This is a copy of my magazine Mad Rhythms, my first business.

Yesterday I received an email from two aspiring entrepreneurs. They were teens that I met through the Elijah Cummings Youth Summit in Baltimore where I’ve spoken for the past three years. In their letter, they wanted to know how I could help them with their business. This is what I had to say:

The best thing that you all can do for yourselves right now is write a business plan. This should be your first step. Go to the library and get a book that says something like, “How to Write A Business Plan,”  “The Easy Way To Writing A Business Plan,” something to that effect. Then, reach out to adults that you’ve met and let them know of your business plan. This will make you appear as SERIOUS minded business people. Remember, appearance is a big deal in business. Something as routine as a business plan separates REAL business people from WANNA BE’s. You’ll also learn so much about your potential business in the process that you’ll learn what kinds of additional skills are needed to launch your business.

I recommend business plans to all people who are starting a business of their own. Its like looking at your business from the inside out. Business plans have ways of saving you from major pitfalls.

Ps. People need consulting advice in starting your business? Visit www.thesignalsagency.com The Signals Agency is *CURRENTLY* booking dates for my college tour, CEO 101: Entrepreneurship isn’t just for business majors.