Sarah: Nick, tell me, how you got started and where other kids starting a business and parents can find out more info about you.
Nick Purcell: I got started in Internet Business when I found the site Swagbucks.com(Referral link: http://swagbucks.com/refer/Purarnick ). This website was a search and win website. It is a search engine, like Google, except every search you have a chance to win points that they call Swagbucks. From there I learned making money online was possible. I found a couple other websites that you can make money from by clicking advertisements, sharing content, etc. I then started a blog to get referrals for Swagbucks creating guides to help people make money themselves. I then found Pat Flynn, who runs the Smart Passive Income blog(http://smartpassiveincome.com ), and he motivated me to start my own Internet Business blog. This blog can be found at SimplyLearnBusiness.com. You can find more information about me there. Plus you can follow me on Twitter(http://twitter.com/SimplyLBusiness ), Linkedin(http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=145934677&trk=tab_pro ), and Youtube(http://youtube.com/user/NickIsReviews ).
Sarah: What do you think are the most important skills you have that help you in business and that other kids starting a business would need?
Nick Purcell: I think that there are a ton of skills necessary to be a successful business owner. First of all, you need to be able to connect with people. For example, me connecting with you right now. This is a great opportunity for me to get my name out there and if I didn’t have the skill to connect with you I would have missed it. Another important skill is initiative. You need to be a self-starter. It’s hard to start and maintain a business while you are still in school. But if you take the initiative you can really benefit from it.
Sarah: What were the biggest obstacles, problems you had in getting started as a kid in business?
Nick Purcell: I would say that getting my parents on board was a challenge. To be honest, until I started earning some money from it, I didn’t tell them. The reason is that they wouldn’t have understood. They would have thought, as many do, that this was all a scam. I would have totally missed out. Another obstacle was funds. I needed to make the money to start my blog, because as I said, I didn’t want to tell my parents. So earning my first $50 was a big challenge and really slow-going.
Sarah: How old were you when you started and how old are you now? How does age age affect kids starting a business or how does your age affect your business success?
Nick Purcell: I started in Internet Business freshman year, so I was 14 or 15 years old. Now I’m 17 years old and been doing this for a few years. I think age does affect people’s ability to start a business. When you are kid you may not have the funds to start the business as I have already explained. Another reason is that your parents pay for a lot of your expenses so your motivation may be a lot lower. Living off of the money you make online definitely will motivate you to make more money. So that may change your view of the importance of your business and affect your success.
Sarah: What about college? Are you planning on going? Do you think that college is necessary for kids in business?
Nick Purcell: I am going to college. I am currently a senior and in the thick of applying. Northeastern University is my top choice. I think college is a great idea, because it can enhance your skills. Plus you never know what might change, you may need that degree. I think that college may not be necessary if you are really successful, but it’s still a good idea for a safety net.
Sarah: What have been the best surprises that you found in starting a business?
Nick Purcell: I suppose I was very surprised at how willing other people are to help. Especially if you are a kid. Like I got this interview from you, thanks again. But honestly, people are so nice online. They really are willing to help!
Sarah: Do you do EVERYTHING by yourself or do you have people on your team that work with you? If so – how did you find people to help you along the way?
Nick Purcell: Up until this year, everything was me. I learned and applied strategies by myself. Along with building the blog and following. I mean, I found other bloggers that gave me advice. But it was really all me. This year, I have an internship with Rogers & Gray Insurance Agency. I am there for Social Media Marketing. So I am learning a lot from my supervisor. But that is the only help I’ve received in my studies for Internet Business.
Sarah: How do you balance it all? Do you find that you still have time to be a kid or is it all about business?
Nick Purcell: To be honest, it’s hard. I have a tough time with balancing. The thing that gets me to do it is my passion for Internet Business. I absolutely love it. I love writing blog posts and I love doing this interview. I find it to be extremely fun and fulfilling. I do still have time to be a kid. I mean it’s my senior year. I definitely am out doing stuff, but I do keep myself on task with my business. My personal opinion is that you have to love it.
Sarah: What is the best business advice or tips you would like to share with kids who want to be CEO kids?
Nick Purcell: My advice is just get started. I mean I started with Swagbucks. Do something to earn money to start your first business, or start it right now if you can. I wish I had started in 5th grade! Who knows where I’d be! But also do what you love. With blogging you can write about topics that you love, for me it’s Internet Business. Do what you love and start right now! If you are reading this, feel free to contact me at @SimplyLBusiness me with any questions, suggestions, help, anything! I love connecting with people! 
Loved this interview and I’m inspired by Nick’s persistence and self-motivation. Sarah, you found a very special CEO kid!
Thank you for stopping by Nancy! Nick is such a great example of what young entrepreneurs can do!