Connect with us

Entrepreneurship

Why Entrepreneurs Need an MBA – All You Need To Know

Published

on

The world of entrepreneurship is challenging, and it can be difficult to get ahead without the right tools. An MBA can provide the necessary skills and knowledge to help entrepreneurs stay competitive in today’s market.

This blog post will explore why entrepreneurs need an MBA and provide all the essential information you need to make an informed decision. You’ll learn about the importance of an MBA and how it can benefit entrepreneurs.

MBA student entrepreneur
photo credit: Andrea Piacquadio / Pexels

1. The Business World Is Ever-Changing

In the modern business world, entrepreneurs must stay ahead of the competition and adapt to trends. From the proliferation of technology to new legislation, the rules and regulations of the business world are constantly in flux. As an entrepreneur, it’s essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the ever-evolving business environment and how it affects your industry and goals.

An MBA provides entrepreneurs with the skills, knowledge, and insight needed to remain competitive and successful in a rapidly changing business landscape. An MBA provides a wide array of courses that covers all aspects of the business world, from strategy, economics, marketing, and finance.

2. You’ll Develop a Better Understanding of Accounting And Financials

Accounting and finance are two of the most important concepts in business. With an MBA, entrepreneurs gain a better understanding of how financial statements work and how to interpret them. This knowledge helps entrepreneurs to better assess risks, create budgets, and plan for their business’s future. MBA students understand how to create cash flow statements and balance sheets, as well as other essential concepts related to accounting and finance.

Entrepreneurs gain a better understanding of accounting and financials by earning an MBA in accounting. If you are already an entrepreneur, you can pursue an online MBA in Accounting while continuing to work. You will gain the same foundational knowledge that an on-campus program would provide. This program includes auditing, taxation, financial reporting, and international accounting courses.

3. An MBA Help Entrepreneurs Build Leadership Skills

MBA programs equip entrepreneurs with the necessary skills to become effective leaders. With an MBA, you will be able to understand how to motivate teams, foster collaboration, and create a shared vision.

Being a successful leader also means having the ability to effectively manage stakeholders, including customers, vendors, partners, and employees. An MBA helps entrepreneurs hone these skills by teaching them how to cultivate relationships and maximize resources to reach desired goals.

4. You’ll Learn How To Raise Capital

Raising capital is essential for any entrepreneur to have in their toolkit. An MBA program can teach students the strategies and techniques to secure capital successfully. Students will learn how to write business plans, create investor presentations, and understand venture capital investment models. In addition, many MBA programs offer courses that focus on venture capital investments and fundraising strategies. Learning the ins and outs of raising capital gives entrepreneurs the confidence and knowledge they need to pursue financial backers and get the funding they need for their businesses.

5. An MBA Develops an Entrepreneur’s Business Acumen

An MBA is a great way for entrepreneurs to learn about the business world and develop their business acumen. You’ll learn to research markets, analyze trends, create strategies, and make sound decisions. You’ll also be exposed to various case studies that will help you hone your understanding of how businesses operate in different contexts.

Entrepreneurs will have the tools they need to assess their company’s performance and growth opportunities by understanding the business fundamentals such as marketing, economics, finance, operations, and organizational behavior.

MBA student learning in library

6. An MBA Gives Entrepreneurs Access to Resources

MBA provides entrepreneurs access to resources that can help them grow and succeed in their businesses. An MBA opens access to a wealth of knowledge, contacts, and resources. The below resources are helpful for entrepreneurs in search of employment or starting their businesses.

  • With an MBA, entrepreneurs can gain access to experienced industry professionals and mentors who can provide valuable advice, guidance, and resources.
  • Many MBA programs offer students the opportunity to participate in student clubs and organizations that provide access to industry experts, potential investors, and networking opportunities. These contacts can be invaluable in helping entrepreneurs develop their business ideas.
  • An MBA also allows entrepreneurs to work on projects in teams with other MBA students, which provides additional opportunities to collaborate and learn from one another. Working with a team can also be a great way to get valuable feedback on ideas and strategies.
  • Many MBA programs have career centers that offer career counseling, job placement services, and resume writing assistance.

