8 answers
Yahir
Student
Rock Hill, South Carolina
1
Question
Asked
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Best way to get into business management ?
I have work in the construction world for almost 4 years. I was wondering now how i could get in to the business management and still do the thing i love the most?
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8 answers
Destiny Wilson
Management/Operations
3
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Destiny’s Answer
Hello there, I'm curious to know - do you have a passion for the construction industry?
I have a hunch that the role of a project manager could be an excellent fit for you. With your existing experience in the field, you're already one step ahead. The cherry on top? You don't need a bachelor's degree to excel in this role.
However, if your interests lie elsewhere, it's essential to identify the industry that truly sparks your curiosity. I've had the pleasure of managing in various sectors - from the fast-paced world of fast food to the intricate realms of finance and staffing. The role of a business manager is incredibly versatile, with unique challenges and rewards in each industry.
Here's to finding your perfect fit!
I have a hunch that the role of a project manager could be an excellent fit for you. With your existing experience in the field, you're already one step ahead. The cherry on top? You don't need a bachelor's degree to excel in this role.
However, if your interests lie elsewhere, it's essential to identify the industry that truly sparks your curiosity. I've had the pleasure of managing in various sectors - from the fast-paced world of fast food to the intricate realms of finance and staffing. The role of a business manager is incredibly versatile, with unique challenges and rewards in each industry.
Here's to finding your perfect fit!
Roberto Fernandez
Servant Leader Apprentice
44
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Roberto’s Answer
Yahir,
I would recommend you build upon what you already have.
First - I would tell you to prepare and get your General Contractor license
Second - Maybe continue to work for an established company on some leadership capacity then go by yourself when you feel ready.
Third - Pursue some relevant education, it doesn't have to be a full college degree (it wouldn't hurt) but at the very least take some relevant classes in a community college in order to get a solid hang on the essentials of the business such as basic accounting and finances.
Fourth - Hire someone to help you, this step of being the ultimate responsible for your team success will be the key for your future growth
From there the keyword will be "Growth" the sky is the limit. The great thing about America is that there is no limit for business people. You will be guaranteed that every ounce of effort you invest on yourself and your business will be rewarded with pound of success and that for as long you keep moving, that movement will be forwards and upwards.
Good Luck !!!
I would recommend you build upon what you already have.
First - I would tell you to prepare and get your General Contractor license
Second - Maybe continue to work for an established company on some leadership capacity then go by yourself when you feel ready.
Third - Pursue some relevant education, it doesn't have to be a full college degree (it wouldn't hurt) but at the very least take some relevant classes in a community college in order to get a solid hang on the essentials of the business such as basic accounting and finances.
Fourth - Hire someone to help you, this step of being the ultimate responsible for your team success will be the key for your future growth
From there the keyword will be "Growth" the sky is the limit. The great thing about America is that there is no limit for business people. You will be guaranteed that every ounce of effort you invest on yourself and your business will be rewarded with pound of success and that for as long you keep moving, that movement will be forwards and upwards.
Good Luck !!!
Jim Sweeney
Manager, Performance Assurance
5
Answers
Kingston, Massachusetts
Updated
Jim’s Answer
Probably the best way to answer is to relate my own experience. Fundamentally speaking, I think it's a good idea to get an education/degree in the field you are pursuing. In your case, that would be in Business Management. Depending upon your circumstances, such a degree could be achieved from a University, a Community College, online, small local college, etc., but the important thing is to get a basic education in business management, which includes some level of exposure to basic principles and fundamentals in Marketing, Economics, Sales, Accounting, Finance, possibly even merchandising, advertising, and new product development. Always beneficial to combine the "book education" with real life experience working for a company/small business, some form of business where you can get some actual hands-on engagement in a business, even an internship. This will provide you with exposure to the different components of business, and perhaps get a sense for what you really like (very important). Beyond this, start early on developing your resume, which is something you will be doing continually through your business career --even long after you've been hired in your first position-- that is, updating, fine tuning, documenting your experience and accomplishments on your resume. Fast-forward and you will need to find a job to start your business career, preferably a position which offers some training. For example, although my degree was in "Business Management", I pursued a position in Sales as my gateway into the business world. Fortunately for me, the company I joined provided me with excellent training, and that was the springboard I needed to get going and prove what I could do in the actual job of sales. I then progressed into Sales Management, and then into overall Business Management/Leadership. So, in summary--be willing to learn, work hard, network with others, and find an entry point into the business world that "gets you in the door", be eager to work your way up and be persistent and resilient. Keep your eyes open for opportunities along the way, there are many out there for people who are hard workers, results-oriented, good communicators, and have high integrity. Good luck!
