BBC News recently reported that hairdressing and plumbing skills are as likely in the UK to lead to the Millionaires Club as a University Degree. In fact, vocational qualifications which are popular in towns like Charters Towers, which makes complete logical sense. These skills, while they may be more affordable in Charters Towers, if you are keen to make a million dollar business, FIFO of large cities and find a niche in taking some of the trade work off over priced city workers. Trust me, I'm building a house in Melbourne and it is cheaper for me to send down tradesmen from Queensland than it is to get it done locally.
Fashion is a great industry - as we all have to wear clothes
Fashion is another great business that can literally be started from your dining room or garage. Take Karen Millen, one of the UK's most famous fashion designers who started selling shirts from her parents garage and now has 50 High Street stores.
It's coming to that time of year, and I say to students in Charters Towers - chill out, but at the same time, work as hard as you can and get the best results you possibly can - just so you can say you can do anything you put your mind to.
You may not end up a Doctor, nor a Lawyer, but you may become an entrepreneur or a tradesperson, that makes tens times the amount of money that any of your University Graduate counterparts make.
Put your best foot forward
What is important is that you do what you believe is the right career choice for you, and while you are getting there, you always put your best foot forward.
Learn the basics and school definitely teaches you that. Exams teach you discipline of having a deadline to learn or do something and delivering to that deadline. These traits are also important for those who are entering the world of business.
The World Incubator is waiting to see who finishes school and decides that entrepreneurship is for them. We open our doors to ask questions, speak to Charles or hop on the phone and speak to me personally.
Welcome to The World Incubator
With the incubator, if you have a good idea that is nationally or internationally scalable, you have 3 months of working with people who are going to help you, nurture you and be there for you. You will also have mentors and financial assistance - if the idea is good.
We haven't yet had someone come to us and say they want to make T-shirts - so I am waiting for that one. We have amazing mentors in that space and really if your idea and design is good, we can certainly do a lot to help you.
If you have APP ideas, or think you could run the next Instagram business like Beautiful Destinations chief Jeremy Jauncey, then come to see Charles. Pop in with your parents and discuss what is possible.
This should be the best time of your life:
- Study hard
- Remember the good manners your parents and teachers have given you
- Believe in yourself - you truly can do anything
- Be kind to everyone and make sure that everyone in your class and school knows (in a good way) who you are - they may be clients of the future
- Never let the knockers be your excuse of not reaching your full potential
- Chase your dreams, and don't let a little set back stop you from reaching them
- Surround yourself with positive people
- Don't be afraid to ring someone you admire in business that you would like to ask advice of. Most will be chuffed that you asked.
Good luck and know that The World Incubator and all of Charters Towers is right behind you. Do your best, that is all anyone can ask, but know doing your best means putting in the hours of hard work studying and learning.
If you want to be an entrepreneur, speak to me.... I may have a few spares to www.nqecon.com.au conference in Townsville. This conference will inspire you.
