Benefits of a Business Education

There are many reasons to acquire a Business education.

Here are 25 good reasons to study business.

1. START A NEW BUSINESS- Increasing numbers of people want to "be their own boss."

2. IMPROVE AN EXISTING BUSINESS- Most start-ups fail, attention to business principles and strategies can improve your probability of success.

3. CHANGE CAREERS- Stuck in a career that's not for you, more education and improved skills may be the key.

4. GET A PROMOTION- Managers want to promote people who are prepared and have business knowledge.

5. IMPROVE YOUR JOB PERFORMANCE- New knowledge, better techniques, state-of-the art methods and greater insights all contribute to improved performance.

6. GET A NEW JOB- Oftentimes the candidate with a business background is the candidate who is selected.

7 MANAGE PROJECTS EFFECTIVELY- Have them "come in on time and within budget."

8. INCREASE YOUR UNDERSTANDING OF BUSINESS AND FINANCE- Knowledge is power!

9. MAKE BETTER INVESTMENT AND PURCHASING DECISIONS- The decisions you make will make the difference between financial success and failure.

10. UNDERSTAND SALES AND MARKETING STRATEGIES- Whether you use this understanding for personal or professional benefit, you will become a more astute purchaser, as well as more effective in generating sales for your products or services.

11. BECOME A SUPERVISOR OR MANAGER- Getting things done through other people's efforts can be rewarding and effective.

12. BECOME A BETTER CONSUMER- The American economy is consumer-driven, you need to understand the impact, potential pitfalls and opportunities here.

13 BE MORE EFFECTIVE IN MEETINGS- Many people dread meetings, others enjoy less impact than they should.

14. "BRAND" AND "MARKET" YOURSELF- Promoting oneself gains recognition and pays dividends..

15. IMPROVE YOUR (BUSINESS) COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS- What's the biggest problem in almost every organization? Communication!.

16. UNDERSTAND THE LEGAL ASPECTS OF BUSINESS- It's easy to run afoul of the law in our increasingly litigious society.

17. BE A MORE EFFECTIVE MANAGER- Doing the "right things right" is an art worth being proficient at.

18. BECOME MORE "STRATEGIC"-. The elements and development of a strategic plan are straightforward, yet imperative. You must be concerned with the future as you will spend all of your time there.

19. IMPROVE YOUR ANALYTICAL SKILLS- Solving problems, analyzing data and making good decisions are skills that can be learned and developed.

20. BECOME A MORE SUCCESSFUL INVESTOR- You work for your money. Why not "have your money work for you?"

21. DEVELOP LEADERSHIP SKILLS- Leaders are developed, not born. Professional leadership can be even more effective than "natural leadership."

22. INCREASE SALES AND PROFITABILITY- Growth and profitability are the primary objectives of business.

23. IMPROVE ORGANIZATIONAL OR PERSONAL EFFECTIVENESS AND PRODUCTIVITY- Getting more "bang for the buck" is what they used to call this.

24. SUCCESSFULLY ADAPT TO A CHANGING ENVIRONMENT- Adaptation and contingency planning are essential features of survival and evolution.

25. MAKE MORE MONEY- This one does not deserve an explanation.

So think about it. Your reason may not even appear on the list. Make your own list , then make your decision. A business education will help you in your life and career, whatever path you take.

Using Six Sigma, You Can Find Your Dream Career Path

If it is time for you to choose a career path for the rest of your life, you really need to be selective and pick something that you think you would like to do for a long time. If being outside among wildlife and in fresh air is something you like, you could be a landscaper or a maintenance person who works on pools. If working in an office environment is more up your alley, you could work as an executive or manage an office.

Narrow down the options of your possible future career by making lists of things that you enjoy doing that could possibly lead to a career. Then you will want to find a college or training facility to help you on your way. You must be a diligent and dedicated student if you are to reach your potential. Concentrating on courses during high school and undergraduate college is also a great way to figure out what you would like to be doing in ten or twenty years.

For instance, if you enjoy baking cakes, working with food will probably satisfy you while you go through bakery school. It is important to be interested in the career you choose so that the business you have entered will profit from your presence. If you always want to go to work because you know you have the potential to really get things done, to achieve things you will not achieve sitting at home on the couch.

Many business careers will involve getting a great deal of education first. If you are prepared to go through some years of college and get all the necessary degrees to pursue your chosen career, it will be easier to maintain throughout those years. It is always good to plan ahead. Some people are not quite sure what kind of business plan they want to develop, or even how to create the plan, and they would benefit from utilizing a Six Sigma professional for this purpose. As long as there is an idea, a Six Sigma professional can help the business owner create a project from it.

