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What skills do you need when starting your own business

  • 1.  What skills do you need when starting your own business

    Posted 07-09-2014 12:41 PM
    This message has been cross posted to the following Discussions: Accounting Exchange for 'on-the-job Q&A' -NOTE please post 'CMA Q&A' in: "CMA Study Group" and Financial Planning and Analysis .
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    There are all sorts of reasons why people thinking starting your own business is a bad idea - it affects your sleep, your social life, you could end up in debt or even bankrupt. In spite of this those with an entrepreneurial edge still persevere, often becoming huge successes themselves whilst at the same time creating employment and boosting the local and national economy.

    So what is it that makes them tick? What skills are required to take an idea from scratch and turn it into sustainable business? Can anyone with the right determination manage to be a success in business?

    With the right planning, hard work and a little bit of luck, starting your own business is not only possible it could be the most rewarding thing you ever do. So if you're considering starting your own business here are some of the skills you need to be a success.

    Be a self-starter

    This is an obvious quality in any aspiring business person. Going into business by its very nature is something that you do through your own initiative. Therefore no one is going to do anything for you or tell you off for not doing it. You need to stop putting things off and get on with it at the first available opportunity. Effective planning, organisation and time management are essential when trying to get your business off the ground.

    Leadership skills

    Having leadership skills is not just about managing people, it is also about leading strategy and implementing changes and new ideas. Whilst some people are born leaders it is important to remember that most of us are not, but that doesn't mean you can't obtain the skills to become an effective leader. There are training programmes available to help you develop these skills.

    Sales and marketing skills

    Put simply, to succeed in business you need to be able to market and sell your products. The ability to sell is a quality that cannot be overstated in business. Having an overall sales strategy is vital and needn't be that complicated. For example if you are taking payment from a customer using a credit card you will be able to collate valuable information. Card payment machines provided by Payzone cards will also negotiate preferential rates for e-commerce packages and will ensure your customers details are kept safe.

    Strategic planning skills

    Being able to think strategically and plan for your businesses future is no mean feat. Most business owners and managers are too bogged down in the daily operations to plan ahead for the businesses long term needs. However if your business is going to be sustainable and grow in the long term you need to be able to do this. Writing a well thought out business plan is the essential first step in this discipline. 

    Sources

    http://www.smallbusinesspro.co.uk/start-business/business-skills.html


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    Joys Joy CPLP
    Consultant
    Kolkata
    India
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