Raising Entrepreneurs

One of the great ways for kids to make money is through busking. Of course, it goes with out saying that you need to make sure that the parents know where the kids are, and what they are doing, and that the situation is safe.

There are lots of safe and pleasant places to be busking, but sometimes people ask me whether it is a “real” money-making idea, or just a bit of fun to do one or twice and then forget about it.

I will say this - it’s not for everyone. If you can’t play an instrument, and have a singing voice that sounds like someone strangling a swan, then you are not likely to get far as a busker. However, for those who do have some talent, busking is a great start to an entertainment business.

I would like you all to meet Declan Galbraith, as he explains how he made 200 pounds the first time he tried busking, and where that busking led (yes, he’s just nine years old in this interview).

Declan is now sixteen, his voice has broken, and he is well on the way to global stardom as he works his way through a million-pound, three-record deal with EMI.

Here’s what he looks and sounds like today.

He has already made the transition that plagues many young male singers - the whole breaking-of-the-voice drama - and come out the other side still glowing.

My daughters are all besotted, and that can only be a good sign, since they are smack dab in his target demographic. His choice of songs to cover gets the parents in, too, I have to say!

He has learned how to play guitar and piano now, and is starting to write his own songs - another sticky step for former child singers. See what you think of this song, off his latest album, which he wrote himself.

My prediction is that he will continue to go from strength to strength.