Starting a small business can be a rewarding vocation if done properly but there are many challenges. If you have never run a successful business before; you almost certainly need this course. You may already have ideas about a service or products you want to supply; but don’t set any of your ideas in stone until you first understand the business world and the market place; and take the time to go through a logical and careful process of assessing risks, and planning the launch and development of your new enterprise.

This course will teach you the approach to make your business start-up a success, and what to avoid in the early stages to bring your business inspiration to profit.

Course Aims:

• Discuss the nature of small business and the skills required to run one successfully.
• Explain the legal requirements, restrictions and the costs of running a small business.
• Describe the different aspects and considerations associated with starting a new or buying an existing business.
• Explain the marketing process.
• Explain the importance of planning in the running of a successful business.
• Explain the importance of record keeping and the principles of bookkeeping.
• Determine sales and promotions strategies in small business.
• Explain the importance of budgets.
• Develop a business plan.
• Implement a business plan.
• Identify factors that affect profitability.

There are 12 Lessons in this course:

1. Introduction to Small Business

• • Types of business and communication.
  • Types of language.
  • Office equipment.

2. The Business World

• • Consultancy services.
  • Law and business.
  • The landscape industry.
  • Business letters.
  • Communication systems.

3. Your Alternatives

• • Different types of ventures.
  • Buying and starting a business.

4. Marketing

• • What is involved in marketing, advertising, selling, communication.[/learn_more]

5. Planning

• • Organising and planning to ensure the success of the business.[/learn_more]

6. Basic Bookkeeping

• • Financial statements.
  • Balance sheets.
  • Profit and loss statements.
  • Insurance.

7. Sales Methods

• • Selling.
  • Sales method.
  • Telephone canvassing.

8. Budgeting

• • Assets and liabilities.

9. Developing a 12 Month Business Plan

• • Protection.
  • Planning.
  • Production.

10. Implementing a Business Plan

• • Communication with employees.
  • Planning the development of the business.

11. Reviewing Progress in a New Business

• • Research
  • Evaluate and decide on business plan updates.

12. Improving Profitability

• • Increase profit
  • Reduce expenditure