Welcome to our Bear Cub Spotlight, introducing kidpreneurs that rock in business!
Business Ideas for kidpreneurs.
Today we spotlight:
Benjamin Wong, Kidpreneur
Hi Benjamin, so tell me how did you come up with Kid CEO? Did it always start as a Podcast?
The Kid CEO podcast started as a way for me to share expertise on finance and investment with my friends, family, and even teachers. After being constantly asked about stock tips or how to set up an investment account, I figured it was just probably easier to create episodes and simply send links.
What is the most interesting story you have done?
This is definitely a difficult question, and I would have to say all of them. While some have been in the spotlight longer than others, they all have such amazing stories. To choose one in particular wouldn’t be proper to honor their sacrifice and dedication to our world.
Never afraid of public speaking (ever) what do you think attributed to this?
Ever since hosting family talent shows at age 5-8, I kind of lost the mindset of negative public speaking. There is a positive and negative to everything, and while public speaking is certainly frightening for most people, there is much upside as well. By focusing on the positives rather than the negatives, you forget the negatives, altogether making you a more confident and better speaker.
How long have you been doing Podcasts? Do you ever get nervous before recording?
I’ve been doing podcasts since October 2019. I do get nervous occasionally, especially when interviewing some amazing guests, but once I’m ‘in the zone’, all that nervousness goes away.
What famous child CEO would you hope to interview?
I would have to say three kids; Alina Morse, Moziah Bridges, and the Bercaw sisters. I remember reading or watching (Shark Tank) everything they do, and they serve as the best inspirations for aspiring kidpreneurs.
What does a fourteen-year-old kidpreneur do when he’s not running Kid CEO or recording?
When I’m not running Kid CEO, I’m normally focusing on my next big project. Recently, that project was the Kid CEO Summit (now the largest event for young entrepreneurs). I’m also an avid violinist and sports-fan, so I try to spend some time relaxing with self-care.
How do you market Kid CEO on social media and what works for you?
A couple of episodes into the show, I found this community of ambitious kids and discovered that they’re all very inter-connected. My social media strategy was to tap into the group of kids. Once I discovered that trick, social media became as easy as pie.
You sold avocados on the street to pay for a game membership – you were uber determined for that membership; is this what sparked your kidpreneur entrepreneurial spirit?
Things were much simpler back then, and all I cared about was getting that game membership, whatever it took. I probably could have convinced my parents to purchase it for me, but they used the opportunity to ignite the entrepreneurial spirit inside. I attribute a lot of who I am today to that experience.
What are your plans for after high school?
I’m planning on attending University, specifically Stanford University, but if I find a better opportunity along the road, such as the chance to create my own company, there is no chance I would pass it down.
Are you ever amazed at how many kid entrepreneurs there are?
Definitely. Being a kidpreneur I thought I was one of few, but after interviewing a couple others, I realized I was one of many.
What advice would you give to a kid for wanting to start his own business but scared?
Don’t be scared. As a kid, the normal rules of entrepreneurship are irrelevant. There’s no rent to pay, no groceries to purchase, no family to feed. In this literal once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, feel free to take a risk knowing that there is always something to fall back on.
So, what’s the next business for Benjamin Wong?
I’m currently working on a couple of new podcasts I will be producing in collaboration with some amazing companies and organizations, all with the mission of inspiring and empowering more kidpreneurs.
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
5 Questions for our Cub Bears!
One word to describe you best…
Ambitious
Your favorite color?
Blue
One place you would like to visit?
New York City
First thing you want to do when you turn 21?
Travel
The best thing about being a kid?
Having the ability to take risks.