To say the least, Cameron Johnson was not your typical teenager. Beginning at the tender age of nine, Cameron started his first business and before graduating high school, he was recognized as one of the most successful teenage entrepreneurs in the world. At the age of fifteen, Cameron was the youngest person to become an Advisory Board Member to a Japan-based company. That same year, a best-selling Japanese author wrote a biography book on his life. Over the last six years, Cameron has given more than one-hundred speeches worldwide and at the age of 17, he was the Keynote Speaker with Michael Dell at the Youth International Technology Summit in Austin, Texas.

He has never taken out a loan or racked up any debt, and every one of his businesses has been highly profitable — so profitable that he made his first million before graduating from high school, and he’s put away enough cash so that he could retire today.

But that’s the last thing on earth he’d want to do; he’s much too happy starting up new companies.

Here’s what Cameron has to say:

“It’s actually not that difficult to succeed. It’s much more common sense than rocket science. But it starts with finding the courage to put yourself out there.

Believing in yourself is what gives you the confidence and resilience to deal with the rejections and doubts. It drives you to do the best job you can, no matter what you’re doing.

Believing in yourself leads naturally to a second principle: You have to believe in what you’re selling.

People sometimes think of selling as the art of being pushy, crafty or even manipulative. In fact, it’s exactly the opposite. The best salespeople focus on asking questions and listening, not pushing.

I’m always genuinely fascinated to know why people wouldn’t want what I’m selling. If you’re not passionate about the product or service you’re offering, how could you possibly approach people with genuine confidence? Make sure you’re proud of what you sell and the value it creates in people’s lives, and you’ll instantly become a better entrepreneur.

Believing in yourself also leads to a third success principle: When you respect yourself, treating other people with respect comes naturally. Treating other people with great respect is one of the most powerful secrets of business success. Keep doing that over time with everyone you encounter, and you’ll find that people are consistently receptive to you and to your products, services, and ideas. Any fears and doubts you have will start to melt away.”

entrepreneur.com