5 answers
Carl’s Answer
Hi Camryn,
It's great that you are showing an interest in business management. Business management puts together many facets of business, finance, accounting, marketing, and the legal environment of business with the intent of making the business profitable. Managing a business's finance helps makes the business profitable. Accounting keeps the business in line with federal accounting laws. Marketing allows people to know about the business. The legal environment of business helps keep the operations of the business within legal boundaries. All of these aspects are a party of business management. It can be enjoyable if there is a passion for the business.
Carl recommends the following next steps:
Ananya’s Answer
For example, if you want to build your career in Project Management, you would focus on the following subjects:
- Principles of Project Management
- Requirements Elicitation and Business Analysis
- Schedule Management
-Cost Management and Earned Value Management (EVM) in a project.
- Risk Management
- Agile Project Management Methodologies
- Quality and Process Improvement
- Specialized Project Management
- Organizational Change Management and Business Relationships
- Program Management
- Portfolio Management
Celine’s Answer
I love your question for two reasons - 1. we should really enjoy what we do and 2. nobody generally associates an enjoyable career with business management. Well I love my job and I love business management. Why .... two reasons, I love to work with and lead people and I also love to build things / organisations / strategies etc. Have you ever looked at how a service works and think well if I owned that or ran that I could make it work or run better - thats a lot of what business managers do. Its the primary reason I got in to business management in the first place.
The very best of luck in your future and remember the world needs more strong female business managers!
Celine
Theo’s Answer
Hi Carmyn,
This depends what you mean by 'business management'. Depending on the size of the business, the different departments, and your expertise, business management can look very different from company to company. Here are some common threads that may help you out;
- You'll likely be managing people. This can be a full time job in itself on top of your other deliverables or things you need to do for your own boss. It helps if you enjoy working with a variety of personalities, diverse skillsets, and don't mind playing the role of coach or mentor to people when needed
- Problem solving and adapting to shifting needs will always come up, so you need to be flexible and think on your feet. This is common in management, and knowing where to put people to deliver their best work, while also being sensitive to the business needs and the persons needs is super critical. Doing this while solving deeper problems which usually revolve around; time (never have enough), quality (standards are high), cost (be careful with where you're spending) and volume or mandate (too much to do). It's up to the manager to find the balance of these to deliver what the business wants, while being mindful of the people they're managing and the long term objectives of the company.
- Working with others - As a manager, you'll be working with other managers, or customers, or other stakeholders. So being able to communicate well is key, and managing your time becomes super important.
If the above sound interesting to you, then I believe business management can be a super enjoyable field, just try and make sure you exercise patience, empathy, and work in a field you find interesting.
Best of luck
Nada’s Answer
Having worked in Account Management & Customer Success roles most of my life, including managing teams, this is a great choice! Here's some advice to help you succeed:
1. Foundational Skills:
* Become a Tech Whiz: Master common office software like the Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Slides). Explore project management tools (Miro, Trello) and communication platforms (Slack, Microsoft Teams). The more efficient you are with technology, the better.
* Communication is Key: Learn to communicate clearly and professionally, both in writing (emails, reports) and verbally (meetings, presentations). Practice active listening and learn how to tailor your communication style to different audiences.
* Organization is Your Superpower: Develop excellent organizational skills. This includes time management, task prioritization, and meticulous record-keeping. A well-organized workspace and efficient workflow will make a huge difference.
2. Essential Business Knowledge:
* Understand Business Fundamentals: Familiarize yourself with basic business principles like finance, accounting, marketing, and human resources. Even though you might not specialize in these areas, understanding how they work together is crucial.
* Stay Current: The business world is constantly evolving. Keep learning about new trends, technologies, and industry best practices. Read industry publications, attend webinars, and network with other professionals.
3. Career Development:
* Be a Problem Solver: Business administrators are often the go-to people for solving problems. Develop your analytical and critical thinking skills to identify issues, evaluate options, and implement solutions.
* Embrace Teamwork: Learn to work effectively in a team environment. Be reliable, supportive, and contribute your skills and ideas to achieve shared goals.
* Network, Network, Network: Build connections with people in your field. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and use online platforms like LinkedIn to expand your network.
* Seek Mentorship: Find someone experienced in business administration who can provide guidance and support as you navigate your career. Their insights and advice can be invaluable.
* Never Stop Learning: Consider pursuing further education or certifications to enhance your skills and advance your career.
4. Important Qualities:
* Professionalism: Always maintain a professional demeanor, even in challenging situations. This includes being punctual, dressing appropriately, and treating everyone with respect.
* Adaptability: Be flexible and open to change. The business world is dynamic, and you'll need to adapt to new situations and technologies quickly.
* Initiative: Don't wait to be told what to do. Take initiative, anticipate needs, and look for ways to improve processes.
* Integrity: Be honest and ethical in all your dealings. Maintain confidentiality and always act with integrity.
Starting your professional career is a big step. By focusing on these areas, you'll be well-equipped to succeed as a business administrator. Good luck!