About This Course
Get these Benefits and Begin Your Journey as a Successful Entrepreneur!
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Study Entrepreneurship Course, learn how manage your business and become a successful entrepreneur
Start and grow a successful business! It doesn’t matter if you want to work in computer science or digital marketing, Courses for Success is the only business school you need.
Let our online entrepreneurship course be your guide into the world of entrepreneurship. Our course will equip you with all the tools and knowledge to launch and sustain a successful business.
Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or testing the waters of entrepreneurship, our course will give you the building blocks for creating your dream business. Would you be your own boss? Have you ever dreamed of starting your own business? Don't know what to do about your great business idea? If you have ever thought about these situations, then then let us help you answer all these questions with our comprehensive entrepreneurship course.
Our entrepreneurship and innovation course helps you achieve your dreams through risk management and by helping you draft a business plan, know your competition, and successful marketing. Aspiring entrepreneurs will learn how to get a competitive edge through strategic management, communication skills, product management, data analysis, and other entrepreneurship essentials.
At Courses For Success, our featured courses are designed by professionals, for professionals. We maintain the highest level of quality courses to ensure your success. By completing our entrepreneurship course, you will be equipped with the right skill-set to ensure you stand out from the competition!
Entrepreneurship Course – Requirements
The Entrepreneurship Online Certificate Course is delivered 100 percent online 24/7 and only takes 6 to 8 hours of study to complete.
To successfully complete this course, a student must:
Have access to the internet and the necessary technical skills to navigate the online learning resources
Have access to any mobile device with internet connectivity (laptop, desktop, tablet)
Be a self-directed learner
Possess sound language and literacy skills
Quick Course Facts
Becoming an entrepreneur course content is structured for easy comprehension
Approximately 6 to 8 hours of study is needed to complete the course
Registered students gain unrestricted lifetime access to the Entrepreneurship course
All course material is available online 24/7 and can be accessed using any device
Study short courses online from anywhere in your own time at your own pace
All students who complete the course will be awarded with a certificate of completion
Entrepreneurship Course - Outline
Module One: Getting Started
Module Two: Decide on the Type of Business
Entrepreneurs are regarded as the economic backbone of the nation. In this module, we will take a look into how you could start your career as an entrepreneur. We will also discuss the first steps into your journey, interest, expertise, and how to select the ideal business.
Is It Feasible?
We must first determine if your passion can be turned into a business, or more accurately if this is feasible. Any idea can be turned into a business, but we must also look into other external factors that can affect its survivability as a business.
What Are Your Interests?
Enjoying what you do can greatly determine if your journey into entrepreneurship will be successful. Begin by listing your interests and seeing what overlaps with feasible business models.
Do You Have Experience?
Experience and expertise are a plus to any business. Having these qualities makes it easier to start your business. Experience should not be confused with expertise. Experience is something gained from observation, encounters, and actions.
Are You and Expert?
Expertise is the knowledge and skills you have developed through education and training. A person, for example, may have experience working in the restaurant industry, but a chef is a person who possesses a special kind of expertise.
Module Three: What Is the Market/Competition Like?
Any successful venture requires an understanding of the market and the competition. In this module, we will help you take a closer look at the profitability and competitiveness of your business.
Is the Venture Lucrative?
Before starting a business, you must discover if it is lucrative or profitable. To do this, you must develop a clear understanding of the niche market you are joining.
Is There Competition?
Coming up with truly original ideas is rare, and many of these are just adaptations of existing markets. Competition is a reality for any new business. And one of your first tasks is to identify the level of competition and who are your competitors.
How Can You Set Yourself Apart from the Competition?
By researching your competition, you will be able to identify the different ways you could stand out. Price should never be your major strategy for competing. Providing quality services and products is a better long-term strategy.
How is the Customer Prospect?
Success depends on identifying what customers want and how you provide it. Conducting research on customer spending habits and values of potential customers can give you a better understanding of what customers expect from you.
Module Four: Basics of Starting a Business
In this part of the Entrepreneurship Online Certificate course, we discuss the first basic steps of starting a business. These include choosing the name, structure, and location of the business.
Decide on a Name
Selecting a name can be challenging. Not only does it have to stand out, but it also reflects your image. Names that are similar to your competitors will not help you stand out but instead result in lawsuits.
