If ya dont mind mildflame, I will give u a few tips on running your own business. What i have written needs to be looked at in a fun and light hearted way. Keep it fun so to speak. Petes advice is good in todays economy and for most unless u are a risk taker ?. Are u a risk taker ? hopefully. If you are only 14 or 15 yrs old, save the advice i have jotted down for when ya turn 18 etc. But, if u see yourself as a risk taker, then read on.
I decided about 20 yrs ago to bet on myself rather than working for people who had half the brains and paid themselves twice as much. We have all met people whilst being employed and thought the management/boss's were a joke, hence I became self employed just after i turned 20 ish and have never looked back.
a few simple steps for anyone young to follow if you want to live ya dream.
1. believe in yourself.dont listen to the majority.the majority will tell u that u will fail. if u listen to them, u will. Only seek advice from people who want to help you.
Be careful of people who will shoot down every idea you come up with. 99 percent of people will discourage every idea you come up with. some people will give u every chance and wish you luck. go with the later. Some people will bend over backwards to see u get ahead.older people will always give a younger bloke a hand.
2. dont even try n start a business today that requires weekly rent, wages and outgoings. These businesses mostly fail because the running costs are too big.
3. start small, start partime. you can be employed to bring in the income u need to live, but work on your business ideas after work and on weekends. if u are to be employed, get a job where there is a base salary plus commission. commission jobs that pay bonuses on performance can pay a young bloke Alot of $. ALOT $.
4. pick a trade or profession where u see people making lots $. copy them. ask those people for a start or for some advice.
5. have fun doing what u do. if you hate it, dont do it. its likely u will succeed at something u enjoy.
6. treat people in business how u like to be treated. be the boss u always wanted so to speak.
7. dont be greedy and share in your success.
8. starting out today, definately make the internet part of your business.
9. be wary of partnerships in business. 99percent fail.dont make ya wife ya business partner either.divorce takes half ya business. work n play dont mix. mostly.
10. save and be frugal with ya money. saving is as important as earning. and be patient. being patient is the spice of life with being self employed.
These ofcourse are general ideas i have found have worked for me over the last 20 years. I started with $50 worth of business cards and some sweat. Make family n friends your first priority, not $. Have fun along the way and meet as many people along the way as u can. People make businesses work, not always ideas 
All Great advice that myself and my housemate will definitely both take on board, as we have each started our own small businesses
She has started a small animal (rabbits, guinea pigs etc) grooming business called Superklean Critters, and me.. well.. see my avatar pic
After i read your post i got her to read your advice you gave mildflame, and she said to tell you she agrees 100% with everything you said as this is stuff she learnt in her Small Business Management course.
