by Victoria Kennedy, CEO of Victorious PR
It’s hard to start a business, but it’s even harder if you’re young. Those who say that age is just a number haven’t been a 20-year-old entrepreneur. Not only is it a challenge to get the older generation to take you seriously, but it’s also a challenge to get your business funded if those with money think you aren’t old enough to turn your idea into a profitable venture. No matter how great your idea is or what kind of work ethic you have, someone is going to question your abilities for the simple fact that you are young.
Nobody knows the challenges of a young entrepreneur quite like Jesus Salamo Baretta, CEO of JY Global Group. His experiences and successes are so unique because not only is he a young business owner, but he is also a young international business owner, and international business comes with its own set of challenges. I sat down with Jesus Salamo Baretta, and he shared with me the top three things that every young entrepreneur should do when they start their own business.
Here is what he had to say.
1. Have Confidence.
As studies have shown, people are more drawn to those who carry themselves with confidence. When it comes to business, this is especially true, and confidence truly is key.
“If you don’t have it, build it. Learn everything you can about your industry and the market,” said Jesus Salamo Baretta. “I started with my father in 2019, and by 2020 I was selling and accomplishing a lot in the plastic sector because I was learning everything I could about that sector. Because of my age, some of the people that have been in the plastic business for years are surprised by how I sell to a specific client.”
Jesus Salamo Baretta entered the industry with confidence in himself and his abilities, and this confidence was one of the key factors that led him to the success he has gained.
“What really got me to where I am is the confidence in myself, to trust that I can do it, that I am able to do it. I will do whatever it takes, and I’m not going to make excuses,” he said.
2. Get a Mentor.
Mentorship is one of the most important things in business, especially when it comes to becoming successful. Having a mentor will provide you with someone who supports you and your business, someone who can help you achieve the level of confidence in yourself that you need, and it can provide you with resources and guidance you wouldn’t have access to otherwise.
“Ask yourself who your idol is. Who inspired you to start a business? What have you learnt from them?” Jesus Salamo Baretta said. “I learned from my father. I learned values from him and most of my motivation is because of him. I got my spirit to work hard and always look ahead from him. My father is the one who inspired me, and it was only natural that he mentored me as well.”
One of the best parts about mentorship is that your mentor teaches you everything they know. They share with you what led them to success and what lessons they had to learn the hard way. This allows a young entrepreneur to avoid certain pitfalls and can even lead them to achieving greater success than those who came before them.
“My best friends sometimes say, “Okay, his father is a successful businessman, so it’s easy for him,” but something that I always point out is that my father was somebody in Venezuela, nobody knew who my father was in Europe. Our last name, our company name is something I built up. I put in the work to make us known internationally. I couldn’t have done it without the mentorship I received, but I am proud to admit that this feat is one I accomplished,” he added.
3. Be Your Own Competition.
Some business owners view other business owners as the enemy and treat them as such, but this mentality has no place in being a successful entrepreneur according to Jesus Salamo Baretta.
“There is room for everyone under the sun. Don’t compete with people who’ve been in the industry longer than you, or shorter than you. Compete with yourself. Be a step ahead of yourself from yesterday,” he said.
There is a lot to learn if you’re a young entrepreneur, but if you keep these three things in mind, you will be better prepared to achieve the success that you’re seeking.
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About Jesus Salamo Baretta
Jesus Salamo Baretta, CEO of JY Global Group, is a seasoned international trade expert and a budding entrepreneur. With a passion for expanding his company’s reach beyond borders, he has gained extensive experience in navigating the intricacies of global business. Click here to learn more about Jesus and JY Global Group : http://jyglobalgroup.com/.
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Victoria Kennedy is a Wall Street Journal best-selling author, TEDx speaker, Monaco Voice 40 Under 40, and well-respected authority in public relations who has spoken at events for ambassadors, lords, and dignitaries in such prestigious locations as the House of Commons and Guildhall in London and the Vatican. She is the CEO of Victorious PR, an award-winning, multi-million dollar PR agency that has helped dozens of entrepreneurs become the #1 Authority in their niche by getting them featured in top podcasts and press. To gain more credibility and authority in your market, please visit victoriouspr.com.