Legal Structure of the Business
One of the basic steps of starting a business involves determining the legal structure of the business. Below are the common types of businesses:
Sole proprietorship
General partnership
Limited Partnership
C Corporation
S Corporation
LLC
Register the Business
You need to register your business and obtain the necessary licenses, permits, and identification before you can operate legally. Once you have a name and choose a structure, you need to register your business and obtain the appropriate licenses, permits, and identification.
Choose the Location
When it comes to business, location plays a big role in the long term success of your business. Select a location that is not limited to any zoning regulations. Operating costs and security should also be considered.
Hire an Accountant
You should have a trusted accountant from the beginning. These professionals must be able to do more than prepare taxes. A trusted accountant is a person who can also provide sound financial advice for your business.
Module Five: Get Financing
This module discusses how the proper use of financing can help your business get off the ground. We will look at the different financing options and where we can find help.
Contact Organizations for Guidance
Access to the right information helps you make more informed decisions. This can be gathered via mentors, informational websites, and organizations dedicate to assisting fledgling businesses.
Decide the Type of Financing
After getting access to the right information about your financing, it’s now time to decide what type of financing is ideal for your situation. Below are some of the different types of financing options:
Self-financing
Grants
Financing from friends or family members
Financing from bank loans
Financing from investors
Shop Around
Even after getting what seems to be the most attractive financing offer, it would be prudent to continue shopping around for a better deal.
What to Do Once Approved
After getting your financing request approved, it’s time to proceed with starting your business. The first order of the day is to procure a place of business and gather all the materials you need.
Module Six: Hire Employees
Employees are the heart and soul of any business. In this module, we will discuss the next process of starting your business, hiring employees. Remember, businesses are not only measured by the quality of their products and services. Businesses are also only as good as the people it keeps.
Develop Job Descriptions
Job description, as the term implies, describes the specific role of each employee. A proper job description should outline where one person's job stops, and another begins.
Advertise Positions
Even with a large pool of potential applicants, finding the best can be very difficult. Advertising makes it possible for you to maximize your recruiting efforts by sending this message to as many people as possible.
Interview Candidates
Interviewing is a key step in finding the best candidate to fill your job position. Start by outlining what you are looking for in a potential candidate.
Select Candidates
After finishing the interviews, it is now time to select your candidates. One way of narrowing down your choices is by calling job and personal references. This can give you another angle into what their former employers think about their previous performance at work.
Module Seven: Training Employees
Even the best recruits require quality training. This is to ensure that they are able to perform their job from day one.
Teach Company Culture
It's not all about technical skills; new employees must also be indoctrinated in company culture. Company culture refers to your values, beliefs, goals, and how you conduct business.
Implement Actual Training for the Position
Training the new employee and walking them through the actual ropes of the job ensures that they know what they are doing when there is not there to supervise them.
Provide Feedback
After hiring the best employees, getting them through actual job training, and explaining the company culture, it is now time to provide feedback. Catching flaws early avoid costly mistakes in the long run. Feedbacks must be structured positively. You do not want to discourage them this early and instead focus on what they did best. Below are some tips on how you can five constructive negative feedback:
Be Specific
Explain the effects of the employee’s actions
Allow the employee to reply
Provide resolution
Recap
Remind that you are in their corner
Offer Additional Training, If Necessary
You recognize the potential, and making mistakes after initial training should not diminish your recruit's value. You've already made investments in hiring and during the initial training. Why not go the extra mile and give additional training, if necessary? This is the more cost-effective route compared to performing the hiring process again.
Module Eight: Market the Business
In this module, we will discuss the important role of marketing in helping your business reach out to new customers. You will learn about the different marketing techniques and how each can help your business grow.
Traditional Marketing
Television, print, and radio advertising are the main advertising mediums for traditional marketing. Some of the things that should be considered when selecting which to use include costs, advertising duration, and target audience.
Create a Website
A more cost-effective alternative to traditional marketing, creating a website does not only give you a medium for marketing but also works as a virtual store. Below are must-haves when creating a website:
An about us page
Contact us page
A product/ services page
FAQ
Social Media
Social media was originally developed as a way of connecting people. But its ability to bring people together has also made it one of today's most powerful advertising mediums. Almost everybody has a social media account. And if you're a business without a social media presence, then you're missing out on a potential market base.
