Tinie Tempah offers advice to teens

Tinie Tempah has joined forces with National Citizen Service to champion teens' hidden talents.

To celebrate he's shared a short piece of advice on what helped him get to where he is, including what inspired him and how people have made him who he is.

This includes tips on how to get a job in the music industry such as finding a mentor and learning from people around you and tips on becoming an entrepreneur including getting a business plan and meeting people.

Tinie Tempah's advice for his 16-year old self:
At 16, I had an idea that my passion for music could actually turn into a career for me. Like most teenagers around that age, I needed to find my way in new environments and meet new people. I had to be confident and hang out in the right places. For me, that was in East London, where the grime scene was happening.
If I could sit down with the 16-year old me – and what I think all teens need to hear – is that you should believe in yourself and that everyone has a talent. You can succeed. Don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone. Get out there – meet new people and say yes to new experiences.
Looking back, it's been the range of different people I've met and trying new things that has inspired me, my music and ultimately made me the person I am today.

Tinie Tempah's tips to get a job in the music industry:
- Don't be afraid to take a job that isn't 'perfect' to get your foot in the door of where you want to be. The skills you learn in an imperfect job will still be useful when you've got your dream role
- Find yourself a mentor who can guide you on your journey. I'm always learning from those around me
- Surround yourself by friends and contacts who can help you. You never know who might be able to help open doors and give you access to new experiences
- Seek advice from those you trust – they'll keep you grounded and true to yourself

Tinie Tempah on the importance of having a mentor:
"When I first started out in the music industry I knew I really needed a mentor. My dream mentor was someone slightly older, but still cool, who knew what was going on in the world of fashion of music. Find that person who gets you, and your goals and take on board the advice they give you. A mentor doesn't just benefit your work they help you grow as an individual. As the oldest sibling in my family I was always having people look up to me, but I needed my mentor to look up to, someone to ask all my questions about life, and growing up. Having someone like this has helped keep me grounded, true to myself and my sound authentic."

Tinie Tempah's top tips to becoming an entrepreneur:
- Have a vision and don't be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone, if it means reaching your goals
- Believe in yourself and your ideas. I invested in myself before I expected anybody else to invest in me
- When you have a dream or an idea, especially when it's an entrepreneurial one and you want to be your own boss, it can be difficult to get people on your side and fully support what you want to do. From a parent's point of view, they want the best for their kids and this can mean a job with a steady income, which is not what a career in music or any kind of entrepreneurial concept can guarantee. Believe in what you're doing and work hard to reach your goals and you might just get there
- Tell people you meet about yourself. You don't have to give away all of your secrets but you never know who might be able to help you get to the next level
- Take the time to get a solid business plan in place to help you reach your goals. Maybe find a mentor who can help you to do this
- Give your ideas the space to develop. Keep focussed, but don't feel you need every element in place before you start talking to people about your business
- Most of all enjoy the journey!