9 answers
Mathias
Student
Ridgefield, Connecticut
2
Questions
Asked
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How can I find out what category of business I should pursue in ?
When I was 12 I started a cookie business where I sold many cookies and loved the concept of starting up a business in a hobby that at the time I enjoyed. After time passed, baking so much by myself was a lot of work that I simply couldn’t handle, and I decided to let the small business go. If I enjoyed starting it up and didn’t like continuing it, how can that help with what industry of business I should study?
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9 answers
Thomas O'Shea
Music Producer, Composer, Live Sound Engineer, Musician
118
Answers
Madison, Wisconsin
Updated
Thomas’s Answer
Here's the thing about business as time goes on: you can hire employees as you continue to make money. You don't need to do anything you don't want to do for your business. Major in Entrepreneurship and learn how to create and run a business. Once you create a product or service that is needed and profitable, hire people to help with the accounting, sales, HR, creating, testing, fixing, calling, and everything else that is required for a business. You would be the owner and CEO- you would be the top dog saying "yes we should do that" or "no that's a bad idea". You just need enough profit to pay employees when you no longer want to do everything by yourself.
I appreciate your support, Thomas
Mathias
This is exactly what I had in mind!!
Mathias
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6180
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Mathias,
To guide you in deciding the best business direction based on your experience, here's a practical plan of action:
1. Explore your interests and passions: Your past venture in the cookie business, although short-lived, shows your entrepreneurial spirit, possibly leaning towards the baking sector. Think about the elements of the business you truly enjoyed and the skills you honed during that period.
2. Assess your strengths and weaknesses: Identify your strong points and areas needing improvement. This will help you find the industries or business types that align with your abilities. For example, if you were particularly good at marketing and sales in your cookie business, a business in a similar field could be an ideal match.
3. Investigate industries and businesses: Do comprehensive research on different industries and businesses. Look into their growth prospects, market size, competition, and the skills they demand. Websites like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), SCORE, Small Business Administration (SBA), and industry associations are excellent sources of information.
4. Explore educational opportunities: Based on your interests, strengths, research results, and career aspirations, look into educational opportunities that can equip you with the knowledge and skills required for a specific industry or business. This could involve attending a vocational school, obtaining a degree from a university, or pursuing certain certifications or licenses.
5. Network with professionals: Build relationships with professionals in the industries or businesses that intrigue you. This will allow you to learn from their experiences and get a glimpse of potential career trajectories. You can attend industry events, join professional groups, or use networking platforms like LinkedIn to establish connections.
6. Acquire work experience: Gain work experience through internships or part-time jobs. This will give you a chance to delve deeper into various industries and businesses while also enhancing your skills for your future career.
7. Consult with mentors or advisors: Seek advice from mentors or advisors who have experience in the industries or businesses that you find appealing. They can offer invaluable guidance based on their experiences and industry knowledge.
8. Stay adaptable: Keep an open mind as you navigate through different industries and businesses. New opportunities may present themselves unexpectedly due to shifting market trends or personal situations.
9. Regularly reassess: Frequently reevaluate your interests, strengths, aspirations, and market conditions to ensure you stay on the right track for your long-term career development.
Authoritative References Used:
- U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
- SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
Blessings,
JC.
To guide you in deciding the best business direction based on your experience, here's a practical plan of action:
1. Explore your interests and passions: Your past venture in the cookie business, although short-lived, shows your entrepreneurial spirit, possibly leaning towards the baking sector. Think about the elements of the business you truly enjoyed and the skills you honed during that period.
2. Assess your strengths and weaknesses: Identify your strong points and areas needing improvement. This will help you find the industries or business types that align with your abilities. For example, if you were particularly good at marketing and sales in your cookie business, a business in a similar field could be an ideal match.
3. Investigate industries and businesses: Do comprehensive research on different industries and businesses. Look into their growth prospects, market size, competition, and the skills they demand. Websites like the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), SCORE, Small Business Administration (SBA), and industry associations are excellent sources of information.
4. Explore educational opportunities: Based on your interests, strengths, research results, and career aspirations, look into educational opportunities that can equip you with the knowledge and skills required for a specific industry or business. This could involve attending a vocational school, obtaining a degree from a university, or pursuing certain certifications or licenses.
5. Network with professionals: Build relationships with professionals in the industries or businesses that intrigue you. This will allow you to learn from their experiences and get a glimpse of potential career trajectories. You can attend industry events, join professional groups, or use networking platforms like LinkedIn to establish connections.
