I have been watching this thread with growing irritation, not because you are doing anything wrong, but because you are 17.

At 17, you are far too young to be trying to start a business. I too tried to start a business at about that age and fortunately, it failed completely. That left me free to get a life!

At 17, one has this overwhelming feeling that one has to somehow be an adult, take responsibility, start a life and build a career. People far older than you will tell you that you are doing all the right things and making all the right moves. They even give you a head start by opening doors for you. Balls!

I am now in my 60s and a multiple grandfather - I have a nice house and I run a business that includes a fairly reasonable recording studio. In the past, I have run a PA and lighting company with several trucks, which I then sold, I have had a news agency which I was also able to sell and I am doing all right, to the extent that I can go for a half-hour walk without leaving my property.

But one thing I do not have is, I have absolutely no idea what I am going to do when I grow up!

So, bearing that in mind, here are two pieces of advice that were given to me. The first came from a successful retailer called Schemiel, who ran a chain of furniture shops across the Norrth of England back in the 60s. Get on with your life! Shag! Travel! Live! Don't waste your youth on being responsible and doing what everybody tells you is the right thing to do.

You will only regret all the things you didn't do!

The second piece of advice (only to be followed, if you insist on doing the PA and lighting thing and AFTER you have done number one!!!) came from Brian Grant, MD of Britannia Row. Brit Row is the PA company and studio that was owned by Nick Mason of Pink Floyd. I asked him what the secret was to building up a really successful PA company.

"Find your Pink Floyd - now!"

In other words, the money, fun, life and career is not in the PA, but in the act that uses the PA.

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