Networking Groups
Networking is the exchange of information or services among individuals, groups, or institutions. It promotes the cultivation of productive relationships for employment or business. You could tap these connections to find better resources for your products, potential partners, and help with marketing.
Module Nine: Run the Business
Running the business is the “fun part.” In this module, we will take all the knowledge you have acquired and place it into practice.
Procurement
Procuring materials from your suppliers must be covered by a Master Agreement. The agreement must clearly outline the terms and prices to enable the smooth flow of products between you and your suppliers.
Sell! Sell! Sell!
Selling may not come easy for everybody. This is why creating a method of selling is necessary. When trying to make a sale, here are some steps to consider.
When you make initial contact with your prospective customer, greet him/her.
Get to know what the prospective customer needs.
Restate what the customer has shared as their needs.
Develop a plan of action to meet the customer’s desires.
Simply ask for the sale.
Close the deal.
Follow-up with the customer.
How to Manage Cash Flow
Most entrepreneurs, especially those who are only starting, may not have the benefit of having an accountant. However, having a working knowledge of basic accounting principles is sufficient during the early stages of the business.
Budgeting
Budgeting is a critical component of every business. This allows you to estimate how much you're spending and if expenditures are within acceptable limits. There are several methods of budgeting. The type of budgeting depends on the type of business you're running and your personal preferences.
Zero-Based Budgeting
Top-Down Budgeting
Bottom-Up Budgeting
Module Ten: Grow the Business
After figuring out what works in starting and running the business, the next step is to grow the business. In this module, we will discuss the different ways you can expand your business.
Offer More Products/ Services
When you’ve proven that there is a market for your products and services, then the logical move is to increase production to meet this growing need.
Open Another Location
There may come a time when you find yourself branching out to a new location. And in some ways, opening a new location is like starting from scratch. When opening another location, you must:
Determine the location.
Hire and/or train employees.
Set-up shop
Promote the new products / services.
Franchise Opportunities
Franchising is another opportunity you could expand your business. But this can be complicated. One of the main differences between franchising vs. opening an additional location is with franchising; the franchisee would be responsible for providing the capital to start, run, and grow the business, while it would be your task if you select opening an additional location instead.
Scoring Large Contracts
Securing big contacts for your products and services from other organizations can quickly boost your sales numbers.
Module Twelve: Wrapping Up
You’re done and ready to move into the world of corporate entrepreneurship. Now it’s time to keep an eye on every business opportunity as you complete your professional certificate.
Recognition & Accreditation
Upon successful completion of this essentials of entrepreneurship course and achieving a passing score for the assessment, you will be issued with an international continuing education credit (CEU) certificate.
This Certificate is applicable worldwide, which demonstrates your commitment to learning new skills. You can share the certificate with your friends, relatives, co-workers, and potential employers. Also, include it in your resume/CV, professional social media profiles and job applications.
Other Career Development Courses
Looking to move up the business ladder and enhance your professional development? One of the career development online degrees available at Courses For Success will help you reach the stars!
Want to know more about CFS? View our frequently asked questions or get in touch to discuss popular courses or to request info.
Units of Study
Module One: Getting Started
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Understand how to start a business
- Develop a business plan
- Get financing for your business
- Hire and train employees
- Run your business
- Grow your business
Module Two: Decide on the Type of Business
- Lesson One: Is It Feasible?
- Lesson Two: What Are Your Interests?
- Lesson Three: Do You Have the Experience?
- Lesson Four: Are You an Expert?
- Lesson Five: Case Study
Module Three: What Is the Market/Competition Like?
- Lesson One: Is the Venture Lucrative?
- Lesson Two: Is There Competition?
- Lesson Three: How Can You Set Yourself Apart from the Competition?
- Lesson Four: How Is the Customer Prospect?