6. Acquire work experience: Gain work experience through internships or part-time jobs. This will give you a chance to delve deeper into various industries and businesses while also enhancing your skills for your future career.
7. Consult with mentors or advisors: Seek advice from mentors or advisors who have experience in the industries or businesses that you find appealing. They can offer invaluable guidance based on their experiences and industry knowledge.
8. Stay adaptable: Keep an open mind as you navigate through different industries and businesses. New opportunities may present themselves unexpectedly due to shifting market trends or personal situations.
9. Regularly reassess: Frequently reevaluate your interests, strengths, aspirations, and market conditions to ensure you stay on the right track for your long-term career development.
Authoritative References Used:
- U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
- SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)
- Small Business Administration (SBA)
Blessings,
JC.
Chosen Osarodion Iyen
Maintenance
70
Answers
Benin City, Edo, Nigeria
Updated
Chosen Osarodion’s Answer
Your experience with the cookie business suggests that you enjoy the initial stages of creating and launching a business but may not be as interested in the day-to-day operations and maintenance. This insight can help you identify a suitable business category or industry that aligns with your strengths and interests.
Here are some steps to help you figure out what category of business to pursue:
### 1. **Self-Assessment:**
- **Identify Interests:** Reflect on your interests and hobbies. What activities do you enjoy? What topics do you find yourself researching or reading about in your free time?
- **Evaluate Strengths:** Consider your strengths and skills. Are you good at organizing, planning, and strategizing? Do you excel in creative tasks or technical problem-solving?
- **Consider Past Experiences:** Think about past experiences, like your cookie business, where you enjoyed the startup phase. What aspects did you like the most? Was it the planning, the marketing, or the initial execution?
### 2. **Explore Business Models:**
- **Startups and Innovation:** If you enjoy the initial stages of business creation, consider industries that thrive on innovation and new ideas, such as tech startups, app development, or product design.
- **Consulting or Freelancing:** If you like varied projects and working with different clients, consulting or freelancing in areas like marketing, business development, or project management might be a good fit.
- **E-commerce:** Starting an online store can allow you to focus on the business aspect without being tied to a single product. You can outsource manufacturing or dropshipping.
### 3. **Research Industries:**
- **Market Demand:** Look into industries with growing demand. Technology, health and wellness, renewable energy, and digital marketing are some examples of rapidly growing sectors.
- **Trends and Opportunities:** Keep an eye on emerging trends and opportunities. This could be in tech (like AI or blockchain), sustainability (like eco-friendly products), or any other area you find intriguing.
### 4. **Try Different Things:**
- **Internships and Part-Time Jobs:** Gain experience in different industries through internships or part-time jobs. This hands-on experience can help you understand what you enjoy and where you excel.
- **Side Projects:** Start small side projects or businesses in areas of interest. This low-risk approach allows you to experiment without committing fully.
### 5. **Networking and Mentorship:**
- **Connect with Entrepreneurs:** Join local business groups, attend networking events, or participate in online forums to meet other entrepreneurs. Their experiences can provide valuable insights.
- **Find a Mentor:** A mentor can help guide you through the decision-making process and provide advice based on their own experiences.
### 6. **Education and Training:**
- **Courses and Workshops:** Take courses or attend workshops in business, entrepreneurship, or specific industries you’re interested in. This can provide foundational knowledge and help you make informed decisions.
- **Business Programs:** Consider enrolling in a business program or bootcamp that focuses on entrepreneurship. Many programs offer hands-on experience and the opportunity to work on real-world projects.
By following these steps, you can gain a better understanding of what type of business aligns with your interests and strengths. This will help you choose an industry where you can thrive and enjoy both the startup phase and the ongoing operations.
Here are some steps to help you figure out what category of business to pursue:
### 1. **Self-Assessment:**
- **Identify Interests:** Reflect on your interests and hobbies. What activities do you enjoy? What topics do you find yourself researching or reading about in your free time?
- **Evaluate Strengths:** Consider your strengths and skills. Are you good at organizing, planning, and strategizing? Do you excel in creative tasks or technical problem-solving?
- **Consider Past Experiences:** Think about past experiences, like your cookie business, where you enjoyed the startup phase. What aspects did you like the most? Was it the planning, the marketing, or the initial execution?
### 2. **Explore Business Models:**
- **Startups and Innovation:** If you enjoy the initial stages of business creation, consider industries that thrive on innovation and new ideas, such as tech startups, app development, or product design.
