3 answers
Alma
Student
San Luis, Arizona
3
Questions
Updated
500 views
how to become a huge business manager ?
The idea of becoming a business manager or a business person is a serious thing.
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3 answers
Sue Lemus
Office Manager
7
Answers
Lake Forest, California
Updated
Sue’s Answer
Hi Alma,
I agree with everything David said. I have my MBA in Entrepreneurship and I'll add a few more suggestions.
Develop exceptional people skills. Be an empathetic listener. Be able to express the "why's" of an answer you give or change you implement.
Have integrity and confidentiality. Be courious and creative on how things can be improved.
You may not need a math degree but businesses thrive on numbers. Sales, goals, year over year growth, amount of debt the business can handle etc..
Organizational skills are key. Don't be afraid to delegate a task that someone else can do if there are more pressing items you must do.
Be hands on. It's encouraged to not sit back and dictate, but rather be an integral part of your team. You all are part of a moving wheel that needs to roll smoothly forward.
I agree with everything David said. I have my MBA in Entrepreneurship and I'll add a few more suggestions.
Sue recommends the following next steps:
david kirk
Retired Computing Manager
478
Answers
Syracuse, New York
Updated
david’s Answer
Hi, Alma,
The good news is that there is no direct path to business manager. The reason that it is good news, is because there are so many variations when attempting to move in that direction. People who exhibit strong potential may be offered special assignments or opportunities that were never anticipated. First, I encourage you to get a degree in management and focus on the management and planning aspects, with a good foundation in finance. If possible, consider an MBA, either immediately following your first degree, or part-time as you go. That, in itself, impresses upper management. IF not an outgoing personality, focus on developing the people skills to let you interact easily and readily with employees and others. Be flexible in what opportunities surface. For example, while you may have little interest in insurance, that is a big stronghold of serious business management. Be prepared to take extra courses while employed to ensure you learn the business as a whole and where it fits in the global economy. For example, if you take a job in manufacturing, learn the many touchpoints that affect profitability, such as cost of raw materials. Plan to put in more than 40 hours a week. Business managers with major responsibilities tend to work a full five days, plus some weekend time, and are always informally on call for problems, especially if the business has evening shifts, such as with manufacturing. All the best to you.
The good news is that there is no direct path to business manager. The reason that it is good news, is because there are so many variations when attempting to move in that direction. People who exhibit strong potential may be offered special assignments or opportunities that were never anticipated. First, I encourage you to get a degree in management and focus on the management and planning aspects, with a good foundation in finance. If possible, consider an MBA, either immediately following your first degree, or part-time as you go. That, in itself, impresses upper management. IF not an outgoing personality, focus on developing the people skills to let you interact easily and readily with employees and others. Be flexible in what opportunities surface. For example, while you may have little interest in insurance, that is a big stronghold of serious business management. Be prepared to take extra courses while employed to ensure you learn the business as a whole and where it fits in the global economy. For example, if you take a job in manufacturing, learn the many touchpoints that affect profitability, such as cost of raw materials. Plan to put in more than 40 hours a week. Business managers with major responsibilities tend to work a full five days, plus some weekend time, and are always informally on call for problems, especially if the business has evening shifts, such as with manufacturing. All the best to you.
Manasvi Gandhi
2
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Manasvi’s Answer
Hello Alma! David and Sue have shared some fantastic insights on the journey to becoming a business manager. They've touched on all the key points, and I wholeheartedly agree with them - there's no better time to start than now. If you have a passion for organization and leadership, why not begin right at school? Take the initiative to spearhead an event or activity, plan and coordinate the tasks involved, and listen to the ideas and perspectives of others while also sharing your own thoughts on the best course of action. This will give you a firsthand taste of what it's like to be a business manager, and it will also provide you with valuable experience in dealing with people.
Speaking of people, they're crucial to your success as a manager. Your ability to motivate, empower, and encourage open communication will be the key factors. It's important to value their opinions and foster a sense of belonging among them while achieving your goals. It may seem like a tall order, but believe me, expertise isn't just about knowledge, it's about experience. The more you practice, the more mistakes you'll make, the more lessons you'll learn, and the more you'll grow. I strongly recommend that you seize the day and start your journey now.
Speaking of people, they're crucial to your success as a manager. Your ability to motivate, empower, and encourage open communication will be the key factors. It's important to value their opinions and foster a sense of belonging among them while achieving your goals. It may seem like a tall order, but believe me, expertise isn't just about knowledge, it's about experience. The more you practice, the more mistakes you'll make, the more lessons you'll learn, and the more you'll grow. I strongly recommend that you seize the day and start your journey now.