A. now has a good knowledge of what businesses are, but I’m pretty sure she can’t distinguish them from jobs yet. So I launched into that. Unfortunately I got off on the wrong foot.

Dan
So business
A.
Ugh, why do we talk about business, we talked about it all weekend!

Oops, do not start conversations with “So business.”

Dan
Oh, well we don't have to talk about that. I was just wondering if you know, do I have a business?
A.
Um... yes.
Dan
No, I don't have a business. I have a job.
A.
What's the difference?
Dan
With a job, someone pays me to do work for their business. And they could ask me to leave any time.

Then I said something about if someone breaks something, its the business that has to pay for it and businesses usually keep money around for that kind of reason.

A.
Don't want to talk about business.
Dan
Ok, I just wanted to make sure you knew the difference.
A.
Of what?
Dan
The difference between a business and a job.
A.
What's the difference?
Dan
That if you have a job, they can ask you to leave anytime. But if you own a business, it's yours and no one can take it away.

Then I stopped because I had her back in an asking-questions mood and didn’t want to spoil it again.

I’d call this a set back. For one thing, I’m not sure how receptive she’ll be next time. I’ll probably warm her up again by considering other kinds of businesses.

For another thing, I ended at a partial explanation. I didn’t spark her interest to ask me something like “Why own a business?” But that’ll be what I talk about next.

Business for 6 Year Olds

Part 1 is about what a business is.

Part 2 is about what a business has.

Part 3 is about how businesses are not jobs.

Part 4 is about concrete examples.

Part 5 is about brand loyalty.