Start a New Business
If you want to start a new business but lack the confidence you need to forge ahead then this course would suit you. Covering all aspects of the requirements of small business from types of businesses, business opportunities and how to develop them, through to business planning, budgeting sales and how to gain better profits.
What this Course Covers
Twelve lessons:
- Introduction to Small Business -Types of business and communication, types of language, office equipment.
- The Business World -
Consultancy services, law and business, the landscape industry, business letters, communication systems.
- Your alternatives - different types of ventures -Buying and starting a business.
- Marketing - What is involved in marketing, advertising, selling, communication.
- Planning - Organising and planning to ensure the success of the business.
- Basic Bookkeeping - Financial statements, balance sheet, profit and loss statement,insurance.
- Sales Methods - Selling, sales method, telephone canvassing.
- Budgeting - Assets and liabilities.
- Developing a 12 month business plan - Protection, planning and production.
- Implementing a business plan - Communication with employees, planning the development of the business.
- Reviewing progress in a new business - Research, evaluate and decide on business plan updates.
- Improving profitability - Increase profit and reduce expenditure.
Workload
Study when, where and however much you want. For most students, the course can be completed with a total of around 100 hours of study; and a commitment close to that may be needed to achieve desired learning outcomes.
Extra Reading
The following books, available through this web site are relevant supplementary reading for this course
- Starting a Business
- Saving a Business
- Business Operations
Assessment
Self Assessment Tests are presented throughout the course. These are essentially an automated quiz. When you undertake a "SAT" or "Self Assessment Test", you will be able to see what you got correct, and what was incorrect; and in that way, you can identify your weaknesses.
Assignments are given at the end of each lesson. You should complete this assignment, paying careful attention to follow what is asked of you. It can be just as important to learn to work to specification, as it is to learn about the topic you are studying. Graduates who develop a habit of working to specification in the field of human behaviour, will impress employers, and will be more efficient when self employed.
A Final Exam is offered upon satisfactory completion of all assignments. This is optional. If you choose to apply for and do this exam, you will have the possibility of obtaining a "formal credit" or "Pass Certification" for this course. A fee applies. The exam may be sat under prearranged conditions anywhere in the world. This college will award you a formal transcript, upon successful completion of the exam, as proof of your results.