- **Consulting or Freelancing:** If you like varied projects and working with different clients, consulting or freelancing in areas like marketing, business development, or project management might be a good fit.
- **E-commerce:** Starting an online store can allow you to focus on the business aspect without being tied to a single product. You can outsource manufacturing or dropshipping.
### 3. **Research Industries:**
- **Market Demand:** Look into industries with growing demand. Technology, health and wellness, renewable energy, and digital marketing are some examples of rapidly growing sectors.
- **Trends and Opportunities:** Keep an eye on emerging trends and opportunities. This could be in tech (like AI or blockchain), sustainability (like eco-friendly products), or any other area you find intriguing.
### 4. **Try Different Things:**
- **Internships and Part-Time Jobs:** Gain experience in different industries through internships or part-time jobs. This hands-on experience can help you understand what you enjoy and where you excel.
- **Side Projects:** Start small side projects or businesses in areas of interest. This low-risk approach allows you to experiment without committing fully.
### 5. **Networking and Mentorship:**
- **Connect with Entrepreneurs:** Join local business groups, attend networking events, or participate in online forums to meet other entrepreneurs. Their experiences can provide valuable insights.
- **Find a Mentor:** A mentor can help guide you through the decision-making process and provide advice based on their own experiences.
### 6. **Education and Training:**
- **Courses and Workshops:** Take courses or attend workshops in business, entrepreneurship, or specific industries you’re interested in. This can provide foundational knowledge and help you make informed decisions.
- **Business Programs:** Consider enrolling in a business program or bootcamp that focuses on entrepreneurship. Many programs offer hands-on experience and the opportunity to work on real-world projects.
By following these steps, you can gain a better understanding of what type of business aligns with your interests and strengths. This will help you choose an industry where you can thrive and enjoy both the startup phase and the ongoing operations.
Bonnie Garza
Revenue Sales Operations VP
58
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Bonnie’s Answer
Hello Mathias, when you embarked on your initial entrepreneurial journey, you were quite young and it's understandable that everything might have seemed overwhelming. However, as with any business or start-up, growth often necessitates expanding your workforce. You might be facing cash flow issues that make this challenging, but this could also be the perfect opportunity to consider sharing ownership to lighten your load, or seeking an investor to fuel your expansion and ensure you have the necessary workforce to operate your business smoothly. Enrolling in some entrepreneurship courses could provide valuable insights into effective business management. Wishing you all the best on your journey!
Peter Dachille, MS Ed
Academic Advising
9
Answers
Westfield, New Jersey
Updated
Peter’s Answer
Hello Mathias,
I will echo the Entrepreneurship pathway and also add Economics. The logical/critical applications that ENT will use are explored in depth and long-term through Economics - such as when and where to start a business, investing in digital, pop-up, or brick &mortar businesses, the buy-in and role of staff and investors to this goal, to the price of parts/ingredients based on something as seemingly unrelated to political affairs and trade with other countries. Specific courses/study in Game Theory (which can also be found in Political Science and Philosophy departments), International Economics (which have overlap with many international relations/Political Science courses), Public Policy- all of which may add up to at least a minor in this discipline.
I will echo the Entrepreneurship pathway and also add Economics. The logical/critical applications that ENT will use are explored in depth and long-term through Economics - such as when and where to start a business, investing in digital, pop-up, or brick &mortar businesses, the buy-in and role of staff and investors to this goal, to the price of parts/ingredients based on something as seemingly unrelated to political affairs and trade with other countries. Specific courses/study in Game Theory (which can also be found in Political Science and Philosophy departments), International Economics (which have overlap with many international relations/Political Science courses), Public Policy- all of which may add up to at least a minor in this discipline.
Caleb Rosenberger
I'm Global Account & Product Training Manager - Innovative Technology, Cranes, Rigging, Construction
4
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Caleb’s Answer
Hello Mathias,
Firstly, pinpoint what aspects of founding the company truly ignited your passion. What was it that drove you to elevate the company to its current level, before it became overwhelming? Then, consider whether there's a business model in this or any other industry that allows you to delegate those daunting tasks at that particular stage of your company's growth to additional team members or business partners. Could this shift enable you to adopt more of a supervisory and collaborative leadership role? This change might even provide you with the opportunity to step in and lend a hand on your own terms, enabling you to maintain your passion, stay connected with the role, and foster a strong relationship with your team.
