harvard university recommends that you budget $150,000 for their two year mba program. they are gracious enough to note that this does not include the cost of a personal computer.
i got my copy of "the commensense mba" by richard m. astle from amazon.com for one cent [plus shipping]. it's stuff you'll never learn at harvard, yet it is fundamental to running a successful business.
"don't let school get in the way of your education" - mark twain
the seven practices
put people first.
never forget that your business is for the benefit of your customers and your employees... every transaction with customers or employees should be a both-win transaction.
do what you say.
be on time. return phone phone calls. do what you say. you'll never keep reliable employees or good customers without it.
build trust.
everything you do should be open and aboveboard.. if you don't know what personal integrity is, or you hesitate when asked about your business ethics, you should make it a point to learn more....
put needs before wants
focus on prudence and restraint in finances. it's best you start your business small and grow it from the profits rather than borrow a lot of money up front. you don't 'need' a fancy office or car to impress clients with your success. being debt free and a savings account will help you survive lean times.
focus on quality and customer service.
plan, plan, plan
making a business plan will help you think through areas that you would otherwise ignore. things like a financial plan. a marketing plan. read through your plan every day.
sell, sell, sell
marketing is everything. spend 20% of your time networking, advertising, getting the word out.
summary: start small and grow by reinvesting your profits. focus on serving your customers and your employees. focus on quality and integrity. focus on marketing. focus. focus. focus.
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