
A quick overview of what this course will cover and how this chapter fits into the entire series, Introduction to Business - Volume 1.
A few small tweaks and pieces of information can truly make the learning experience easier and more comfortable. We'll take a look at some of those tips in this lesson.
A LOT of people love to use the word "entrepreneur" but what does it mean and how is that different than a small business owner? Let's dig in...
If you're expecting miracles or magic beans, this lesson will help you understand what we can (and cannot) help with.
How to take the very first step in organizing your thoughts. What step comes first?
"Business Plan" sounds so formal! Nah, it's just a way to help you organize and explain what you're thinking about.
So what goes in? What HAS to go in? What doesn't have to go in? Let's talk...
Let's take this first step to talk about exactly which form of Business Plan we'll be covering.
Make it concise, that's a given. But what else goes into these first two pieces? Which one doesn't get worked on until the very end?
Industry Analysis and Market Strategies sounds really complicated, but it's not. Let's dig into what those fancy words actually mean.
Know thy own competitors! It's vital to getting a new business started and running.
There are SO many options nowadays. This part of the Business Plan helps figure out what works for your start up.
The key personnel are important, but what about the custodians, or line cooks, or admin assistants?
No one has a crystal ball and can predict exactly what is going to happen, but some planning and thought will help avoid serious pitfalls.
We'll wrap up the Financial Analysis in this lesson.
Where does the money come from for a new business. Well, there are only TWO answers to that question.
What good does it do to start a new business that no one wants or needs?
Sole proprietorship, partnership, corporations, LLC... Let's do a quick refresher on what these are and what would be best for a start up.
I have a couple of pieces of advice if you're starting a new business...
There are some great advantages to starting new businesses. Let's talk about some of them.
There are also some drawbacks to taking off and starting a new business. We'll look at some of the bigger ones.
Why is "starting a business" such a big deal? It has HUGE impacts on the world. Let's look at some of them.
Do you have to start from scratch? No, there are several different ways to get into business.
Let's take a look at THE SINGLE BIGGEST RESOURCE anyone can use when starting a business... AND IT'S FREE!
Feel more comfortable with a step-by-step checklist? Here you go!
In this course, we use everyday, easy-to-understand language to explain the concepts and planning that goes into starting a new business.
While this course uses United States information as examples, the information and principles included apply to almost every country in the world.
Successful students will learn the difference between being an entrepreneur and a small business owner (as well as the overlaps between the two); they will also dig into the core concepts on how to address decisions necessary for planning, developing, and getting a new business off the ground.
Throughout the entire course, quizzes and actual working "homework assignments" are used to reinforce the lessons as well as help the student understand what they are grasping or needing to restudy.
Some of the many areas covered in the course include:
What is an Entrepreneur (and what isn't it?) What are the different types?
Why is a Business Plan so important to getting a new company started? How are Business Plans developed, prepared, and used?
Where does money come from to get a new business venture going? How to determine if there is a "market need" for your product/service.
How should the ownership of a business be structured?
Advantages and Disadvantages of being a small-business owner
MANY other lessons are included such as:
Specifically what should (and shouldn't) be included in a Business Plan?
What resources are available to help new business owners get off the ground?
What is the SBA (Small Business Administration) and what's the purpose of Chambers of Commerce?
NOTE: This is one mini-course included in the Introduction to Business: Volume 1 series. It is a completely stand-alone course with no prerequisites to understand the content. However, all the separate courses combined provide a comprehensive understanding of introductory business concepts equivalent to a 16-week, 3-credit hour, college course.