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One of the biggest obstacles any entrepreneur can face is discrimination in any form. But young entrepreneurs have an added hurdle, and sometimes they can’t even see it coming before it hits them head-on. No, it’s not the traditional prejudices like race or religion. This is one that nobody really takes seriously — probably because many of them may not even realize it is a form of discrimination. It’s called age discrimination.

Because of their age, ‘treps everywhere are having trouble getting customers, investors, even distributors to see them as pros. To get a fair shot, these master managers generally have to work harder and for less money than their older, more established counterparts.

To level the playing field, some young entrepreneurs find adults to represent them in business meetings and other areas, acting as a mouthpiece for the company. This lets them get established in their fields without having to deal with the age factor. Other ‘treps feel that hard work, perseverance, and talent should be enough proof of their contract worthiness.

Which would you choose? Would you go it alone, or would you hire an adult to speak for you?

Before you answer, read what these two successful teen entrepreneurs had to say about it.

Kevin:  Yes! I approach many large corporations or businesses and either offer them something or ask for assistance, and they totally agree… until they find out my age.

Kevin:  I refuse to be represented by an older person. If I have a product to offer or request assistance from another firm, they should do what is right regardless of my age.  If you have a solid product or need the help of a firm, they should provide that help if you are 40, 90, or 15.

Ephren: It’s hard to walk into a room full of investors and ask for large sums of money without having experience backing you and some seasoned leadership.

YB:  Do you think you would have been as successful without that kind of experience?  

Ephren:  Not at all. Our advisors have more contacts than we imagined. Also, they can open doors that we just couldn’t open on our own. Without the help of our older advisors and board, we couldn't raise financing in the sums we are now.

Ephren:  Get some experienced people and advisors behind you. There comes a time when you realize you don't know it all and you can't do it alone. That’s when you politely ask for help. Surprisingly, you won't find a shortage of it.  Adults love to see younger people doing something positive and won't hesitate to help you out.  

Just like racial and religious discrimination, young entrepreneurs have two real choices on how they want to deal with age discrimination. There are legal methods to help go around those who are stopping them, or they can use the people stopping them to their benefit. Neither method is going to be easy, but they’re a real and unfortunate part of being a young entrepreneur, and the decision is difficult but necessary.

So now that you've heard what Kevin and Ephren have to say,  what do you think about that question now?

Would you get an adult representative or would you go it alone?