For All The Young Entrepreneurs Out There

Just finished a discussion with some S7 (approx. 12th grade) students about an article from November 2002 about the youth unemployment rate in Hong Kong. I love talking about articles that are eight years old, because digesting the news really takes some time. Tomorrow we're going to discuss United Airlines' recent bankruptcy filing.

Anyway, there's a subheading towards the end that reads, "Try the business option." The article relays the success story of Joe Chan Kwong-chun, who as a recent S7 graduate started a travel agency. I did a little research and was able to verify that the company was still in existence as recently as June, 2008. Obviously, starting a company is not easy. Luckily, the article warns that, "Youngsters [should not start a] business without careful planning." I would even extend that warning to "oldsters," as well as "middle-agedsters." Still, the article raises a good point. If you have a good idea, some money, and a plan, there are plenty of opportunities out there.

Well, I don't have any money, and god knows I don't have a plan, but as I always say, "I'm an ideas guy." Living in Hong Kong for a year has given me a unique and borderline unheard of insight to the inner-workings of the city and the local business environment.

THE REMAINDER OF THIS POST IS FOR POTENTIAL INVESTORS ONLY. INVESTORS ARE FORBIDDEN BY LAW FROM STEALING MY AMAZING IDEAS............ OR ELSE.

1) Burrito Stand. Who doesn't love Mexican food? Burritos are cheap, convenient, massive, and delicious, yet there's no Chipotle equivalent in Hong Kong. What gives?? Investors should examine the area near the Prince Edward MTR. I feel like this location is ripe for burritos.

2) Used English Book Store. I know, I know. Print is Dead. But English books are so expensive in Hong Kong, and if the books are second hand, you don't even need to print them, right? I hear that there's a big market for English literature in the Prince Edward area.

3) Bagel Shop. Ted, this is all you.* I'd suggest the Prince Edward area as your first location, preferably near my apartment, with goals of expansion in the Kwun Tong area, preferably near the school where I work.

4) A Spanish Language Newspaper. I know, I know. Print is Dead, but Hong Kong's silent but maybe existent minority deserves a voice! You can set this up wherever you want.

5) A website where people can go to buy all of their pet supplies, food, and products all from the comfort of their own homes!

Ok, that's enough ideas for today, I think. I'm singing off until next time, but remember, "Money is better than poverty, if only for financial reasons."

Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

*As some of you might remember, my business associate Ted and I once made the most half-assed attempt in the history of the world at starting a bagel shop.