I’d like to say a huge thank you to Lorraine from EnterprisingChild, for taking the time to speak to me. The below article was taken from EnterprisingChild.com & was written by Lorraine Allman. – Hassan Iqbal
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Hassan Iqbal – 15 Years Old.
I was delighted to recently have the pleasure of talking with 15 year old Hassan Iqbal who lives in Rochdale, UK. At just 13 years of age Hassan set up the Haz-Corporation under which he has run Haz-Tec (computer repairs), Haz-Sell (online classified ads), and Haz.Me (a virtual learning environment with social networking component for pupils aged 9+). He is currently focused on Haz-Server – a company-providing web hosting solutions to business.
During the interview, I have to say I was really impressed with Hassan’s knowledge of some of the business fundamentals such as ‘margins’, which often even established business owners have trouble getting their heads around! I genuinely believe Hassan is going to be ‘one to watch’ in the future and hope you will be inspired by this interview and his work to support your own child in finding their passion.
What sparked your interest in computers and IT?
When I was around 8 years old my Dad was often bringing 6 or 7 computers home each week to fix and he’d get me involved in helping him with that, so it stimulated my interest in how computers worked. I also had my own computer, which I managed to break on a regular basis. One day Dad said, “That’s it! If you break it again I’m not fixing it”. Of course I broke it and that meant it was down to me alone to fix it, and I did!
How did you get into starting a business so young?
The interest with computers stayed with me after that experience at age 8 and I continued to help Dad with his work as I moved into secondary school as well as taking on computer repairs from friends and referrals of my own. After the careers talk in Year 9 at school I decided to register a domain name and build a web site to let more people know what I was doing.
How did you learn the technical stuff you needed to know?
Basically I taught myself everything I needed to know to build the website. Dad helped out with some of the technical things when it came to computer repairs, but I think I know more than he does now as things have advanced so much! I have also managed to build my own servers at this age, which I personally think is an achievement because not many young people are able to do this.
How have your parents supported you with your business activities?
Both Mum and Dad have been great. In a way it wasn’t a huge jump for them to make in me starting the business. I was already doing computer repairs at home for family and friends just not under a company name. When I started to get interest from the press (Hassan was featured in his local observer paper) they were quite surprised. Dad helps me with some of the practical hardware issues. I also have some financial help but mainly they give me emotional support, which is really important.
How have your friends/peers supported you with your business?
Many of my friends have supported me with my business. I have had a lot of support from people that I never knew before who are from different schools and colleges. I’d really like to thank everyone who has helped me by sharing it on social networking sites (Facebook & Twitter) and also by word of mouth.
However, obviously when in life you set out to do something you’ll always meet people who would put you down, even ‘friends’. Some of the things I’ve heard numerous times are ‘you won’t be successful’, ‘why do you keep trying to setup different businesses and still failing at some?’ or ‘you won’t make any money you’re not even 16 yet’ and so on, but it hasn’t put me off. If you’re a young entrepreneur and have your mind set to something, whatever you do, don’t let anyone put you down. Stand on your own two feet and make sure you show the world what you’re made of, keep trying.
How do you fit everything in around your schoolwork?
It hasn’t been too difficult the last couple of years because there wasn’t much work to do outside of school hours. This year is different though as I have to focus on my exams and I know how important it is to get good grades. I didn’t always feel that way but if I want to have credibility in areas such as IT then I need to work hard to get good grades in the right subjects to be taken seriously. Getting academic results isn’t something that comes easy to me; I have to work really hard but I know I have to think long-term and getting good results is going to be important.
What do your teachers at school think about what you’re doing?
They’re mainly all quite pleased really. I had a very approachable Form Tutor in Key Stage 3 who when we were having career talks said I really should go and set up a proper business. I’m often called on to help out with IT problems in the school (Hassan quickly became known as ‘Haz-Tec’ to his peers and teachers) and once at the Gracie Fields Theatre the whole school audience ended up chanting my name when the technology failed at the event, so I had to walk down the steps to the front which was terrifying because I didn’t know if I could actually fix the problem (he did)!
What would you say to a young person still at school who has an idea for a business?
Children are good at thinking outside the box. When they think of something they really like they should be encouraged to do something with it, like starting a business. So I’d say if you have a passion for something then do something about it and also try to make yourself stand out in a crowd.
If you’ve started a business at a young age, remember your doing something extraordinary, which other young people wouldn’t do. My motto is:
“Everyone has dreams and ideas, but there is a difference between the people who lie in their beds at night, dreaming of all they can do and the people who wake up, get up and start doing the work to live that dream.”
Never give up, even if you think you’re failing. It takes time to be successful. The time will come, once it’s ready.
What plans do you have for the future of Haz Corporation?
At the moment I’m focusing on Haz-Server and providing hosting solutions to business, but even that will have to take a back seat while I focus on my studies. I’m really interested in IT and Networking, that’s something that interests me a lot so I’d like to see how that develops down the line, say after my A levels. I’m currently looking for any help I can get really, just working on building my connections of people who can help me move forward. So I really would appreciate any help and support I can get, even if just pointing me in the right direction, that would still mean a lot to me.
You can view Hassan’s progress at www.HazCorp.org.uk/
Alternatively follow him on Twitter: @HazIqbalUK or email Hassan@HazCorp.org.uk
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Make sure you check out Lorraine Allman’s website EnterprisingChild.com & also buy her book on Amazon.
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