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How to start a career in business?
To start my own business
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3 answers
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Patrice’s Answer
Hello Julie, I would agree with Martha and would like to add to her conversation by saying it's essential to know where you are going. In such a broad question it will seem as if you have a lot of potential options running in your mind. My suggestion to you is to know what makes you happy. If you have something that is gratifying it will not seem like work and you will be more effective. As Martha mentions, business covers a wide variety of topics and activities. To pursue a career in business you may want to start with a Business Administration Degree, it covers a lot. Start networking with colleagues and research your industry.
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Martha’s Answer
What a great question, Julie! I would like to answer it from two angles. First, let's look at running a business. There are many aspects, such as finances, operations, marketing, sales, customer relations, strategic planning and more. You will likely be stronger in certain areas than in others, but you will need some knowledge in all aspects. You could gain this knowledge by taking courses and by working in a business similar to what you would like to create. You could also learn by reading books by and for entrepreneurs, watching interviews on YouTube, and getting to know business owners in your area.
The second angle is starting a business, which starts with identifying a need. Perhaps there is a product or service you (or someone you know) wish you could buy. Then, carefully research whether something like that exists anywhere. If it does, maybe you could still bring it to your market or maybe you want to do something a little different. If it doesn't, go onto step 3, which is write a plan. The act of writing will help you think more deeply about your idea and uncover gaps. At this stage, gaps are fine and even good. Your plan may change over time but it gives you a solid start and something you can use to recruit advisors and funders. Good luck!
The second angle is starting a business, which starts with identifying a need. Perhaps there is a product or service you (or someone you know) wish you could buy. Then, carefully research whether something like that exists anywhere. If it does, maybe you could still bring it to your market or maybe you want to do something a little different. If it doesn't, go onto step 3, which is write a plan. The act of writing will help you think more deeply about your idea and uncover gaps. At this stage, gaps are fine and even good. Your plan may change over time but it gives you a solid start and something you can use to recruit advisors and funders. Good luck!
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Hi Julie. Wow, you have gotten some great advice from Martha and Patrice. I would like to add that I have found two things essential to starting a business, networking and a good mentor.
Networking is a must no matter what industry your path travels. Get out there and meet people in your industry, at all levels. You will learn so much and find so many more opportunities than you ever will by just trying to go it alone. Networking keeps you "in the know". This is where your connections are made. Funding and partnerships can be made here as well. No matter what business(es) you pursue, you must network.
A good mentor will be a great example to follow. They'll be an honest guide, a great teacher, a best friend. They want you to succeed! They will let you know when you're doing a great job, a poor one, and they give the greatest advice.
Best of luck!
Networking is a must no matter what industry your path travels. Get out there and meet people in your industry, at all levels. You will learn so much and find so many more opportunities than you ever will by just trying to go it alone. Networking keeps you "in the know". This is where your connections are made. Funding and partnerships can be made here as well. No matter what business(es) you pursue, you must network.
A good mentor will be a great example to follow. They'll be an honest guide, a great teacher, a best friend. They want you to succeed! They will let you know when you're doing a great job, a poor one, and they give the greatest advice.
Best of luck!