7. Improves Negotiation Skills

Negotiation is an essential skill for any entrepreneur, as it allows you to negotiate favorable deals with vendors, customers, and partners. With an MBA, entrepreneurs gain the knowledge and experience they need to become effective negotiators. An MBA provides students with an understanding of different negotiation styles, strategies, and tactics.

MBAs also help entrepreneurs develop the confidence and courage to effectively communicate their positions and make compromises. Entrepreneurs can get the best business deals with the right negotiation skills. Entrepreneurs will also learn how to handle difficult conversations, diffuse tense situations and work toward a mutually beneficial agreement.

8. Provides Exposure to Innovative Business Models

An MBA provides exposure to innovative business models and allows entrepreneurs to evaluate how existing business models can be improved or adapted for their ventures. During MBA courses, students are exposed to various innovative business models that other companies in different industries have successfully implemented. This can help entrepreneurs develop a unique and creative approach to their business ideas.

MBA students can provide valuable insight into successful business strategies with the help of expert faculty members. With this exposure, entrepreneurs can create more successful and profitable businesses.

9. Develops Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking skills are invaluable for entrepreneurs looking to launch or grow their businesses. It involves having an open mind and considering different points of view. This can help entrepreneurs understand their customers’ needs better and respond quickly to market changes.

MBA degree helps entrepreneurs develop critical thinking skills, which are essential for problem-solving and managing complex situations. It allows entrepreneurs to evaluate the data, identify issues, and develop solutions to difficult problems.

MBA student busy

Conclusion

An MBA can provide entrepreneurs with valuable knowledge, skills, networks, and resources to help them succeed in the business world.

The program’s comprehensive curriculum covers various business and management topics.

MBA programs offer opportunities to expand professional networks, access resources such as mentorship and funding, and develop leadership skills. It can also increase earning potential and open up new career paths, making it a valuable investment for entrepreneurs.

However, it’s important to remember that an MBA alone is not a guarantee of success, and entrepreneurship also requires risk-taking, creativity, and persistence.

Community

From Struggles to Success: Ajamu Attard’s Inspiring Entrepreneurial Journey

Published

on

From Struggles to Success: Ajamu Attard's Inspiring Entrepreneurial Journey

Ajamu Attard is the National Director and CEO of Student Support in Canada, and his journey as an entrepreneur has been riddled with struggles and successes along the way.

With an intense determination to better his community from the get-go, young Attard, now 27, has been the recipient of about a dozen prestigious awards such as Top 20 Under 20 Award and the Lincoln M. Alexander Award.

“Just a couple years before receiving those awards, I was in a shelter,” says Attard, looking back to high school.

Early struggles as a student

Attard faced hardships during his school years, but he remained determined to make a positive impact. Despite years of struggle and what he frankly describes as a period of temporary mediocrity in his academic career, Attard decided to focus all his efforts on improving his own life and becoming a leader in his community.

Although Attard coasted through school for a while, his situation quickly changed and he went on to become an entrepreneur and a community leader in his own right.

Attard took a victory lap, and focused all his spare time on bettering his community and helping his fellow students realize their potential and find new opportunities in academics, post-secondary education, funding and scholarships, and community involvement opportunities.

Attard went on to continue making a difference, launching community initiatives to help eliminate racial discrimination in Ontario. Among other efforts to assist in his community, this is the one that would get him nominated for the Lincoln M. Alexander Award.

Having experienced racial discrimination himself, and being one of the few students of colour in Peterborough, Ontario, Ajamu Attard decided to take a stand and help his fellow students in more ways than one.

Attard helped his fellow students write scholarship applications, and eventually went on to start a scholarship matching service for students. The service was successful, helping students acquire over half a million dollars in scholarship funding.

Attard says students would struggle to find the right scholarships at the time, and would ask for his help.

