Archive for September 2011
September 28, 2011 | 
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Business Management characterizes the process of leading and directing all or part of an organization, often a business, through the deployment and manipulation of resources (human, financial, material, intellectual or intangible). Early twentieth-century business management writer Mary Parker Follett defined management as “the art of getting things done through other people.”
One can also think of business management functionally as the action of measuring a quantity on a regular basis and of adjusting some initial plan, and as the actions taken to reach one’s intended goal. This applies even in situations where planning does not take place. From this perspective, there are several major management functions, namely: planning, organizing, leading, coordinating and controlling.
Management is known by some as “business administration”, although this then excludes management in places outside business, e.g. charities and the public sector. University departments that teach management are nonetheless usually called “business schools”. The term “management” may also be used as a collective word, describe the managers of an organization, for example of a corporation.
Today, we find it increasingly difficult to subdivide management into functional categories in this way. More and more processes simultaneously involve several categories. Instead, we tend to think in terms of the various processes, tasks, and objects subject to management.
One consequence is that workplace democracy has become both more common, and more advocated, in some places distributing all management functions among the workers, each of whom takes on a portion of the work. However, these models predate any current political issue, and may be more natural than command hierarchy.
All management is to some degree democratic in that there must be majority support of workers for the management in the long term, or they leave to find other work, or go on strike. Hence management is becoming less based on the conceptualization of classical military command-and-control, and more about facilitation and support of collaborative activity, utilizing principles such as those of human interaction management to deal with the complexities of human interaction.
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Tags: Business Schools, Financial Material, Management Business | 
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The business card is one of the most used and least understood tools in business today. Whether CEO of a Fortune 500 Company or founder and part-time CEO of a web-based start-up, the business card is an effective communication and marketing tool. But like any tool, it must be used properly. The do’s and don’ts of business card etiquette, while not the key to wealth and success are helpful to prosper in a business or organization of any size.
The Business Card
If you work for a mid-sized to large company or organization, the style and format of the business card will have been decided for you. If you have your own company or organization, then keep the business card traditional in size and shape. Have them printed with all your key contact information in additional to you company or organization’s name, logo and tag line.
When to Carry Business Cards
Unless you are going swimming or otherwise actively engagement in sports, carry your business cards. Do no limit carrying them to work days, the office or business functions. Some of the best opportunities for business networking are at the least likely events or times.
How to Carry Business Cards
Some people carry business cards loose in their pockets or their purse. The best thing to carry them in is a business card case. These are available in metal and leather. I carry the leather one made by COACH and it has served me well. The metal ones are acceptable also as long as they are no bigger than the business cards.
When to Offer Your Business Card
Some people whip out their business card every time they meet someone at work or at a work related function. The best times to offer your business card are:
- When someone asks for your card.
- When you ask someone for their business card.
- At the END of a meeting with a client or potential client before they leave.
- If someone asks for your contact information (business or otherwise).
- At the end of an air flight if you have talked with the person sitting next to you.
- If you dine next to someone outside of your company at a professional or networking function (business-related), you may tell them that it was enjoyable talking with them and offer them your card as you shake hand and leave.
Business Card “Don’ts”
- Don’t give your business card to people who work with you. If you are that unmemorable you may need a professional coach.
- Don’t give your business card to people at a reception or networking function unless they ask for yours or your contact information.
- Don’t drop them in bowls for raffles as you will only be contacted by someone trying to sell you something.
- Don’t give them to others to hand-out for you.
- Don’t leave them on bulletin boards or in stacks at any place other than your own desk – and only then if you meet face-to-face with customers or clients.
- Don’t hand them out to anyone at a church service (social functions are acceptable) or at funerals.
Old Business Cards
Old business cards make great book marks and also work well for “to do” lists.
Business cards are both a blessing and a curse. Until everyone passes all contact information through technology, we will still have a tool called the business card. Know when and how to use them as an effective business development and communication tool remains essential to success.
As you begin to make decisions about becoming an entrepreneur, you will want to think about setting the goals that will help sustain your drive and vision. Remember, a lot of successful businessmen do not remain stagnant. In fact starting up and running a business involves continuous learning. A lot of this learning occurs from mistakes that you will make along the way and some mistakes you will inadvertently repeat. Other lessons are learned from interactions you have with friends, fellow business owners and customers.
Some of the goals you may set for yourself and your business may involve how much money you’ll earn as the owner and how much money your company will make every year. You’ll also want to set the number of hours you will work each week and how many hours should be spent uninterrupted with your family. You’ll also want to forecast how many employees you’ll have, the number of customers you’ll do business with in your first years and the speed at which your company can comfortably grow. It will also be nice to set your age when you will retire to your very own island.
Writing your goals on paper actually helps you reach these goals. Once they are written down, you can always refer to them on a regular basis to help you keep track of your own program or change them as the situation calls for it. It also helps your staff stay focused on the truly important things for your company. As you begin your life as a businessman, writing down your goals becomes a top priority.
As you start setting goals, you will have to be as specific as possible. A lot of people simply want “a decent living”, but this is too vague. Instead, write down the exact amount you want to take in profits from your first and second years in business. The more specific you are, the easier it will become to design a plan that reaches these goals. For example, you can plan several ways to earn $50,000. You can now calculate the number of customers you will need to buy from you as well is how many employees you’ll need to hire to make the number of products you need to sell.
But what does it mean if you don’t meet the goal? That will depend on how much you’re off. If you exceed your goals, congratulate yourself. If you are a little behind profits before tax, then at least you still took home some money and you are doing something on the right path. Check your goals, set the next ones and move on. However, if after a year you’re in more debt than when you started out, it may be time to reassess your goals or even consider going back to your day job.
Many people start with a goal that is realistic and then they work backwards. They develop smaller goals along the way that helps them reach their target. It always helps to keep your feet on the ground. Be as realistic as possible when you set your business goals – write down the exact amounts in terms of profits, taxes, salaries and perks to get a near-accurate picture of what you’re dealing with. Be as optimistic as you can or you might get discouraged if you don’t reach most of your goals. It is always safer to set goals that you can win.