- Lesson Five: Case Study
Module Four: Basics of Starting a Business
- Lesson One: Decide on a Name
- Lesson Two: Legal Structure of the Business
- Lesson Three: Register the Business
- Lesson Four: Choose the Location
- Lesson Five: Hire an Accountant
- Lesson Six: Case Study
Module Five: Create a Business Plan
- Lesson One: What Should Be Included in the Business Plan
- Lesson Two: Gather Documentation
- Lesson Three: Develop a Business Plan Outline
- Lesson Four: Draft a Business Plan
- Lesson Five: Case Study
Module Six: Get Financing
- Lesson One: Contact Organizations for Guidance
- Lesson Two: Decide the Type of Financing
- Lesson Three: Shop Around
- Lesson Four: What to Do Once Approved
- Lesson Five: Case Study
Module Seven: Hire Employees
- Lesson One: Develop Job Descriptions
- Lesson Two: Advertise Positions
- Lesson Three: Interview Candidates
- Lesson Four: Select Candidates
- Lesson Five: Case Study
Module Eight: Training Employees
- Lesson One: Teach Company Culture
- Lesson Two: Implement Actual Training for the Position
- Lesson Three: Provide Feedback
- Lesson Four: Offer Additional Training, If Necessary
- Lesson Five: Case Study
Module Nine: Market the Business
- Lesson One: Traditional Marketing
- Lesson Two: Create a Website
- Lesson Three: Social Media
- Lesson Four: Networking Groups
- Lesson Five: Case Study
Module Ten: Run the Business
- Lesson One: Procurement
- Lesson Two: Sell! Sell! Sell!
- Lesson Three: How to Manage Cash Flow
- Lesson Four: Budgeting
- Lesson Five: Case Study
Module Eleven: Grow the Business
- Lesson One: Offer More Products/ Services
- Lesson Two: Open Another Location
- Lesson Three: Franchise Opportunitites
- Lesson Four: Scoring Large Contracts
- Lesson Five: Case Study
Module Twelve: Wrapping Up
Requirements
Entry requirements
Students must have basic literacy and numeracy skills.
Minimum education
Open entry. Previous schooling and academic achievements are not required for entry into this course.
Computer requirements
Students will need access to a computer and the internet.
Minimum specifications for the computer are:
Windows:
Microsoft Windows XP, or laterModern and up to date Browser (Internet Explorer 8 or later, Firefox, Chrome, Safari)
MAC/iOS
OSX/iOS 6 or laterModern and up to date Browser (Firefox, Chrome, Safari)
All systems
Internet bandwidth of 1Mb or fasterFlash player or a browser with HTML5 video capabilities(Currently Internet Explorer 9, Firefox, Chrome, Safari)
Students will also need access the following applications:
Adobe Acrobat Reader
Requirements
Entry requirements:
Students must have basic literacy and numeracy skills.
Minimum education:
Open entry. Previous schooling and academic achievements are not required for entry into this course.
Device requirements:
Students will need access to a computer/any device and the internet.
FAQS
1. Who are Courses For Success?
Courses For Success is a course platform that started in 2008
with 5 courses, since then we have grown to over 10,000 online courses.
Our courses span across the following categories:
•Animal
•Beauty
•Business
•Health & Fitness
•Finance
•Lifestyle
•IT & Software
•Personal Development
•Teaching & Academics
2. Is there a refund/cancellation policy?
Yes, we have a 7-day money-back refund policy.
3. What is the FREE Personal Success Training Program?
The Personal Success Training Program
was developed by Courses For Success to help our customers achieve
success. Currently, we are offering this program for FREE with every
course or bundle purchase this month. This is a limited time offer!
4. Are there any requirements to study this course?
No,
anyone who has an interest in learning more about this subject matter
is encouraged to take our course. There are no entry requirements to
take this course.
5. Do I require to have finished high school to complete this course?
No,
you do not require a High School Diploma or to have finished school to
study this course, this course is open to anyone who would like to take
this course.
6. What if English is not my first language?
This
course is provided in English, however, due to the digital nature of
our training, you can take your time studying the material and make use
of tools such as google translate and Grammarly.
7. Is this course online or conducted in person?
All our courses are accessible online on any device. You may complete them at your own pace and at your own time.
8. How do I receive my course?
After
you have completed the payment, you will receive a confirmation email
and tax receipt. You will also receive an email containing your course
login details (username and password), as well as instructions on how to
access and log in to your course via the internet with any device,
please check your junk/spam folder in the event that you do not receive
the email.
9. When does this course start?
Providing
you have internet access you can start this course whenever you like,
just go to the login page and insert your username and password and you
can access the online material.
10. What is online learning like?
Online learning is easy, if not easier than a traditional academic situation.
By studying an online course, the usual boundaries caused by location and time constraints are eliminated, meaning you are free to study where and when you want at your own pace.
Of course, you will need to be able to self-manage your time and be organized, but with our help, you’ll soon find yourself settling into a comfortable rhythm of study.