“All they wanted was for someone to find the opportunities for them,” says Attard.

It was shortly thereafter that both Attard’s peers and staff at his school began to take notice of his remarkable achievements as well as his determination to make a difference in the lives of his fellow students.

Ajamu Attard says if he didn’t have the support of staff, who later became aware of his situation, he would have gone down the wrong path.

“Many teachers took extra time out of school to quite literally support me because they found out I was working two jobs and doing all these different things,” says Attard.

One situation stood out to Attard in particular when a teacher sat him down and told him to avoid hanging the wrong crowd, and to go all-in on his vision. Speaking highly of his potential and his intelligence, young Attard was given a second chance to make something of himself.

It was then that Attard became hyper aware of the potential vices as well as the pitfalls of being not just a student, but a struggling student – a student that was struggling financially, emotionally and with clarity. With an unpredictable future, it was hard to make the right decisions to drive positive growth.

At the time, it was hard to think long-term because Attard was struggling with poverty and anxieties brought about from his turbulent childhood and living situation.

According to Ajamu Attard, making a definitive decision to change and impact his community for the better was one of the best decisions he has ever made. At the time, seeking to affect more positive change and expand his efforts within the community and in his own work, Ajamu Attard went on to find Student Support.

The launch of Student Support

It was in second year at Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario, where Attard met fellow students, and later to-be cofounders: Brent Colby and Scott Braddon.

Attard speaks highly of his co-founders, and says they were equally as driven and determined, both with a voracious appetite to learn as much as possible about starting a social enterprise.

Student Support officially started in 2021, after two of the three co-founders had graduated. Starting well after the scholarship service Attard had created, he felt confident knowing he had the prior experience under his belt.

The team decided to make Student Support a service that would benefit students and help make essential supports more affordable to the student body.

It was in the early stages that Ajamu Attard was reminded of both his struggles and successes as a student. He recalls truly being able to focus and devote his energy towards building his community as well as profitable enterprises when he was given help by teachers and peers.

Today, Student Support is partnered with major services that provide a whole range of support services to students from education to fitness and writing tools.

Student Support partners with Calm, Udemy, Nimbus Learning and Aaptiv to provide students with support throughout the university year at a fraction of the cost.

“We’re talking about 98 percent off,” says Attard.

Though many students have been in favour of Student Support, there has been occasional pushback by student organizations over the years, and Student Support was able to overcome that each time.

Student Support provides services to the student body after a referendum at each institution, and after gaining majority support, they provide their services. Students still have the option, however, to opt out at any time.

Attard says Student Support’s journey has been inspiring and filled with lessons along the way.

One thing that inspired Attard was that some students would opt in to Student Support even if they didn’t need the service. Their goal was helping their fellow students get access to essential supports and help lessen the cost burden among the student body.

Attard says it’s fulfilling to know that Student Support empowers students to be able to empower their fellow students to gain access to the support they need.

Between essential writing services, meditation services, a near limitless archive of education resources and more, Student Support is eager to form more strategic partnerships and meaningful relationships to bring more services to students at a fraction of the cost.

Next steps for Ajamu Attard

While current day-to-day operations at Student Support keeps Ajamu Attard on his feet and working around the clock, he does his best to continue giving back to the community and exploring his passions.

Ajamu Attard attended a convention with RISE – an organization that lends funding and support to entrepreneurs with mental health issues.

Attard is also exploring speaking opportunities to discuss social entrepreneurship, and encourage others to follow their passions as well. On his website, he allows organizations to book him for conferences and as a keynote speaker.

Attard wants to leave budding entrepreneurs and students alike with a final note.

“Community is about uplifting each other, and it’s our job to make the world a better place.”

Continue Reading

Community

Small Business Survival: Joseph Kenney on Why Understanding Consumer Behavior is Key

Published

on

Joseph Kenney

Small businesses are the backbone of any economy. They contribute significantly to the growth and development of a country. However, the survival of these businesses is not guaranteed, especially in today’s ever-changing business landscape.