The project will work toward making the idea a successful business. The methods used by Six Sigma professionals can be continued throughout the life of the business as it expands and when there is need for improvement. These two things should always be considered, perhaps not as a direct priority, but as something to keep on the back burner, even from the start of the business.

It is important to pick a career carefully so that you enjoy getting in the car and going to work each day. We all have enough stress in our day-to-day personal lives that there is no reason to have a job that you just don't like doing. You should do something that will put a smile on your face.

Private Equity Career Paths

Private equity is a difficult field to enter and with a high number of applicants for jobs at a private equity (PE) firm, employers are forced to be selective. This has led to a common misconception that there is one single path to working for a PE firm and absolutely no other way to enter the field. This is simply not true, there are a variety of ways to enter private equity, as many of the top PE managers illustrate.

But it is true that many PE firms hire from top tier business schools and universities. Another popular path to a career in PE is through investment banking. Many investment bankers work with PE firms in valuation and helping in M&A transactions so the transition it fairly natural, although the two industries are also very different.

David Rubenstein of the Carlyle Group, one of the top 10 buyout firms in the world, worked in Washington as part of the Clinton Administration and as an attorney. Then he founded one of biggest and most successful buyout firms ever. This is a unique career path which shows that a person's most important qualification is education, intelligence and a strong work ethic like Mr. Rubenstein's. Other career paths for entering PE include accounting, law, compliance, corporate and business management, and any number of other fields. If you have performed well in other roles and have a strong background of knowledge in PE and finance you will still be able to compete for jobs in PE even though you will not have the typical background. Some firms may even look on this as a benefit because you have a different perspective.

If you are interested in entering PE you should consider bolstering a lacking resume with a private equity training program. This puts you in a better position and makes up for your lack of PE experience and knowledge by giving you a strong understanding of how the industry works.

Building a Foundation With a GED and Choosing a Career Path

By obtaining a high school equivalency, many opportunities have become available that once were completely out of reach. Opportunities are readily available for continued education at both community and technical colleges in a variety of fields, as well as a larger number of employment opportunities. Do not spend any more time thinking what kind of career you might have had, and instead begin building a foundation with a GED.

Completing the program for high school equivalency is a step in the right direction and requires commitment and dedication. This commitment and dedication is relayed whenever you apply for a position or enroll for additional classes. Most employers will appreciate a person who completes a project, and especially a person who returns to finish one.

While many four-year colleges do not accept this certificate for enrollment, there is no difficulty with enrolling in most community colleges. Most technical schools also acknowledge the equivalency certificate as well. Enrolling in Weekend College is often the best way to attend classes and still go to work.

Editor's Note: If you're having difficulty obtaining a rewarding career because you only have a GED, you may want to consider employment in the Green industry. Right now, acquiring a BPI certification could put you on the right career path and plus you'll be helping the environment too. It's a feel good type of job and there's plenty of building contractors looking for certified building analyst professionals to help them grow their business. In some states, your potential employer may even qualified for a grant to send you to school for free.

During preparation for the test, various skills may have become apparent in a particular subject. It may be wise to continue a course of study on these particular skills, or on something that you have a strong passion for. It is much more likely to excel at subjects that tend to make us content and happy. If the test itself was an inspiration, you may want to consider obtaining a degree and becoming an instructor that can administer the test to others who are in the same position.

While furthering your education it may be necessary to try several different jobs before you eventually find just the right one. Learn everything that you can about the job and obtain any necessary continuing education available. Just remember that you can never have too much education and everything in life turns into a valuable lesson.

Cosmetology Careers - Career Path Requirements

You've chosen a school, are doing well in your studies and need to start planning for your future. Which career path is right for you? What are the benefits to the different careers cosmetology offers? Do you have to cut hair in order to succeed in this industry? All of these questions may start weighing on your mind as you begin your education in cosmetology. Most are best answered before you dive too far in your studies so you will know exactly which area you want to specialize in.

There are a few things required regardless of which career path you choose. As a cosmetologist you will be working with the public to offer a specific service. Having a courteous and professional demeanor is required to ensure you are able to build repeat clientele. Being friendly, personable and a good listener will take you far in this career choice. Most clients will come back to you for your winning personality even if you make a mistake and take off more than the inch they requested in a hair salon. In addition to building a good rapport with your clientele, it is important for cosmetologists to maintain a clean work environment and be conscience of their own appearance.

