5 answers
emma
Student
Hardwick, Vermont
1
Question
Asked
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what is the best thing to learn if you want to run your own bussiness?
I'm a highschool student in Vermont
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5 answers
David Loring
Attorney and project management
11
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
David’s Answer
HI Emma. Great question. I'm not sure there really is "an" answer. Though the "answer" to your question may be in the question itself.
You asked what is the best thing you should learn to run your own business. The answer in your question is to "learn".
I was a little surprised, pleasantly, to read what others had written to you because it looks to me as if the responses have a theme running
through them.
As I see it, my response to your question is that there is likely no particular thing to learn, but to learn. Learn as much as you can about everything you can. And, this doesn't mean that you have to become an expert about everything. That's impossible. But if you can learn, read, absorb, watch, listen and simply begin by becoming aware of how much there is out there to be aware of, your odds of succeeding in business will improve.
As one of your responders wrote above, learn about finance, learn about business structure, etc. Another responder suggested you acquire knowledge about a wide range of subjects, etc. And, what I distill from their responses is not necessarily that you learn something super specific, but rather the broad importance of learning.
There are so many things that contribute to doing well in business, or in life, in general. Learn about people and how what you do or say may affect others around you. Learn about discipline and hard work because if you plan on running your own business you'll have more than enough work to do and you need to be disciplined about doing it. Learn about the general field that your business falls into and how that field of business or work relates to other types of businesses and where and how it fits into the larger order of the world around you. Learn about the technical requirements that you will have responsibility for in your business; taxes, record keeping, legal aids and/or restrictions, employee availability, etc. And, maybe most important, learn about yourself. What are your likes and dislikes? What are your strengths and weaknesses? If you choose to work in any given field, working in a field that shares focus with your strengths should make success more likely because we always do better when we're doing the things that we enjoy doing. And, finding out what you don't like doing is important because then you should be looking for others who will help you accomplish doing those things that they do well and that you may not like to do.
So, learn. Learn as much as you can about everything you can and just store it away, to be pulled out and used when that little light comes on that says, "Oh, I remember reading, hearing or seeing something about that. I need to research that some more and learn more about it."
Good luck and have some fun. There's always enough work and rarely enough enjoyment doing it. It doesn't feel quite so much like work if you really enjoy what you're doing.
You asked what is the best thing you should learn to run your own business. The answer in your question is to "learn".
I was a little surprised, pleasantly, to read what others had written to you because it looks to me as if the responses have a theme running
through them.
As I see it, my response to your question is that there is likely no particular thing to learn, but to learn. Learn as much as you can about everything you can. And, this doesn't mean that you have to become an expert about everything. That's impossible. But if you can learn, read, absorb, watch, listen and simply begin by becoming aware of how much there is out there to be aware of, your odds of succeeding in business will improve.
As one of your responders wrote above, learn about finance, learn about business structure, etc. Another responder suggested you acquire knowledge about a wide range of subjects, etc. And, what I distill from their responses is not necessarily that you learn something super specific, but rather the broad importance of learning.
There are so many things that contribute to doing well in business, or in life, in general. Learn about people and how what you do or say may affect others around you. Learn about discipline and hard work because if you plan on running your own business you'll have more than enough work to do and you need to be disciplined about doing it. Learn about the general field that your business falls into and how that field of business or work relates to other types of businesses and where and how it fits into the larger order of the world around you. Learn about the technical requirements that you will have responsibility for in your business; taxes, record keeping, legal aids and/or restrictions, employee availability, etc. And, maybe most important, learn about yourself. What are your likes and dislikes? What are your strengths and weaknesses? If you choose to work in any given field, working in a field that shares focus with your strengths should make success more likely because we always do better when we're doing the things that we enjoy doing. And, finding out what you don't like doing is important because then you should be looking for others who will help you accomplish doing those things that they do well and that you may not like to do.
So, learn. Learn as much as you can about everything you can and just store it away, to be pulled out and used when that little light comes on that says, "Oh, I remember reading, hearing or seeing something about that. I need to research that some more and learn more about it."
Good luck and have some fun. There's always enough work and rarely enough enjoyment doing it. It doesn't feel quite so much like work if you really enjoy what you're doing.
Rebecca Tang
Banking
1728
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you would like to become an entrepreneur. Have you thought about what industry you want to start your business?
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what industry you have interest or you have strength
2. Do some analysis on the industry, eg entry criteria, competition status, any alternative or substitute
3. Attend industry related courses and management courses
4. Work in the industry some time to understand the business model and establish people network
5. Start the business online first if possible
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions:
1. Think about what industry you have interest or you have strength
2. Do some analysis on the industry, eg entry criteria, competition status, any alternative or substitute
3. Attend industry related courses and management courses
4. Work in the industry some time to understand the business model and establish people network
5. Start the business online first if possible
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Eric Rance
Tech support
1
Answer
Houston, Texas
Updated
Eric’s Answer
Hello there! Here are some friendly tips to kick-start your journey into research and learning:
Financial management: Get a grip on managing your money matters, which includes accounting, budgeting, and fundraising.
Business structure: Discover the best way to structure your business. This can affect your taxes, legal obligations, and personal liability.
Business name: Dive into the process of picking a business name that mirrors your brand and is unique.
Business registration: Understand the steps to register your business with both federal and state governments.
Tax IDs: Get to know how to obtain your federal and state tax IDs.
Business degrees: Think about earning a degree in fields like business administration, economics, or accounting. This can help you learn about business strategies, data analysis, leadership skills, and more.
Online classes: Think about enrolling in online classes to grasp the basics of business.
Blogs: Think about reading blogs to gain knowledge and inspiration on subjects like marketing, sales, service, and more.
Research: Think about doing some research on small businesses to understand your competition and customers better.
Financial management: Get a grip on managing your money matters, which includes accounting, budgeting, and fundraising.
Business structure: Discover the best way to structure your business. This can affect your taxes, legal obligations, and personal liability.
Business name: Dive into the process of picking a business name that mirrors your brand and is unique.
Business registration: Understand the steps to register your business with both federal and state governments.
Tax IDs: Get to know how to obtain your federal and state tax IDs.
Business degrees: Think about earning a degree in fields like business administration, economics, or accounting. This can help you learn about business strategies, data analysis, leadership skills, and more.
Online classes: Think about enrolling in online classes to grasp the basics of business.
Blogs: Think about reading blogs to gain knowledge and inspiration on subjects like marketing, sales, service, and more.
Research: Think about doing some research on small businesses to understand your competition and customers better.
David S
Portfolio Manager
3
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
David’s Answer
I would strongly recommend that you aim to acquire knowledge in a wide range of subjects and fields. This will enable you to effectively collaborate with experts in those areas. Although there's no foolproof formula for success, honing practical skills in diverse disciplines such as sales and marketing, finance and accounting, people management, product development, and legal matters will assist you in making well-informed decisions. A crucial aspect of entrepreneurial success is acknowledging your knowledge gaps and dedicating yourself to lifelong learning.
Scott Fisher
Painter
4
Answers
Bloomington, Illinois
Updated
Scott’s Answer
Ask for advice from people in your area that own successful businesses in your area.
You could call tell them your situation and ask to have a short meeting with them . Be respectful of their time but I think most people would be happy to help you!
You could call tell them your situation and ask to have a short meeting with them . Be respectful of their time but I think most people would be happy to help you!