One of the key factors that determine the success or failure of a small business is the understanding of consumer behavior. This article delves into why understanding consumer behavior is essential for small businesses, with insights from Joseph Kenney, a business strategist, and founder of several businesses including the award-winning 316 Strategy Group.

Joseph Kenney has worked with numerous small business owners, and his experience has shown that understanding consumer behavior is crucial for the success of a small business. “Many small business owners make the mistake of assuming they know what their customers want, without really taking the time to understand their behavior,” he says. “This can lead to missed opportunities, lost revenue, and ultimately, the failure of the business.”

Identify Target Market

The first reason why understanding consumer behavior is crucial is that it helps small business owners to identify their target market. Without understanding who their customers are and what they want, businesses can waste a lot of time and resources marketing to the wrong audience. “You can’t be all things to all people,” says Kenney. “It’s essential to understand who your ideal customer is, what they like, and how they behave. This knowledge will help you tailor your marketing messages to resonate with them.”

For instance, consider a small business that sells children’s toys. Without understanding the behavior of parents and what motivates them to buy toys for their children, the business might create marketing messages that don’t resonate with them. However, if the business understands that parents are motivated by the desire to see their children happy and entertained, they can create marketing messages that emphasize the fun and educational aspects of their products.

Stay Ahead of the Competition

The second reason why understanding consumer behavior is important is that it helps small business owners to stay ahead of their competition. By understanding what their customers want and need, businesses can create products and services that stand out from the competition. “It’s not enough to create a product or service and hope that people will buy it,” says Kenney. “You need to understand what your customers want and tailor your offerings to meet those needs.”

For example, consider a small business that sells organic skincare products. By understanding the behavior of consumers who are interested in natural and organic products, the business can create skincare products that are not only natural but also effective. This will give the business a competitive edge over other skincare products that might only be natural but not as effective.

Better Customer Experiences

The third reason why understanding consumer behavior is important is that it helps small business owners to create better customer experiences. By understanding what their customers want, businesses can create products and services that meet their needs and provide a better overall experience.

“People want to feel heard and understood,” says Kenney. “When businesses take the time to understand their behavior, they can create experiences that leave a lasting impression.”

Consider a small business that sells clothing at a women’s boutique. By understanding the behavior of their customers, the business can create a shopping experience that is personalized and memorable. For instance, they can offer personalized recommendations based on the customer’s style and preferences. This will make the customer feel valued and appreciated, leading to repeat business and positive word-of-mouth.

However, understanding consumer behavior is not easy. It requires businesses to gather and analyze data on their customer’s behavior, preferences, and needs. This can be a daunting task, especially for small businesses that may not have the resources to invest in data collection and analysis. Kenney suggests that small business owners can start by talking to their customers, asking for feedback, and observing their behavior in-store or online. Kenney suggests that business owners should have meetings with their point-of-sale representatives to access the valuable data stored in the POS system. According to Kenney, more than 95% of businesses fail to utilize this consumer-rich data.

“It’s important to make customer feedback a part of your business strategy,” he says. “You should always be listening to your customers and using that feedback to improve your products and services. This will help you stay ahead of the competition and create a better overall customer experience.”

Understanding consumer behavior can also help small businesses adapt to changing trends and consumer preferences. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many small businesses had to pivot their operations to online sales as more consumers shifted their shopping habits online. Businesses that understood the behavior of their customers and were able to adapt quickly were more likely to survive the pandemic than those that didn’t.

Understanding consumer behavior is essential for the survival of small businesses. It helps businesses identify their target market, stay ahead of the competition, create better customer experiences, and adapt to changing trends and preferences. “The businesses that succeed in the long term are those that understand their customers and tailor their offerings to meet their needs,” says Kenney. “Small businesses that fail to do so will fail to exist.”