Dr. Fola Ajisafe
Application/Software Development
3
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Dr. Fola’s Answer
Yahir - great question. There are multiple ways to get into business management. I'll give two of several examples below:
You can move up the ladder via promotion in your current job. That would involve demonstrating leadership via the way you handle assignments/job responsibilities, working with others, carrying your manager along with your goals, and ultimately being on the lookout for those promotional openings/opportunities to apply.
Another path is via education. You can pursue business management courses, certifications, or college degree where you learn and are exposed to the fundamentals that you can apply on the job. With a degree in hand, you will stand a good chance at applying and be considered for applicable job opportunities.
In either of the above, a strong desire and passion to solve problems and potentially manage people is key to success
Have a discussion with your current manager about your goals
Pursue business courses/degree
Find job opportunities
You can move up the ladder via promotion in your current job. That would involve demonstrating leadership via the way you handle assignments/job responsibilities, working with others, carrying your manager along with your goals, and ultimately being on the lookout for those promotional openings/opportunities to apply.
Another path is via education. You can pursue business management courses, certifications, or college degree where you learn and are exposed to the fundamentals that you can apply on the job. With a degree in hand, you will stand a good chance at applying and be considered for applicable job opportunities.
In either of the above, a strong desire and passion to solve problems and potentially manage people is key to success
Dr. Fola recommends the following next steps:
Claude Thomas
Engr III Spec-Systems Analysis
32
Answers
Updated
Claude’s Answer
Best way to get into business management ?
Are you considering business management outside of construction? Or do you want to stay in the construction industry?
If you plan on staying in the industry, there are opportunities for construction management: project management, engineering, architecture, inspector, etc. All of these jobs have management elements associated with them.
If you are considering business management outside of construction, it depends on what field you are interested in. Whatever it happens to be, look for opportunities to learn how that field is run from a business management standpoint. For example: human resources, financial management, production operations, etc.
Are you considering business management outside of construction? Or do you want to stay in the construction industry?
If you plan on staying in the industry, there are opportunities for construction management: project management, engineering, architecture, inspector, etc. All of these jobs have management elements associated with them.
If you are considering business management outside of construction, it depends on what field you are interested in. Whatever it happens to be, look for opportunities to learn how that field is run from a business management standpoint. For example: human resources, financial management, production operations, etc.
John Rooney
Consultant
56
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
John’s Answer
The company you work for may have existing opportunities or programs for employees to work their way into management. If not, your construction experience may allow you to apply for a job with another company in the field you're interested in.
Otherwise, you could go to a university/college/community college/online college to gain more skills or a degree which will allow you to get a job in your field of choice.
Otherwise, you could go to a university/college/community college/online college to gain more skills or a degree which will allow you to get a job in your field of choice.
Hagen Finley
Technical Sales DELL Alliances
50
Answers
Fort Collins, CO
Updated
Hagen’s Answer
You were already given some wise advice above so take heed of those insights.
Back in the 1980s I started my own business around age 20 as an electrical contractor in the San Francisco Bay Area. That was WAY to young and I made a lot of mistakes, but I did learn a lot during that period.
One thing to understand is business management is multifaceted. As a business owner you are responsible for pricing the work, buying materials, doing the work, proper licensing and insurance, payroll to name just a few things. When I got to corporate IT I literally said "Is this all you want me to do?" because I was used to doing everything. Doing everything isn't great because there will be things you're good and things you're not good at, so it's better to have other people do what they do best if possible. It's not good to try and do everything.
Understanding finance and accounting is critical and I didn't understand that at all. For example, it's easy to get money blindness where a lot of cash is flowing into and out of the business but profits and cash flow aren't being managed well. Construction is VERY cyclical so business will be going gangbusters and then all of a sudden get REALLY slow. If you're not prepared for those tide shifts you and your business will suffer or collapse.
