Small Business MGMT. and Development

<h2 id="section---IsSmallBusinessManagementAndDevelopmentForMe">Is Small Business Management and Development For Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3> <p>As a small business owner or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_a_Job_Description_of_a_Business_Manager.html">manager</a>, you'll be in charge of one or more companies. Your responsibilities might include hiring and training employees, creating a business plan or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Financial_Manager_How_Much_Does_a_Financial_Manager_Earn.html">managing finances</a>. You might also review business contracts and deal directly with customers, which can include responding to concerns and solving problems. </p> <p>Your own interests and imagination may determine the type of business you'll want to start or operate, such as a graphic design or computer service, daycare center, boutique or restaurant. Once you've enter the field, you'll play an especially important role in maintaining a high level of customer satisfaction and service. </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentAndSalaryInformation">Employment and Salary Information</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a 12% growth in jobs nationwide was expected for top executives, including general and operations managers, from 2012-2022. As of May 2013, general and operations managers earned a mean annual salary of $116,090, as reported by the BLS (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). </p> <p>Professionals with a background in <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Careers_in_International_Business_What_Are_My_Job_Options.html">international business</a>, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Information_Technology_Management_Become_an_Information_Technology_Manager_in_5_Steps.html">information technology</a> or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Marketing_Majors_Your_Career_and_Salary_Questions_Answered.html">marketing</a> might fare well in the global economy. The <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Can_I_Do_with_a_Health_Services_Management_Degree.html">health services industry</a> may also provide some good prospects. For instance, employment of healthcare services managers was projected to grow by 23% nationwide from 2012-2022, which is faster than average. In May 2013, they earned an average annual salary of $101,340 (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInSmallBusinessManagementAndDevelopment">How Can I Work in Small Business Management and Development?</h2> <h3 id="section---Education">Education</h3> <p>A <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Careers_Does_a_Degree_in_Small_Business_Management_Prepare_Students_For.html">degree program in small business management</a> or a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Schools_for_Entrepreneurship_Majors_Your_Questions_Answered.html">major in entrepreneurship</a>, available at the undergraduate and graduate levels, can help you prepare for a career in management. Many colleges and universities also offer <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Business_Bachelors_Degree.html">business degrees</a> with an emphasis on small business management and development. Once enrolled, you'll study consumer behavior, franchising, human resources management and sales. Courses in accounting, business communications and marketing may also be part of your program. </p> <p>At the graduate level, a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Entrepreneurship_MBA_Masters_Degree.html">Master of Business Administration in Entrepreneurship</a> program may cover topics in entrepreneurial marketing, global capitalism and macroeconomics. Courses in financial accounting and systems management might also be part of the curriculum.</p>