As a small business owner, take the time to understand your customers and their behavior. Listen to their feedback, observe their behavior, and use data to inform your business decisions. By doing so, you can create products and services that meet their needs, stand out from the competition, and provide a better overall customer experience. In the end, this will lead to more sales, repeat business, and positive word-of-mouth, helping your small business thrive and grow.

Continue Reading

Entrepreneurship

Tech Leaders and Experts Call for Curbing AI Tech Advancements: What are The Pros and Cons?

Published

on

In recent years, Artificial Intelligence (AI) has made great strides in advancing various fields, from medicine and science to transportation and entertainment. However, with the growing concerns over the potential risks of AI, some tech leaders and experts are calling for curbing the development of AI technologies.

In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of curbing AI tech advancements and evaluate whether it is a good idea or not.

AI tech adoption

Pros of Curbing AI Tech Advancements

1. Ensuring the safety and security of humans

As AI technologies continue to become more advanced, the potential risks associated with them also increase. This includes the possibility of AI systems causing harm intentionally or unintentionally.

For instance, AI-powered self-driving cars may malfunction and result in accidents that result in harm or even death. We can ensure that AI development is carried out in a safe and secure manner and reduce the hazards connected with these technologies by limiting the advancement of AI technology.

2. Preventing the loss of jobs

Many occupations could be automated as a result of the advancement of AI technology, which could result in a large loss of employment across a number of industries. As people struggle to find employment in a society that is becoming more and more computerized, this could cause economic and social unrest.

We can decrease the pace of automation and avoid the loss of jobs that are still essential to our economy by limiting the development of AI technology.

3. Addressing biases in AI systems

There have been numerous instances of racial, gender, and other biases in AI systems. This may have discriminatory effects and exacerbate social injustices already present. We may concentrate on correcting these biases and making sure that AI systems are fair and unbiased by limiting the development of AI technology.

4. Protecting privacy and human rights

AI systems have the capacity to gather and analyze enormous amounts of data, which can be used to violate people’s privacy and human rights. This includes the unintentional identification of persons using facial recognition technology or the discrimination against particular groups of people by AI algorithms.

We can create rules that safeguard individuals’ privacy and stop AI systems from being misused by limiting the development of AI technology.

Encouraging business innovation

Cons of Curbing AI Tech Advancements

1. Limiting innovation and progress

AI has the ability to transform numerous industries and open up new doors for advancement and creativity. AI might be used, for instance, to strengthen transportation systems, speed up scientific research, and improve healthcare outcomes. We risk missing out on the advantages AI can offer if we slow down its technological development.

2. Stifling creativity and innovation

In the arts, like as in music and literature, AI is also employed. We could reduce the possibility for new kinds of creative expression and innovation by limiting the progress of AI technology. AI algorithms, for instance, can be utilized to produce new musical compositions or visual art. We might inhibit creativity and innovation in these and other sectors by restricting the growth of AI.

3. Hindering scientific research

By restricting the development of AI technology, we could impede breakthroughs in a number of disciplines, including physics, environmental science, and medicine.

AI is an important instrument for scientific research. AI can be used, for instance, to examine huge datasets and spot patterns that are hard or impossible for humans to see. We could impede scientific advancement in these and other disciplines by restricting the growth of AI.

4. Falling behind in the global AI race

Governments all over the world are making significant investments in AI research and development; if we slow down the development of AI technology, we run the risk of falling behind in this race. Long-term economic and national security ramifications could result from this, since nations with advanced AI technology may have a competitive advantage over those without it.

AI and business relations

Conclusion

Both the pros and cons of curbing AI tech advancements need to be carefully considered before any decisions are made. While there are valid concerns about the potential risks associated with AI technologies, it is also important to recognize the potential benefits that AI can bring to various fields.

The choice to limit the development of AI technology should ultimately be weighed against the possible advantages and disadvantages of doing so, with the necessary safeguards in place to protect the public.

Now over to you: In your opinion, is it a good idea to curb the AI tech advancements? Why? Please share your thoughts.

Continue Reading

Trending