#YoungProfessional #ClientFeedback #ProductPrototype
Understanding the Challenge
As a young professional in the field of mechatronic engineering, it can be challenging when clients comment on your age during interactions. While they may mean well, hearing “you’re still young” can leave you feeling uncertain about your credibility and expertise. However, it’s essential to remember that age should not be a barrier to success. Here are some practical tips to help you level up and gain the respect you deserve from clients.
Establish Expertise
- Showcase your knowledge and skills by providing in-depth explanations and demonstrations during client interactions.
- Highlight your educational background and experience in mechatronic engineering to build credibility.
- Stay updated on industry trends and advancements to demonstrate your commitment to continuous learning.
Develop Professionalism
- Communicate clearly and confidently to project professionalism and assertiveness.
- Dress in a polished and professional manner to make a strong first impression on clients.
- Adopt a proactive approach by anticipating and addressing client needs before they arise.
Build Relationships
- Focus on building strong relationships with clients based on trust, reliability, and mutual respect.
- Take the time to listen to their feedback and address any concerns or questions they may have.
- Go above and beyond to deliver exceptional results that exceed client expectations.
Embrace Confidence
- Believe in yourself and your abilities to overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome.
- Practice positive affirmations and visualization techniques to boost self-confidence before client interactions.
- Seek mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals in your field to gain valuable insights and advice.
Remember, age is just a number, and your skills and expertise speak volumes about your capabilities as a professional. By implementing these strategies and focusing on continual growth and improvement, you can level up yourself and command the respect and recognition you deserve from clients. Stay motivated, stay determined, and continue to strive for success in your career as a young professional in mechatronic engineering. 💪🚀🔧
For context: I have a 9 to 5 job by day and make physical product prototypes by night. My major is mechatronic engineering, my dad has a workshop to fabricate products. Currently I have 5 clients for product R&D and manufacturing, which is at my max capacity.
In the conversation, all of them asked me how old I was. I said 24, and 5 of them said "you're still young". They still pay for the service though. I can get over the fact that they say that. The question is: how do I level up to the point they don't say that anymore? Still hustling but it still bothers me quite a bit.
Don’t worry about it. They’re probably impressed with what you’re accomplishing at your age.
Don’t tell them your age, tell them how long you’ve been doing the work your doing, “I’ve been prototyping/fabrication/mechatronics, for x years.” And if needed add a few but no too many.
Keep it up. It’s actually a compliment.
If you want to clap back, try this:
“In this economy, I should have started when I was 10”
“It’s not like we’re in the 80’s where I can buy a house for 60k, im not as fortunate as the boomers”
“…. Fuck you”
I think the third one is the nicest one. They totally will not get offended, please try it out.
Grow a beard. Night and day difference
I have this same problem as well. I’m a senior level engineer with 10+ years experience all over technology, but I have the face of a 16 year old. It’s a little annoying having to bring so much proof to the table when having discussions with coworkers that are my dad’s age.
No one ahead of you hate you for trying.
I don’t mean to derail too much but what kind of physical products? You mention mechatronic, do you ever do anything related to IoT?
Also I saw this guy on kickstarter a while back and I bet you could do something like this: [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/huuma/rocking-birds/description?ref=project_facebook](https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/huuma/rocking-birds/description?ref=project_facebook) but
As a side note I just saw his thing was cancelled, bummer.
I started my own business when I was 24. I always got “Wow, where’d you learn to do this, you probably just finished school!” “You’re so young” “Just a kid”
I always just replied “yep, but I’ve been at this a long time already”
As the person who was always too young, I think as long as you get the business its no big deal! Just one of those things that people have to comment on. I have always tried to stay more under the radar and just thank them or be humble about it. Which in my experience gets me more respect.
“how old do you think I am?” With lots of eyebrow wiggles.
Old enough to know better, young enough to try anyway.
They still pay. You are fussing.
Lean into it
“I barely got my first chin hair last week!”
That’s almost gonna guarantee a laugh. Now a you’re young, smart, ambitious, and funny man and leave your clients feeling good!
How many years of experience do you have?
The best way to LEVEL UP is to publish a book that highlights the following:
– your knowledge of your industry
– past client success stories with testimonials
– log of your industry participation / inputs
– a little peek into what ‘drives’ you
Being a published authority in YOUR FIELD, even if self-published, puts you head and shoulders above the competition because MOST of your competitors are not published EXPERTS.
Just showing up and handing your prospect a hardbound copy of your book with a magnificent cover and impressive personal headshot in the back matter ESTABLISHES YOUR CREDIBILITY AND AUTHORITY.
Stop relying on business cards. Hand out hardcopies of your book instead.
Thankfully, doing this and promoting your book to prospects have become CHEAPER than ever thanks to outsourcing, VA’s and AI.
Remember to swing for the fences when trying to get the attention of prospects because YOU ONLY GET ONE SHOT.
“People that know a lot more than me and especially more than you put me in charge of this, so just roll with it, chief.”
You have to reassure them immediately that your young age wont affect the quality of your service, your availability, organisational skills and professionalism (unless of course it does)
If they’re buying, it’s not a big enough issue to worry about.
Also, something I learned the hard way, don’t answer unasked questions. “You’re young.” is a complete sentence—no need to respond. Sometimes, people process information out loud, or as others have commented, they’re impressed.
What is your advice or tips regarding what I can do with this money? What are some good investments you’d recommend I do or try? I have a flexible full-time job and I’m 21.
$1000 is what I have leftover each month.
This is awesome man! I’m also an ME been dreaming about running a shop. Glad to see you’re actually making it happen. Respect!
Just get over it lmao its not that deep.
Its your advantage, you are young and can do so much, sometimes it can be my card if I play it right, decision makers I known are very supportive for young founders/people
Be more aware than the so called “grownups”.
Being young is your best attribute! Smile at them and say “Yes, I am!” with enthusiasm. But show them in practice that you have value. That you want to be more and better.. I suggest you have a plan, a plan means you don’t do things randomly but do things to measure specific results. I suggest you check out this[ Smart Planning Tool](https://plani.ai/), it gives you a highly personalized plan full of tips and strategies you can adopt.
If they’re still paying you, doesn’t really matter. If you don’t want to come across as young, then groom yourself well, dress well (shirt and pant), talk in a calm and composed manner, etc. But they’re likely just impressed by what you’re doing at a young age and maybe you misinterpret the way they tell you this.
Know your shit, and own it. Be humble, not cocky…. And you’ll get respect.
Younger people have more leeway with social medias etc and have a point to prove I would never shy away over age if they do it just wasn’t meant to be keep moving forward