Keep in mind management IS NOT building. It's a very different animal which I learned when I took off my tool belt and hired people to do the building. You can be a great craftsman and a terrible businessman. Therefore, it's important to ask yourself how you want to spend your day? Managers spend their day solving business financial challenges with spreadsheets. In some ways it can better to be good at AND. If you love building, teach yourself to become alert to the financial demands of building; bidding, pricing materials, managing budgets etc.. That will make you invaluable to a business but not require you to change careers (hang up your tools). You can become a project or team lead and genuinely manage but stay hands on. So being a great craftsman AND business savvy will make you stand out at work and might allow you to arrive at a balance.
The good news is, in today's multimedia world, you can learn ANYTHING online. Keep in mind learning new things can be a little daunting and it's normal for new ideas to be foggy and hard to grasp in the beginning. You must keep forging ahead whether it be with books or videos. Formal education can be good too (I was fortunate enough to go to UC Berkeley) but higher education is very inefficient (takes a long time) and expensive so don't take it fore granted that's on only path. Read Ultralearning by Scott Young.
Finally, your current employer would likely love to teach you the business. Most employees aren't interested so your interest will make you stand out. The key there is If you ask to be trained you MUST do what you are asked to do. If you offer to do a management task (e.g. order materials) you must do that carefully and on time. If you show yourself to be competent and reliable there is not stopping where you can go.
Think about your perfect day and determine how managing fits into that picture
Determine what managerial skills are a priority - that are lots (managing people, money, materials, customers ....)
Ask your company to train you.
READ - you never get to stop learning so learn how to learn and make it a daily routine
Take advantage of the web - it's brimming with learning opportunities.
Back in the 1980s I started my own business around age 20 as an electrical contractor in the San Francisco Bay Area. That was WAY to young and I made a lot of mistakes, but I did learn a lot during that period.
One thing to understand is business management is multifaceted. As a business owner you are responsible for pricing the work, buying materials, doing the work, proper licensing and insurance, payroll to name just a few things. When I got to corporate IT I literally said "Is this all you want me to do?" because I was used to doing everything. Doing everything isn't great because there will be things you're good and things you're not good at, so it's better to have other people do what they do best if possible. It's not good to try and do everything.
Understanding finance and accounting is critical and I didn't understand that at all. For example, it's easy to get money blindness where a lot of cash is flowing into and out of the business but profits and cash flow aren't being managed well. Construction is VERY cyclical so business will be going gangbusters and then all of a sudden get REALLY slow. If you're not prepared for those tide shifts you and your business will suffer or collapse.
Keep in mind management IS NOT building. It's a very different animal which I learned when I took off my tool belt and hired people to do the building. You can be a great craftsman and a terrible businessman. Therefore, it's important to ask yourself how you want to spend your day? Managers spend their day solving business financial challenges with spreadsheets. In some ways it can better to be good at AND. If you love building, teach yourself to become alert to the financial demands of building; bidding, pricing materials, managing budgets etc.. That will make you invaluable to a business but not require you to change careers (hang up your tools). You can become a project or team lead and genuinely manage but stay hands on. So being a great craftsman AND business savvy will make you stand out at work and might allow you to arrive at a balance.
The good news is, in today's multimedia world, you can learn ANYTHING online. Keep in mind learning new things can be a little daunting and it's normal for new ideas to be foggy and hard to grasp in the beginning. You must keep forging ahead whether it be with books or videos. Formal education can be good too (I was fortunate enough to go to UC Berkeley) but higher education is very inefficient (takes a long time) and expensive so don't take it fore granted that's on only path. Read Ultralearning by Scott Young.
Finally, your current employer would likely love to teach you the business. Most employees aren't interested so your interest will make you stand out. The key there is If you ask to be trained you MUST do what you are asked to do. If you offer to do a management task (e.g. order materials) you must do that carefully and on time. If you show yourself to be competent and reliable there is not stopping where you can go.
Hagen recommends the following next steps:
John Greenwood, MBA
Strategy Director
57
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
John’s Answer
Yahir,
You mention how do you do this AND the thing you love most.
What is it you love most? Would help with answering the question.
Thank you,
John
You mention how do you do this AND the thing you love most.
What is it you love most? Would help with answering the question.
Thank you,
John