Turn your kid’s fandom into their entrepreneurial debut

Does your kid have a weird obsession with a nugget of pop culture?

• A musician?

• A sports team?

• A…video game?

Whether they’re camping out for tickets to see their idol, or obsessing over them in online forums, no one can deny that fans are self-starters. 

And let’s face it — you probably had an obsession or two at their age.

But rather than looking at their fandom as a senseless hobby, consider it an opportunity to weave entrepreneurship lessons into something they already love.

Mad skills

Here’s what’s happening when your kid’s an active fan — they found something that they’re genuinely passionate about, and willing to dedicate their time to.

And they’re probably already honing some mad skills:

✍️ Creating: From writing fan fiction to managing social media accounts, fans keep themselves busy creating new content around their chosen star. 

🤝 Networking: Fandoms are built on communities. Your kid is likely swapping links, trading merch, and actively making connections with people of shared interest. 

📅 Logistics: Whether they’re planning ways to see their idols live, or figuring out which bundle of streaming services ensures they catch all of their team’s games, a lot of careful coordination goes into fandom.

However you feel about it, a ton of self-motivated learning is happening here.

And you can help ensure they squeeze the most entrepreneurial juice out of their fandom.

Ask guiding questions

Start by asking them questions about the source of their obsession:

• What do you like about them?

• What do other fans have in common with you? 

• As part of this fandom, are there things you want (products, services, content) that aren't available right now? 

These questions can help them zero in on their special connection with the person or brand, and potentially find a niche within the fan community to build upon. 

The key is to be genuinely curious and open-minded about their passion, which will excite them and create a strong emotional bond (win/win).

Be their business coach

Your kid might be a walking encyclopedia of their favorite celebrity, but there’s a difference between obsessing over gossip and understanding the value of a brand.

So this is where you can get hands-on with your guidance.

Do market research with them and see which fan-made products and services are taking off. Teach them to identify gaps in existing offerings by surveying their fan communities. Guide them to explore IP laws and restrictions on things they can profit from. 

Some things they can do include:

• Start their own YouTube channel for other fans

• Build a local community for fans to gather and socialize

• Make an app for fans to trade tickets and merch

• Create an Etsy shop for arts and crafts inspired by the celebrity

• …Whatever else their creative little heart can come up with!

While these may not be huge money-makers, they will help your kid explore business opportunities in things that they’re already spending time on. 

After all, fandom is just a gateway to the passion economy at its core.