THE TOP BUSINESS SKILLS EVERY PERSON SHOULD LEARN

Since the beginning of “TAPSIBLOGS” we have always put a premium on soft skills in business; not only is it ever practiced, it apparently is so hard to find.  The values of integrity, teamwork, leadership and determination take time to acquire while all the more being so difficult to influence on others to create a sound organization. 

Thing is, every Dick, Joe and Harry in our business of training has been saying the same for the longest time.  Now I am in no way trying to devalue soft skills being applied in your personal and professional lives, I actually rally behind it.  The problem is, being inspired is not enough to get you where you want to be in your career.  Technical skills are imperative.  And so I listed some of the most important business skills every person who wants to advance in their careers should learn.

1.)  READ AND INTERPRET FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

My Accounting professor put it best when he said “Be a graduate of Management, Medicine,Fine Arts or Advertising, but when you're in business there is no escaping the balance sheet!”  And you know what, he’s right!

First, understanding the implications of your actions and inactions towards the bottom line fosters big picture thinking.  Big picture thinkers know how every strategy affects profitability and eventually are elevated into leadership positions.  It’s not just about your debits and credits here; it’s your taxation, forecasts, budgets and allocations that will say whether your company will be in the red or otherwise.

  

If you were self employed or a sole proprietor, knowing your numbers give you clarity and focus. Having a compelling product doesn’t cut it anymore, the competition is just too stiff, hence the importance of planning.

2.)  COMPUTER APPLICATIONS

“Sorry but I’m just not the techie type” And while you are saying that there are 5 new techies being born every second.  You are outnumbered, it’s unfair but it’s staggeringly real in this day of age.  I have always followed the adage that what I know now will be obsolete tomorrow.  Just as phone models change as fast as operating systems and cloud computing looming in the horizon, not being techie is not an option.

I once accommodated a friend who is a manager of a retail company to refer his resume to a    client of mine.  Though having a strong track record in his field, I just had this sinking feeling that he won’t get the job. Why?  His resume was formatted in all BOLD Times New Roman font without the proper indentations and punctuations.  I can only imagine anyone who saw his resume would presume the applicant is confused, disorganized and hesitant towards change. 

All that just because of formatting?

Imagine going into a major presentation with a huge client and you come in bell bottom jeans, a floral shirt with huge sideburns to complete the look?   

Get my drift?  

Everything you put out there for your customers and the public to see is a reflection of who you are and your dedication towards making sure you are above the rest.  Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Keynote and others are all tools to help you do just that.  Use it, learn it and maximize the advantages.

3.)  EFFECTIVE WRITTEN AND VERBAL COMMUNICATION

In our Customer Service workshops we always mention the term “touchpoints”.  These are the instances when the customer come in contact with you, your website or your services.  Others call this Customer Contact Points.  These touchpoints can make or break your business depending on the quality of how you communicate your product or services to the customer. One poorly written proposal letter or an emotionally detached presentation and your customer comes running out the door.

Contrary to the belief of many that business correspondences and presentations are done on an as needed basis, I actually subscribe that all your letters, memos and proposals be mapped out    in advance in your communication plan.  What you say in the initial sales pitch becomes your tone up to your after sales services, discounts and freebies. 

               

Sounds too complicated?  It does without the proper training.  But if you really want to be in the upper echelon of your field learning the right things to say and write are very important.              

Some of the other skills you should learn to become well rounded in your area may also include but not limited to the following:

4.)  HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGEMENT

5.)  LOGISTICS AND WAREHOUSING

6.)  EVENTS MANAGEMENT

7.)  MARKETING, ADVERTISING AND PROMOTIONS

8.)  SOURCING, PRICING AND DISCOUNTING

Get a good grasp of these bit by bit every day.  Find a mentor, learn from the best.  READ and read some more! Do that and you are on your way to that level of personal and professional competence in no time.