11. What computer skills do I need for my course?
You
don't need to be a computer expert to succeed with our online training,
but you should be comfortable typing, using the internet and be capable
of using common software (such as Microsoft word).
12. How long will you have access to the online course?
The majority of our courses have unlimited lifetime access, meaning you can access this course whenever you want.
Please also check the course summary, as a small selection of courses have limited access.
13. How long will my course take?
Course duration, is listed under Course Summary
14. Do I need to buy textbooks?
All the required material for your course is included in the online system, you do not need to buy anything else.
15. Is the course interactive?
Yes, all our courses are interactive.
16. Is there an assessment or exam?
Yes,
you will be required to complete a multiple-choice test online at the
end of your course, you can do this test as many times as you require.
17. What type of certificate will I receive?
You
will receive a Certificate of Completion that is applicable worldwide,
which demonstrates your commitment to learning new skills. You can share
the certificate with your friends, relatives, co-workers and employers.
Also, include it in your resume/CV, professional social media profiles
and job applications.
Wendy Sue Hunt - 5 STAR REVIEW
"If you are considering taking any “Courses for Success”, I would highly recommend it. I have always been a firm believer it’s important to always sharpen your skills. You are never too old to learn more. I found the courses very helpful, interesting and easy to understand.
The term “Courses for Success” helped me in my current position to succeed. After completing the courses, I gave my manager the completion certificates. Recently I received a promotion too."
Valencia Marie Aviles - 5 STAR REVIEW
"I
had a very good experience with my course. It has helped me to get
multiple jobs and prepared me for almost everything I would need to
know. The course was very informative and easy to understand and broken
up perfectly to be done in a short amount of time while still learning a
good amount! I would recommend Courses for Success to anyone trying to
get abs certifications for job advancements, it is well worth it!"
ELENA GRIFFIN - 5 STAR REVIEW
"I have absolutely enjoyed the materials from Courses for Success. The materials are easy to understand which makes learning enjoyable. Courses for Success have great topics of interest which make you come back for
more.
Thank you Courses for Success for being part of my learning journey and making education affordable!"
Our
completion certificates are very valuable and will help you progress in
your work environment and show employers how committed you are to learn
new skills, you might even get a promotion.
18. Will this course be credited by universities?
No, it is not equivalent to a college or university credit.
19. Am I guaranteed to get a job with this certificate?
This course will give you the skills you need to help you obtain employment, but it’s up to you if you get the job or not.
20. How will this course assist me with my career?
Studying
and completing this course will show employers that you have the
knowledge in this field, additionally you will gain more confidence in
this area of expertise.
21. How long is the certificate valid for?
The Certificates are valid for life and do not need renewing.
22. Can I take more than one course at a time?
Courses
are studied online at your own pace and you are free to study as many
or as few courses as you wish, we also offer online course bundles that
allow you to save on additional courses so that you may get all the
topics related to your training goals in one go.
23. What are the Payment Methods available? Is there a payment plan?
We accept payments via PayPal, Credit Card and Bank Transfer.
Payment Plans: We have partnered with Partial.ly, to offer our own in house payment plan. Everyone is Pre-Approved, providing the initial deposit is paid in full.
To pay via bank transfer contact us info@coursesforsuccess.com
24. Can I purchase for multiple people?
Yes, you can do this by purchasing individually via website or send us a request via email at info@coursesforsuccess.com
25. Can I request for an invoice before purchase?
Yes, you can request for an invoice via email at info@coursesforsuccess.com
26. Purchase for a gift?
Yes, you can purchase this course as a gift, simply send an email to info@coursesforsuccess.com, with the course details and we can accommodate this.
27. Can I create my own course bundle?
Yes,
you can customize your own bundle. Please send us the complete list
with the exact course link of the courses you'd like to bundle up via
email info@coursesforsuccess.com and we will create them for you. *Each course access, time of completion and certification varies depending on the course type.
28. How will I contact Courses For Success if I have any questions?
You can contact our support team, at any time through live chat on our website, or email at info@coursesforsuccess.com, or by calling one of our phone numbers depending on which country you are in.
Free Personal Success Training Course
The Personal Success Training Program Helps You Stay Focused To Achieve Your Goals!
Today, we are providing it for Free with all Course Purchases, as a special offer!
Benefits:
• How to layout a Success Plan.
