Gen Z was born in the age of technology and social media. Having grown up with the internet, smartphones and social media all their lives, the online space has become second nature to them. Naturally, today’s youth is more tech-savvy and well-connected than every generation that’s come before. The opportunities for Gen Z to grow and achieve their dreams seem endless.
However, despite the high internet usage of Gen Z, the youth in many low-income countries lack the means to get the digital literacy they need to make the most of these opportunities. International Youth Day brings such youth issues to the eyes of the global community. There are many skills the younger generation can learn to not only help those around them, but equip themselves with the know-how to thrive in an economy where many struggle.
India’s start-up ecosystem has grown exponentially over the past decade to become one of the largest in the world. Policies such as Digital India are empowering people from every corner of the nation to use online platforms for business, with the Economic Survey 2024 showing more than 45% of start-ups emerging out of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Read More: Digital India: Driving The New Wave Of Entrepreneurship Across The Nation
The future of entrepreneurship in India is bright and familiarising yourself with the right set of skills as a young entrepreneur will make sure you don’t miss out when an opportunity comes your way. Let’s take a look at some essential skills every young entrepreneur should know:
#1 – Digital Expertise
Digital platforms are part of almost every business in some way or the other. Having a thorough understanding of social media, e-commerce, SEO and digital marketing is a must-have skill for budding and aspiring entrepreneurs. It’s an invaluable skill that can be the difference-maker in an extremely competitive market.
As a young entrepreneur, you also need to be up-to-speed with new developments in the digital space.
#2 – The Art of Communication
Entrepreneurs have to communicate with employees, customers and investors, among others. You have to be able to get your point across effectively in varying situations, whether it be networking events, meetings, pitches, or negotiations. Each situation requires you to communicate in different ways that can be make-or-break for your business.
Being a smooth operator is easier said than done, but a great example of one is the late Steve Jobs. He had a way with words that captivated listeners and painted a clear picture of his thoughts. A young entrepreneur who can communicate well always leaves a strong impression.
Read More: 11 Key Lessons on Communication Skills You Can Learn From Steve Jobs
#3 – Problem-Solving
There are always going to be hurdles on the path to success. Risks and tough decisions are an everyday part of an entrepreneur’s life, but a good entrepreneur will have the critical thinking to assess each circumstance and the problem-solving skills to make the best possible decision.
The best entrepreneurs are the ones that convert challenges into opportunities. Having the right data, the ability to look at different perspectives, analysing different strategies and foreseeing the future to make the right decision are what separates the best entrepreneurs from the rest.
#4 – Creativity
The number of start-ups in India is always on the up. Chances are, if you have a business idea, someone else has already started working on it. You need to be able to innovate, experiment and be creative in your approach if you want your business to stand out from the crowd.
Young entrepreneurs who are open-minded and think out of the box can come up with unique ideas that give their businesses the competitive edge they need to succeed.
#5 – Adaptability
Every industry is constantly evolving. An entrepreneur has to be open to change and be willing to adapt to market needs. The business should be flexible enough to adapt to change without taking on too much risk.
The best entrepreneurs have the foresight to make contingency plans for potential changes in the market. Those who can adapt quickly are more likely to succeed.
To be a successful entrepreneur in today’s world, you also need to be able to manage your finances, as well as build and maintain a strong relationship with your network. While technical skills are essential, many soft skills are just as important. The earlier an entrepreneur develops a good balance of both, the more likely they are to find success.
Read More: 10 Proven Tips for Young Entrepreneurs to Start Off Strong
Becoming a QNET Entrepreneur
With QNET India’s direct selling model, you can become a QNET distributor and be your own boss. QNET empowers you by offering you training programmes that give you the essential skills to become a successful entrepreneur. You also develop in-depth knowledge of a wide range of high-quality health and lifestyle products that you learn to market and sell. Mentorship is also built into the business model to guide newcomers. QNET also helps you build a strong network while giving you the freedom to work your own hours and earn money based on the sales you make.
Read More: How to Start Network Marketing? How do I join QNET?
You get all the tools and support you need to succeed as a young entrepreneur. There are many young entrepreneurs who have achieved their dreams thanks to QNET. Safal Azeez is just one such QNET distributor, who achieved his dream of building a house for his parents at the age of 26.
As a young entrepreneur, mistakes are an inevitable part of your journey. It is the best way to learn and improve; that being said, there is a difference between making careless mistakes and taking calculated risks. Learn all the essential skills you need and make sure you have a good understanding of what you’re getting into before taking the leap.