If you are thinking of having your own business, you may want to consider taking a class in business management. Having your own business offers the flexibility of building your own hours and setting your own fees, but you'll need to remember that being the owner of a business will require you to fulfill more duties that just styling hair or giving a manicure. There are business licenses, insurance, having a good stock of products and being able to do your own advertising to consider.

Places available for a cosmetology graduate to find employment are plentiful world-wide. Spas, salons, health and fitness centers and even doctors' offices offer employment to many cosmetologists. For hair stylists, salons are the obvious choice to start your career path. Some salons offer an hourly wage to their employees, where as other salons offer booth rentals for a percentage of your earnings or a set price per month.

Nail technicians often have their own salons or are incorporated within a salon where hair stylists also work. Because of the ability to easily transport their equipment nail technicians and manicurists are able to offer to bring their services to their clients. This can greatly increase the fee they are able to charge as well as make it easier for them to set their own hours. Cosmetologists are able to have extremely flexible schedules to meet their needs as a mother, wife, or other full-time employee.

A career in cosmetology can be rewarding on several different levels. Most cosmetologists enjoy that they are able to pamper their clients and often see them walk away with a smile on their face. Cosmetologists are able to beautify our world one person at a time and make a difference in the way a person sees themselves.

The IRS provides excellent support for new and existing tax professionals. This article has been modified to include the new IRS qualifications to become a tax preparer.

The IRS Tax Forums offer three full days of seminars with the latest word from the IRS leadership and experts in the fields of tax law, compliance and ethics. Attendees can earn up to 18 continuing professional education (CPE) credits, learn about the latest IRS e-Services products and schedule a visit to the Practitioner Case Resolution Room. The forums also feature a two-day expo with representatives from the IRS, business, finance and tax software companies offering their products, services and expertise.

Off the record, this is where Tax Professionals from throughout the US meet up and socialize Las Vegas style. In 2007, the Las Vegas Forum was the largest with more than 5,300 total attendees, followed by Orlando with 3,135 attendees and Atlanta with 2,615 total attendance.

Individuals wanting to learn more about the Tax Industry in America may want to consider signing up for the 2008 Forum. Atlanta, Chicago, Orlando, Las Vegas, New York and San Diego are the locations for the 2008 Tax Forums.

More support for new and existing tax professionals can be found at the irs.gov web site, you will see the link for Tax Professionals at the top of the page. Click on this to learn more about the support the IRS provides to Tax Professionals. You can sign up for newsletters, data, new laws, alerts and much more.

Education and Experience

Enrolling in a reputable tax school would be your second step in securing a career in Taxes. Your first step would be to find out the requirements to do state and federal taxes in you state. Once all the requirements are satisfied, you are ready to start work as a tax professional.

You will need to acquire a PTIN number from the IRS (Preparer Tax Identification Number) Even if you have one, you still must pay $65.25 and registered at the IRS web site. (irs.gov -- click on Tax Professionals)

Once you receive your PTIN, new or renewed, the IRS will start to test tax preparers in mid 2011. There is a lot of questions in the industry about the testing. The EA (Enrolled Agent) exam is a bear, and many are expecting the same for the Tax Preparer Competency Test. (Not to worry, there are already schools advertising that they can guarantee that you pass the exam)

Sure you will be a little nervous, most of us were when we first started out. To gain more confidence, new tax professionals can start off working for one of the large franchise tax services. After doing this for one or two years, you will feel confident enough to start out on your own.

We encourage new comers NOT to steal clients from the franchise tax services. The tax payer will tell you all kinds of stories about why he/she should stay with you. Don't buy into it. It is a bad practice to take from the hand that helped you get started. Instead, tell the taxpayer that if he/she is still looking for a permanent tax professional next year; to look you up in the phone book or call 411. If the tax payer tracks you down, then there is nothing you can do but accept them as a new client.

There are pros and cons about attending tax schools on site with one of the large tax franchise services.

The good news is that the cost can be much lower then a regular tax school and they will be more willing to provide employment.

The drawback is, tax school that starts in October and drills you through late December can be hard on your personal life and does not allow you to learn at your own pace. If you have a full time job, a spouse and children -- it can be overwhelming and dropouts are common.

Taxes is Law. Don't let anyone tell you differently. Its easy once you get the hang of it -- however, the on site classes don't help you with this realization until after they have overwhelmed you with new information, tax laws, homework and quizzes.

