10 pearls of wisdom from the Future Makers

Wisdom, as they say, comes with age. But when it comes to starting up, the lessons not only come thick and fast, they also come early.

One thing that our inaugural list of Future Makers have in common is that they plunged into the deep end of entrepreneurship, learning from their mistakes as they went.

We’ve picked out 10 of the best tips from Australia’s premier entrepreneurs aged 25 and under on how to make it as a fresh-faced business builder.

Nikki Durkin, 99dresses

Age: 20

“I’m mature for my age, and I hang out with a lot of older people, and I fit in, but you just need to prove yourself through your actions.”

“I’ve never had a problem being taken seriously, especially in the tech field, where there is a lot of young people.”

“You just need to do it, start something and learn from it, and I know that a lot of businesses in the start-up stage fail and fall flat on their face.”

“It’s a good learning experience for someone my age, but you should just do it, and get involved in the community, because there’s a lot of support there.”

Craig Somerville, Reload Media

Age: 22

“I think the biggest thing is you have to focus on results, and you have to earn respect.”

“You can’t get away with lying and saying, ‘I’ve been in the industry for 20 years’. You have to actually prove yourself with your results, and then I think you earn your front.”

“The biggest thing is to take advice. A lot of young entrepreneurs have good ideas, but the challenge is to have someone to bounce your idea off, and someone you’re willing to listen to and take advice from.”

Dan Murray, Sly Underwear

Age: 21

“I am of the belief that good business takes two to tango.”

“If you are dealing with another party or person, and they hold a prejudice simply because of your age, then chances are the relationship or deal was not right in the first place.”

Nathan Murphy, Audio High School

Age: 20

“Network a lot, take action and read books that inspire you.”

“The one that inspired me is Richard Branson’s ‘Losing My Virginity’.”

“He was dyslexic, he was poor, he went to jail, he was in five figures of debt, but then one day he looked at his life and completely turned it around.”

“Now he’s worth over $3 billion, he owns more than 300 companies in the Virgin Group and he’s making the world a better place every day. So, yeah, that’s the one to start with.”

Steph Wakefield, My Super Nanny

Age: 24

“Age is just a number. Given the opportunity, correct attitude and persistence, anyone can achieve what they desire.”

“Age gives you the advantage of wisdom, but doesn’t stipulate a time frame on when success can be achieved.”

“Knowing this and knowing my product like the back of my hand, allows people to believe in my product as much as I do.”

“Being hesitant, at any age, plants doubt in people’s mind. So what I say in business, I always say with conviction – and then back it up.”