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Course Bundles
Looking for specific training for yourself or employees. Choose from our Course Bundles below or build you own Bundle, by adding more courses to your cart. Choose different courses or the same course for multiple staff members and receive volume discounts at checkout.
Entrepreneurship Online Certificate Course
"This course provided great onsite into the business world. I have plenty of things to review before starting my own business. This course made me think of ideas, issues, and problems that I have not considered while thinking about opening my own business!" - Donna C. Verified Buyer
Unlock the power of entrepreneurship with our online Certificate Course! Our comprehensive program will teach you all the essential skills to help you turn your dreams into a reality, through careful risk management, business planning, and marketing strategies. Be competitive and successful with our strategic management, communication, and product management training. It's the perfect course to help you achieve your entrepreneurial goals.
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Course Summary
- Delivery: Online
- Access: Unlimited Lifetime
- Time: Study at your own pace
- Duration: 6-8 Hours
- Assessments: Yes
- Qualification: Certificate
SANTA DISCOUNTS AND FREE UPGRADES
HURRY ALL OFFERS END ON 15 DEC OR BEFORE - IF SOLD OUT
About This Course
Get these Benefits and Begin Your Journey as a Successful Entrepreneur!
|
|
Study Entrepreneurship Course, learn how manage your business and become a successful entrepreneur
Start and grow a successful business! It doesn’t matter if you want to work in computer science or digital marketing, Courses for Success is the only business school you need.
Let our online entrepreneurship course be your guide into the world of entrepreneurship. Our course will equip you with all the tools and knowledge to launch and sustain a successful business.
Whether you’re a first-time entrepreneur or testing the waters of entrepreneurship, our course will give you the building blocks for creating your dream business. Would you be your own boss? Have you ever dreamed of starting your own business? Don't know what to do about your great business idea? If you have ever thought about these situations, then then let us help you answer all these questions with our comprehensive entrepreneurship course.
Our entrepreneurship and innovation course helps you achieve your dreams through risk management and by helping you draft a business plan, know your competition, and successful marketing. Aspiring entrepreneurs will learn how to get a competitive edge through strategic management, communication skills, product management, data analysis, and other entrepreneurship essentials.
At Courses For Success, our featured courses are designed by professionals, for professionals. We maintain the highest level of quality courses to ensure your success. By completing our entrepreneurship course, you will be equipped with the right skill-set to ensure you stand out from the competition!
Entrepreneurship Course – Requirements
The Entrepreneurship Online Certificate Course is delivered 100 percent online 24/7 and only takes 6 to 8 hours of study to complete.
To successfully complete this course, a student must:
Have access to the internet and the necessary technical skills to navigate the online learning resources
Have access to any mobile device with internet connectivity (laptop, desktop, tablet)
Be a self-directed learner
Possess sound language and literacy skills
Quick Course Facts
Becoming an entrepreneur course content is structured for easy comprehension
Approximately 6 to 8 hours of study is needed to complete the course
Registered students gain unrestricted lifetime access to the Entrepreneurship course
All course material is available online 24/7 and can be accessed using any device
Study short courses online from anywhere in your own time at your own pace
All students who complete the course will be awarded with a certificate of completion
Entrepreneurship Course - Outline
Module One: Getting Started
Module Two: Decide on the Type of Business
Entrepreneurs are regarded as the economic backbone of the nation. In this module, we will take a look into how you could start your career as an entrepreneur. We will also discuss the first steps into your journey, interest, expertise, and how to select the ideal business.
Is It Feasible?
We must first determine if your passion can be turned into a business, or more accurately if this is feasible. Any idea can be turned into a business, but we must also look into other external factors that can affect its survivability as a business.
What Are Your Interests?
Enjoying what you do can greatly determine if your journey into entrepreneurship will be successful. Begin by listing your interests and seeing what overlaps with feasible business models.
Do You Have Experience?
Experience and expertise are a plus to any business. Having these qualities makes it easier to start your business. Experience should not be confused with expertise. Experience is something gained from observation, encounters, and actions.
Are You and Expert?
Expertise is the knowledge and skills you have developed through education and training. A person, for example, may have experience working in the restaurant industry, but a chef is a person who possesses a special kind of expertise.
Module Three: What Is the Market/Competition Like?
Any successful venture requires an understanding of the market and the competition. In this module, we will help you take a closer look at the profitability and competitiveness of your business.
