service, and building genuine customer relationships, teens can transform a summer side hustle into a profitable venture and powerful learning experience that will serve them long after summer ends.
