Small Business Management

Instruction Sets
Your program consists of six Instruction Sets designed to take you step-by-step through the techniques and skills you'll use in your new career.

Here's how it works: Your first Instruction Set will be sent immediately after your enrollment has been accepted. Other Instruction Sets will follow as you complete your exams, so that you will always have training materials to work with. Here is an overview of what you'll learn and the order in which you'll receive your lessons:

• Instruction Set 1
  • Learning Strategies
    • The advantages of learning at home; types of study materials; types of examinations; accessing and using the features of our web site; determining what kind of learner you are; establishing a study schedule; using study tips; preparing for and taking examinations.
  • Preparing for Business Success
    • What you need to know before you get started: the pros and cons of starting a small business; evaluating your own strengths and weaknesses; avoiding the ten most common mistakes; exploring online resources.
  
  
• Instruction Set 2
  • Choosing Your Business
    • Types of businesses; the pros and cons of different types of businesses; facts and figures; legal points; special considerations; online resources.
  • Keys to Success
    • Identifying your mission; creating a Mission Statement; setting measurable goals; stages of growth.
  • Business Connections
    • Where and how to begin networking; building and maintaining your network; successful networking; developing community contacts; finding a mentor; online connections.
  
  
• Instruction Set 3
• Market Research
  • Where to start your research; the benefits of market testing; using demographics; finding your target market; adjusting to market changes; creating a questionnaire; types of surveys; interpreting data; customer buying behavior and values; online resources.
• Basics of a Business Plan
  • Business information; your industry; your operating plant; your financial plan; supporting documentation; background research; getting started; using the library; researching costs and pricing; business tips; finding business plan software
• Writing a Business Plan
  • Getting ready to write; Introduction and Overview; the Business section; Background, Mission Statement, Products and Services, and Target Customers, positioning your business; product differentiation; the Industry section: Market Position and Competition.
    


• Instruction Set 4
  • Your Business Structure
    • Choosing a structural status; plant and equipment needs; describing your inventory; your management structure; Total Quality Management; developing processes; staffing considerations.
  • Financing Your Business
    • Finding the right financing; types of financing; banks and other lending institutions and agencies; equity financing; finding financial resources online; avoiding undercapitalization.
  • Legal Requirements and Resources
    • Types of legal requirements;legal resources; regulations, licenses and permits; federal, state and local requirements; payroll; zoning laws; business taxes.

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• Instruction Set 5
  • Marketing that Works
    • Your marketing plan; tips for effective marketing; advertising campaigns; public relations campaigns; marketing resources; promotions and publicity; finding the right strategy for your business.
  • Building a Team
    • Hiring the right people; keeping the right people; internal customer service; suppliers, distributors and experts; referrals and recommendations.
  • Putting Your Business Online
    • What is e-commerce; establishing your Web presence; security, credibility, and consumers; creating your Web page; online resources; Web service providers; making yourself known.


• Instruction Set 6
  • Preparing a Budget
    • Estimating costs and expenses; software and online resources; forecasting sales volume; pricing strategies; making financial projections; financial analysis; performance measures.
  • Keeping Business Records
    • The importance of keeping records; bookkeeping basics; computerized accounting; record keeping for tax purposes; line item descriptions; income statements; your business status; financial statements and statement analysis.
  • Graded Project — Creating Your Business Plan
    • Pulling all the elements together; filling in the missing pieces; developing the overview; evaluating the overall plan; tips for presenting a stronger plan.
  • Learning Aid: Starting Your Own Business CD-ROM

Online Library and Librarian
Students in Penn Foster Career School have access to an online library for use during their studies. Students can use this library to do the required research in the courses they complete or can use it for general reference and links to valuable resources. The library contains helpful research assistance, articles, databases, books, and Web links. A librarian is available to answer questions on general research-related topics via email and assist students in research activities during their studies with Penn Foster Career School.

We reserve the right to change program content and materials when it becomes necessary.
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