Is the Venture Lucrative?
Before starting a business, you must discover if it is lucrative or profitable. To do this, you must develop a clear understanding of the niche market you are joining.
Is There Competition?
Coming up with truly original ideas is rare, and many of these are just adaptations of existing markets. Competition is a reality for any new business. And one of your first tasks is to identify the level of competition and who are your competitors.
How Can You Set Yourself Apart from the Competition?
By researching your competition, you will be able to identify the different ways you could stand out. Price should never be your major strategy for competing. Providing quality services and products is a better long-term strategy.
How is the Customer Prospect?
Success depends on identifying what customers want and how you provide it. Conducting research on customer spending habits and values of potential customers can give you a better understanding of what customers expect from you.
Module Four: Basics of Starting a Business
In this part of the Entrepreneurship Online Certificate course, we discuss the first basic steps of starting a business. These include choosing the name, structure, and location of the business.
Decide on a Name
Selecting a name can be challenging. Not only does it have to stand out, but it also reflects your image. Names that are similar to your competitors will not help you stand out but instead result in lawsuits.
Legal Structure of the Business
One of the basic steps of starting a business involves determining the legal structure of the business. Below are the common types of businesses:
Sole proprietorship
General partnership
Limited Partnership
C Corporation
S Corporation
LLC
Register the Business
You need to register your business and obtain the necessary licenses, permits, and identification before you can operate legally. Once you have a name and choose a structure, you need to register your business and obtain the appropriate licenses, permits, and identification.
Choose the Location
When it comes to business, location plays a big role in the long term success of your business. Select a location that is not limited to any zoning regulations. Operating costs and security should also be considered.
Hire an Accountant
You should have a trusted accountant from the beginning. These professionals must be able to do more than prepare taxes. A trusted accountant is a person who can also provide sound financial advice for your business.
Module Five: Get Financing
This module discusses how the proper use of financing can help your business get off the ground. We will look at the different financing options and where we can find help.
Contact Organizations for Guidance
Access to the right information helps you make more informed decisions. This can be gathered via mentors, informational websites, and organizations dedicate to assisting fledgling businesses.
Decide the Type of Financing
After getting access to the right information about your financing, it’s now time to decide what type of financing is ideal for your situation. Below are some of the different types of financing options:
Self-financing
Grants
Financing from friends or family members
Financing from bank loans
Financing from investors
Shop Around
Even after getting what seems to be the most attractive financing offer, it would be prudent to continue shopping around for a better deal.
What to Do Once Approved
After getting your financing request approved, it’s time to proceed with starting your business. The first order of the day is to procure a place of business and gather all the materials you need.
Module Six: Hire Employees
Employees are the heart and soul of any business. In this module, we will discuss the next process of starting your business, hiring employees. Remember, businesses are not only measured by the quality of their products and services. Businesses are also only as good as the people it keeps.
Develop Job Descriptions
Job description, as the term implies, describes the specific role of each employee. A proper job description should outline where one person's job stops, and another begins.
Advertise Positions
Even with a large pool of potential applicants, finding the best can be very difficult. Advertising makes it possible for you to maximize your recruiting efforts by sending this message to as many people as possible.
Interview Candidates
Interviewing is a key step in finding the best candidate to fill your job position. Start by outlining what you are looking for in a potential candidate.
Select Candidates
After finishing the interviews, it is now time to select your candidates. One way of narrowing down your choices is by calling job and personal references. This can give you another angle into what their former employers think about their previous performance at work.
Module Seven: Training Employees
Even the best recruits require quality training. This is to ensure that they are able to perform their job from day one.
Teach Company Culture
It's not all about technical skills; new employees must also be indoctrinated in company culture. Company culture refers to your values, beliefs, goals, and how you conduct business.
Implement Actual Training for the Position
Training the new employee and walking them through the actual ropes of the job ensures that they know what they are doing when there is not there to supervise them.
Provide Feedback
After hiring the best employees, getting them through actual job training, and explaining the company culture, it is now time to provide feedback. Catching flaws early avoid costly mistakes in the long run. Feedbacks must be structured positively. You do not want to discourage them this early and instead focus on what they did best. Below are some tips on how you can five constructive negative feedback:
Be Specific
Explain the effects of the employee’s actions
Allow the employee to reply