What Classes Do I Need to Take for a Business?
- Consider a business accounting class if you don't know how to track expenses. These classes demonstrate how to use programs for your business finances, often in a hands-on environment. Wholesale Distributor Maureen Costello notes on the My Own Business website, "I think that if an entrepreneur doesn't have a good understanding of accounting there will be a very high probability of failure. Accounting is the way you keep track of how well your business is doing. It's how you keep track of your cash." She adds that keeping track of expenses is important for staying on top of tax laws.
- Selling online requires knowledge of website setup, payment options and online marketing. My Own Business offers a free online course in e-commerce that covers its essentials, including how to establish your virtual storefront. Depending on the products you sell, you might benefit from taking an additional course in photography. If you prefer hands-on learning, check your local community college's continuing education course listings.
- Marketing is an art. Whether you're selling online or from a brick-and-mortar establishment, you need a way for customers to find you. The SCORE Delaware branch notes, "Marketing includes having the right merchandise or service, selecting the right location, enacting effective sales programs and promoting your company and its wares to the buying public." Whether you're confused about branding your name or bringing people to your door, you'll be able to find plenty of marketing classes to help you find your way.
- Communication skills are incredibly important to business success. You'll need to provide customer service, draft letters to clients and lead meetings. Take a communication course if you don't consider yourself a "people person." You can find specialized courses to fit your needs, like business writing and organizational communication. An article published in the University of Wisconsin Alumni Update Magazine notes that most managers spend 75 to 80 percent of their time engaged in some form of written or oral communication.