The truth is, the tax software does all the work for you; what makes you a professional is when you understand what the tax software is doing and can change "things" (legally) to the tax payers advantage.

Now that the IRS is testing all tax payers who can legal do a tax return for pay, the competency will increase greatly, and this leaves room for the cost of tax returns to increase as well. (It appears that there may still be positions available in the tax industry without having to qualify under the IRS's new guidelines, if you work for a company or office who does qualify)

If you do not train to become a professional then you are at the same level as Joe Blow who purchases the major tax software at the office supply store and believes himself to be knowledgeable enough to complete his taxes, even when the taxes become more complex with his financial growth.

Career Paths

For persons who have more then a seasonal desire to work in taxes, you can opt to become a Tax Accountant and work with individuals and small businesses. Tax Accountants not only prepare taxes, they help you with tax planning based upon a client's monthly income, expenses and goals.

Example: Tax Accounts provide simple, yet effective (tax) accounting that 1) provides a solid, IRS audit proof tax return. 2) provides insight on how to increase income and lower taxes. This includes tasks such as quarterly estimated tax payments for Federal and State, employee tax forms, sales taxes, updating information that will provide a clean tax return and maybe even provide a computerized balance sheet. Tax Accountants earn between $35.00 to $85.00 per hour (seasonal work, California)

For persons not interested in Accounting, you can study for the Enrolled Agent exam and become one of IRS's finest. An Enrolled Agent (EA) is a federally-authorized tax practitioner who has technical expertise in the field of taxation and who is empowered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to represent taxpayers before all administrative levels of the Internal Revenue Service for audits, collections, and appeals.

The license to become an EA can be earned in one of two ways, by passing a comprehensive examination which covers all aspects of the tax code, or having worked at the IRS for five years in a position which regularly interpreted and applied the tax code and its regulations. All candidates are subjected to a rigorous background check conducted by the IRS. (There are no educational requirements other then a high school education)

In California, EAs earn anywhere from $90 to $200 per hour, and some times more depending on their business model. (self-employed)

The Tax Industry looses many good Tax Professionals because the work is seasonal. New Tax Professionals can pre-plan career moves to include a year round income. It may take several tax seasons before 'Taxes' can support you year round.

Business Education - Start your Career Planning Early

Starting out in a business career is easy. Start early, and keep your eyes and ears open. How about the lemonade stand when you were 11? Or cutting lawns when you were 14? Or the baby sitting jobs? All are basic training for a career in business.

How about that first "real" job when 16 or 17? What did you learn about business? How about customer service? Did you show an initiative? What did you do with your earnings? Was some saved and invested in your future? Did you read the business section in the newspaper? How about the Wall Street Journal when you went to the library?

Business career training comes in many sizes and packages. All help you prepare in becoming a business entrepreneur someday. It outlines different subjects and training involving corporate finance, marketing and business law. In the course of training, you begin to get a more detailed idea of what you want to do in considering a business career.

There are a number of specialized fields in almost every business. Finance, marketing, operations, technology, and sales all lead to different career paths. This is the main decision you need to make before your business career training starts. Another decision you need to consider is the aspect of business that you want to get specialized in. Let's go over the benefits and tips of taking up a program in business career training.

1) Business Concepts are life concepts as well: The business concept is reflected around you to include the very basic ideas. It is being applied to almost any aspects of our life and work. General problem solving skills and working well with others is the most useful learning you can acquire from business career training.

2) Having better credentials mean more money and other options: If you have an advanced business career training degree, you are allowed more freedom in selecting your career path. Most of the top companies in the world prefer to interview and hire graduates of business-related courses and degrees. And offered salaries are definitely higher. With a degree in business career training, many job opportunities are open for you.

3) Find the ideal advanced education: Finding for the ideal business career training is a necessity. A good school that will fit your personality and possess the things that gets you interested aside from the business career training programs they offer. One reason for this is for you to balance career development with your lifestyle and exterior interests.

4) Interaction with different kinds of people: In a business career training program, you are most likely to experience interacting with different kinds of people related to your program's activities. With this interaction, you need to understand the interpersonal and individual motives and behaviors of every person performing in business activity. You need to have the ability to read the personality of a person as well as the dynamics of the group.

5) Expand your business rolodex: In taking up your business career training program, you need to learn the art of expanding your business network. Through your business network, you'll have a precise introduction and established system that is essential in setting up your business career.

The above listed benefits and ideas are just the beginning. Plan on a life long learning program. You'll find as your career develops additional options will appear, keep and open mind and you may be surprised and delighted to where it may lead.