Business Education: why and what to study in order to become a successful entrepreneur or manager

In a world where a business environment changes at a dizzying speed, and competition is intensifying every year, it becomes not enough desire to succeed only in business. Business today is a complex system of knowledge, skills, analytical thinking, strategic planning and the ability to manage risks. That is why business education becomes an integral part of the path of everyone who wants to not only survive in the market, but also be a leader.

What is business education

Business education is a system of professional training in the field of management, economics, marketing, finance, entrepreneurship, logistics and other areas necessary for the successful activity of the company or the development of your own business. It can be considered as a foundation for starting and as a tool for scaling business at different stages.

The role of business education in the country’s economy

The development of entrepreneurial education affects not only the level of individual businesses, but also on the economy as a whole. More educated entrepreneurs — fewer unsuccessful startups, higher tax revenues, small and medium -sized businesses are more actively developing. This, in turn, creates jobs, stimulates innovation and increases the level of competition.

Where to study business today

Universities and business schools

There are a number of strong specialized universities in Russia, including Business University in Moscowwhere the academic base and a practice-oriented approach are combined.

Online platforms

They offer modules from leading specialists. A good way for point learning.

Corporate training

Companies are increasingly investing in the development of their employees: domestic academies, external business training, mentor programs.

Mentoring and entrepreneurs’ clubs

Informal training through participation in business clubs, meetings with mentors and mentors, accelerators-a powerful development tool. It helps to adopt experience, learn from the mistakes of others and find like -minded people

Modern business requires training, knowledge and flexibility. Talent can be a powerful start, but only education turns the idea into a stable project. The path of an entrepreneur is not a single race, but a comprehensive work on himself, with his competencies and a team. And the sooner training begins, the higher the chances of not just opening a business, but make it stable, scalable and successful.

If you choose between the action of «on a hunch» and systemic development, choose the second. Indeed, not the most courageous, but the most prepared in business.

To whom business education is suitable

Novice entrepreneurs

Those who just think about creating their own business give a holistic picture: how to analyze a niche, develop a product, attract customers, manage resources and develop a project.

Current business owners

For people who already manage business, training helps to systematize knowledge, revise the established schemes, introduce new approaches, better understand financial reporting and be ready for scaling.

Top managers and departments

For managers, this is an opportunity to increase the effectiveness of teamwork, master modern management tools, develop development strategies and strengthen leadership qualities.

Specialists who want to change the sphere

The transition to the business environment from other industries (for example, from education, medicine, civil service) requires adaptation and understanding of the logic of entrepreneurship. Retraining courses provide such an opportunity.

Business education for freelancers and self-employed

Many believe that if you work for yourself, then business education is not necessary. But knowledge of marketing, client service, brand and financial planning can significantly increase the income of a freelancer or self -employed specialist.

What is taught in business education

Control

Fundamentals of strategic, operating, project, financial and personal management. How to set goals, form KPI, manage risks and resources.

Financial literacy

Budgeting, investment analysis, understanding of reporting, taxation, assessment of business value — everything that helps to make correct financial decisions.

Marketing and sales

Studying modern digital tools, building a sales funnel, behavioral analysis of the audience, SMM, SEO, work with brand, PR strategy.

Jurisprudence in business

Fundamentals of corporate and labor law, protection of intellectual property, contracts, interaction with state bodies.

Leadership and Soft Skills

Team management skills, emotional intelligence, work in conflict situations, making decisions in conditions of uncertainty.

Development of critical thinking and analytics

Modern business requires the ability to see the situation from all sides, quickly make data based on data and evaluate risks. High-quality business education necessarily includes the development of an analytical approach and critical thinking.

Higher education or retraining: what to choose?

Higher education in business reference

Ideal for schoolchildren and applicants who want to plunge into a business sphere from scratch. Bachelor and magistracy give an academic base, form thinking and include in the educational process of practice, internships, projects.

Entrepreneurial slope programs

Some universities today offer unique courses where a student can create his own startup already during their studies. Such approaches combine an academic base and practical entrepreneurship.

Retraining and short -term courses

Suitable for those who already have experience and need a change of direction or updating of knowledge. Often such programs are conducted by existing entrepreneurs and top managers.

Training as an investment

It is important to perceive business education not as a mandatory stage, but as an investment. The time spent and funds pay off in the form of effective solutions, business growth and increase their own market value as a specialist.

Why is it important to study, and not hope for a «commercial vein»

The myth of the «Inborn Entrepreneur» is one of the most persistent and dangerous. Many believe that charisma, ambitions and “flair” are enough to start business. However, statistics say the opposite: up to 90% of startups are closed during the first three years, and one of the main reasons is the lack of systemic knowledge.

Talent + education = stable result

Even a talented person can be mistaken without sufficient preparation. Knowledge does not extinguish intuition — they enhance it, give it a form and help to act strategically. Luck comes more often to those who are prepared.

What is worth focusing on learning

Practice

Choose a pro grams with real cases, team projects, participation in startup incubators, practitioners with entrepreneurs.

Integration with modern technologies

Business is increasingly going to the digital sphere. Training should include automation of processes, CRM, online marketing, analytics.

Immersion in international practices

Acquaintance with the cases of international companies, participation in online sessions with foreign experts, access to English-language business literature expand the horizons and give a competitive advantage.

Understanding the international context

Even local companies face global trends. Knowledge of the English language, understanding of foreign markets and cultures is a huge plus.

Personal efficiency

Time management, stress resistance, learning skill is not an elective, but an obligatory part of modern business education.

The formation of strategic vision

It is equally important to learn how to think for 3-5 years ahead: set goals, anticipate market changes, take into account macroeconomic trends. This is the key difference between the entrepreneur and the contractor.

Can you study business at any age?

Absolutely yes !!! Business is not about age, but about the willingness to study, rethink, try new and adapt. On the contrary, the more life and professional experience — the more steeply the material is perceived. The conditional 22-year-old student of MBA and the 45-year-old owner of a construction company look differently at the same occupation. But both of them can be pulled out of it the maximum. Bottom line:

• At the age of 20, it is worth studying to understand how to open a business.
  In 30 — how to scale it.
  In 40+ — how to delegate, save balance and invest in the future.

If you already have a business, go to study or continue the “poke” method?

A good businessman always finds a balance between practice and system knowledge. The “touch” method, of course, works — especially at the start. But sooner or later he rests on the ceiling:

• There is not enough strategic view
• Money goes «to the sand»
• Employees are ineffective
• Budgets do not converge
• Sales are stagnant

Training at this moment is not a waste of time, but an acceleration of growth. Imagine that you are given a card to your goals — with the marks “go around here”, “here is the pit”, “there is a sharp turn”. They also give tools with which you do not just go — but you go.

Why study when everything is not bad?

Because «everything is not bad» is not the same as «the ceiling is not visible.» The business is changing rapidly. Who does not develop — quickly remains in the tail. Many successful entrepreneurs take the courses, go to intensivals, take mentors and read profanship not because they are bad, but because they want even better.