Careers

How ambitious are you? Where do you want to be in 10 year’s time? Where do I want to be in 10 year’s time?
Would you like a career change? Would you like to start your own business?
What practical advice could you give to somebody who wants to get ahead on their career?
Do the questions above ring a bell? For those at the pre-intermediate and intermediate level courses, those questions will certainly ring a bell unless they were just physically present in their classes last week and mentally six miles away!!

I’ve come across a free course on the Internet about How to Start you Own Business. I’ve already registered and started doing it. In order to register, you just need to enter an e-mail address. No other personal data is required.

Here's part of Session 1 of the course:

Characteristics of a Successful Entrepreneur

Guts:
Guts means you must have an entrepreneurial instinct, which is an overwhelming desire to have your own business. You must have the guts and dedication to be completely devoted to your goal. Incidentally, devotion to your goal is much more likely if you have a love for your intended business. Life is too short to start a business that doesn't give you satisfaction and joy. And, through good times and bad times, you will stick with something you love. As Solomon said, "There is nothing better for men (and women!) than they should be happy in their work-so let them enjoy it now."

Brains:
While appropriate educational credentials are important, entrepreneurial "brains" means more than scholastic achievements. To become a successful entrepreneur, you should have a working knowledge about the business you plan to start before you start it. Common sense, combined with appropriate experience, is the necessary brainpower. Prudence, follow through and attention to detail are very important.

Capital:
Every Business needs money of your own plus sufficient cash to maintain a positive cash flow for at least a year. In a future session operating entrepreneurs will learn how to forecast future cash requirements through cash flow control. Many businesses can be started on a very small scale with a small investment. Then, as the business grows and you gain experience, cash flow from your business can be used for growth. In some cases, you don't need starting capital to hire other people because you might start by doing everything yourself. The "do it yourself" start is a good way to learn everything about your business and also makes you better qualified to delegate work to others later on. You can control your risk by placing a limit on how much you invest in your business.

If you want to know more about it, just click here: http://www.myownbusiness.org/

Enjoy it!!