Firstly, pinpoint what aspects of founding the company truly ignited your passion. What was it that drove you to elevate the company to its current level, before it became overwhelming? Then, consider whether there's a business model in this or any other industry that allows you to delegate those daunting tasks at that particular stage of your company's growth to additional team members or business partners. Could this shift enable you to adopt more of a supervisory and collaborative leadership role? This change might even provide you with the opportunity to step in and lend a hand on your own terms, enabling you to maintain your passion, stay connected with the role, and foster a strong relationship with your team.
Manoj Kumar Billa
IT Consultant
2
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Manoj Kumar’s Answer
People who achieve success often seize opportunities that combine their talents with what others need. Given your knack for launching businesses rather than maintaining them, it's clear that you excel in laying the groundwork for new companies. This skill can be put to great use in numerous careers or business ventures.
In terms of careers, strategy consulting or advisory roles could be a great fit. These positions would not only allow you to apply your talents but also provide a glimpse into the workings of established businesses. This experience could be invaluable if you decide to start another business in the future.
As for business ventures, consider the world of venture capitalism and investment. These fields require a keen eye for spotting promising businesses and innovative ideas, a skill you clearly possess.
Remember, the secret to success lies in finding a winning formula and then expanding that idea with as little effort as possible. Keep going, and your unique talents will surely lead you to success.
In terms of careers, strategy consulting or advisory roles could be a great fit. These positions would not only allow you to apply your talents but also provide a glimpse into the workings of established businesses. This experience could be invaluable if you decide to start another business in the future.
As for business ventures, consider the world of venture capitalism and investment. These fields require a keen eye for spotting promising businesses and innovative ideas, a skill you clearly possess.
Remember, the secret to success lies in finding a winning formula and then expanding that idea with as little effort as possible. Keep going, and your unique talents will surely lead you to success.
Yuritza G Nino de Daall
Quality Assurance / Process Improvement / Project Manager
53
Answers
Flowery Branch, Georgia
Updated
Yuritza G’s Answer
Hello!! Figuring out what type of business to pursue can be a fun and rewarding journey. It sounds like your early experience with the cookie business taught you a lot about what you enjoy and what you don't. Reflecting on this experience, you might realize that while you loved the excitement of starting the business, the day-to-day operations and the physical work of baking weren't as enjoyable. This can be a helpful clue in choosing your next venture. You might be more suited to a business where you can focus on strategy, creativity, and growth, rather than the hands-on production work.
Think about what aspects of the cookie business you enjoyed the most. Was it the marketing, the customer interaction, or perhaps the process of creating something new? Identifying these elements can guide you toward industries that align with your strengths and passions. For instance, if you loved the marketing and customer engagement, a business in digital marketing, event planning, or even consulting might be a good fit. On the other hand, if you enjoyed the creative process, you might explore industries like product design, fashion, or technology startups where innovation is key.
It's also important to try out different ideas to see what truly resonates with you. Take some time to research and even dabble in various fields that interest you. Consider internships, part-time jobs, or even volunteer opportunities in different industries to get a feel for what you enjoy. Joining networking groups or attending industry events can also provide insights and connections. Remember, it's okay to pivot and change direction as you learn more about what you love and what you're good at. The key is to stay curious and open-minded, and eventually, you'll find a business category that feels just right for you.
Best of luck!!!
Think about what aspects of the cookie business you enjoyed the most. Was it the marketing, the customer interaction, or perhaps the process of creating something new? Identifying these elements can guide you toward industries that align with your strengths and passions. For instance, if you loved the marketing and customer engagement, a business in digital marketing, event planning, or even consulting might be a good fit. On the other hand, if you enjoyed the creative process, you might explore industries like product design, fashion, or technology startups where innovation is key.
It's also important to try out different ideas to see what truly resonates with you. Take some time to research and even dabble in various fields that interest you. Consider internships, part-time jobs, or even volunteer opportunities in different industries to get a feel for what you enjoy. Joining networking groups or attending industry events can also provide insights and connections. Remember, it's okay to pivot and change direction as you learn more about what you love and what you're good at. The key is to stay curious and open-minded, and eventually, you'll find a business category that feels just right for you.
Best of luck!!!
Karissa Helton
Teacher
202
Answers
Miami, Florida
Updated
Karissa’s Answer
You can get a business degree in Entrepreneurship. These are people who start businesses then move on to start another new business. They do not stay and manage the first business that they started. You may also enjoy Advertising because you will have several different accounts over the life of your career.
Thank you for giving me advice.
Mathias