Yankee, just asked me these questions and I thought it was worth a new thread. I'm not exactly real young at 27, nor have I am I in the fastlane yet. I have done a few deals now though.
Ive never had age become a problem for me. Mainly because I how present myself.
First thing you should do is stop worrying about your age. Don't even let it cross your mind. All this will do is make you self conscious about something that you have no control over. There are much better things to concentrate on.
When your working in a professional setting, remember that. Act professional. Many people just assume that all young folks are immature and irresponsible. When your not, that will make an impression with them. Remember one thing though, everyone is human, you will go much further by being personable. That doesn't mean telling jokes or even laughing at theirs, but be friendly. A smile or grin can go a long way. Always be willing to help.
Listen more then you talk. There is an old adage that you have 2 ears and one mouth for a reason. Listen twice as much as you talk. No its not you should be seen and not heard mentality. Its a matter of respectfully listening to what others have to say.
Choose your battles and be able to back up what you have to say. If you feel you need to argue a point with someone, public places are not the place to do it. No one likes to be made a fool of in front of others. If you do need to argue, keep a level head and back up what you have to say with well reasoned and thought out points. Once you have made you point, leave it be. Salt in a wound never helps matters. It never hurts to take a breath before speaking and think about what your going to say.
Perhaps the most important thing is persistence and consistent. You will run into folks that no matter how you act will always percieve you as "some kid". That is where you buck up and do the job better then everyone around you over and over and over. I can remember umpiring adult softball at 16. The age was 18 to do so. Once they found out they originally attempted to move me to scorekeeper. The only thing that kept them from doing so, I was better then most umpires, I let things roll off my back and I stood my ground. No its not investing, but interacting with people is always the same, just change the setting a bit.
Yes, you may have to prove yourself, but most people are not stupid. When they see a hard worker that has the drive and patience to get things done, they will stick with you. Such a person is a rare find in the business world. In all reality everyone has to prove themselves in one way or another. Your to young, your a foreigner, your female, you have a lisp, your deaf, your black, your not smart enough etc etc etc. The successful folks never view the reasons as handicaps even if some others do. If you allow them to be handicaps , its just another excuse. If a person still can not see your success through these "limitations" then you don't need them. Plenty of others out there to deal with.
If I may, I'll call you out Yankee. If you orate in person half as well as you do on this board, you will have no problems. Not to pick on you to much, but look around this board. You interact with very very successful people who listen to what you have to say. Why? Because how you present yourself on this board. You respond with well thought out mature responses and listen to what others have to say. I know 50 year olds that don't have that level of maturity or respect.
I know there is more to add, but Ive drawn a blank. Others feel free to chime in. I called out Yankee, but to be honest I'd like to keep to the topic of young investors or any who has to prove themselves.
++to Yankee for the thread idea.
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