I got this email from a young entrepreneur...

I am only 16, and dream of making my own business and making loads of money. When talking to people about it, they practically laugh in my face, as I am so young, and say it will never happen. I am determined to prove them wrong. How could I develop my business ideas so that someone takes me seriously?

This is a great question. You are not alone. I have a business acquaintance that is a young entrepreneur, and he ran into the same thing.

Believe In Yourself

If you believe in yourself and your abilities, no criticism, laughter or scoffing can hold you back. Maybe you need to choose more carefully whom you share your dreams, goals and plans with? Look for positive, successful business people.

Some people who have not been in business will always find it difficult to be supportive because they let their own dream die. Do not let them kill yours!

NOTE: I have never met a successful, balanced person who was not supportive of a young person with business ideas.

Be Willing To Listen And Learn

Get a mentor. Find a business-person you admire. If you do not know one, ask around. Approach them, be up front and tell them what you want. Second, make sure you tell them what you can offer in return! Make it rewarding for them. Here are some ideas:

• board of advisers: if you are going to find a mentor, why not get more than one? By getting support and advice from people with different backgrounds and skills, your growth will be more balanced and realistic.
• special event: bring mentors, friends and business associates together. They will appreciate meeting new people and having an opportunity to get to know the people you associate with.
• networking: pick up your mentor and take them with you to a public networking event.
• recognition: when you get a chance to introduce your mentor, introduce them, "this is John from ABC Company and he is on my Board of Advisers." You could also list them on your web site or in your corporate profile.

Get Support And Endorsement

If you can find a business person who supports and believes in your idea, they might be willing to offer an endorsement. Think of it as the "seal of Approval". It will help the skeptical people you are going to bump into, get over it.

Do Your Homework

If you want respect, earn it. Study, read and ask questions. Be prepared to research and learn from your experiences. Transform yourself into an expert in your field.

No matter how smart you are and how much energy you have at 16 years of age, you lack practical experience. This is not a hurdle! Rather, I see it as an opportunity to learn! Because of your lack of experience, you will likely see things differently than other people. You are seeing things for the first time and have a fresh perspective. You do not have a bunch of baggage weighing down your point of view.

Believe in yourself, your point of view and opinions. Make sure you take time to listen to other people's points of view, especially if you want people to listen to your opinions!

Press On

Sometimes you just have to cut the negative ninnies loose! Do not be mean or nasty about it, just put them behind you.

Know your strengths and weaknesses. Develop your strengths and use them. Manage your weaknesses or get someone else to do what you cannot or will not do for yourself.

One of greatest joys is breaking through and starting to experience the fruits of your dream -- press on!