Business 1001

If you’ve gone through a business program of any kind whether its a BBA at a University or a Business diploma at a Community College you probably know that education doesn’t leave you with everything you need to know on how to run a business.

Here is my crash course on some things I learned in my first few years in the business world that many new business owners or young entrepreneurs may find useful.

• Get a professional email address and signature for that address. For resumes, business contacts, or even everyday emails to friends and family, use a professional email. Your company email address will work or a simple <yourname>@yahoo, live, or gmail is acceptable but not preferred. NEVER use a nickname, number, or sexygurl23423@hotmail.com kind of address. Your a professional now.
• Dress to impress. If your heading to an interview, business meeting, or even going to the mall shopping, dress like a pro. I might be slack at this sometimes but if your looking the most professional you have an immediate first impression advantage over anyone who is not looking as professional as you are.
• Spell Check everything. You have no idea how unprofessional it looks or uneducated it seems a person is if they have spelling mistakes in any emails or documentation with their name on it. Most email programs and word processors have spell checks. Use them!
• Network with honesty and good intentions. Its so easy to tell if someone wants to talk to you because they want your money, or if they want to talk to you to mutually help each other in business. Business is not all about getting rich. We are in this industry together, so meet people in all sorts of industries with the frame of mind that you can help them and if they want to, they can return the favor someday. Buying someone a coffee can go along way in some peoples eyes.
• Get to know local media personnel. This one is tough to do at times depending on how big of a city you live in, but if the media knows you personally the more stories about you and your company will get published.
• Create a community event. Whether its a run for the cure in your area,  charity even, to a hobby club, anything that shows a positive side of yourself away from work will help people believe in you and your intentions.
• Respond to emails within 12 hours. This is important. If your serious about business you need to make time for everyone. If you get an email you need to respond to it and fast. If your reliable to a mass amount of people, you won’t ever find yourself unemployed.
• Never Stop Learning! By far the most important tip for Business 1001 by myself, Jeremy McLean. Business is always changing. I work in the technology field and today is yesterdays news. If your not constantly looking for how to do things better, reading business books, and learning something new then your not creating value for yourself. I work/study at least 11 hours/day and sometimes don’t leave a boardroom or an office for 15 hours straight. Business takes commitment and dedication to make things happen. If your not willing to go the extra mile you may need to examine a different career path.

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