Why (in my opinion) everyone should learn business skills...

If you can sell stuff, you can always make $$$ -- even if just by commissions.

-- TW

[MMacGillivray]

I can hear my former accountant scolding me for thinking that sales were the main consideration. If you don't know how much profit you're making for each sale, you could be losing money on each transaction. So, yes, it's great to drive sales forward but only if you've got a good handle on the costs.

Margaret

ps if Andy ever was to read this, I'm sure he'd be impressed that I actually listened to him, LOL.

[Dien Rice]

Originally Posted by MMacGillivray

I can hear my former accountant scolding me for thinking that sales were the main consideration. If you don't know how much profit you're making for each sale, you could be losing money on each transaction. So, yes, it's great to drive sales forward but only if you've got a good handle on the costs.

Hi Margaret,

Of course, if you don't know how much you're making in profits - you might not be making any! I wouldn't be surprised if it is not too uncommon that people make a lot of sales, but because they haven't fully counted their costs, they don't realize they're making little or no profit!

I know I've come across examples like this (I think it may have been watching the UK show "Dragons' Den" - which is like the UK version of the US show "Shark Tank"). Every now and then a business comes along where the business isn't making any profit (or is making very little profit) - but they don't seem to actually realize it, because they're focused on their sales only, and haven't fully counted their costs...

Best wishes,

Dien

[MMacGillivray]

I sometimes check out the Ted.com website and came across this

http://www.ted.com/talks/dan_pink_on_motivation.html

It's another interesting take on problem solving, creativity and motivation.

Now if only the bankers weren't being rewarded with huge bonuses, do you think we'd get a better business banking model?

Margaret

[Dien Rice]

Originally Posted by -TW

If you can sell stuff, you can always make $$$ -- even if just by commissions.

Hi TW,

I agree that selling skills are very, very important and useful. However, I think there are so many other useful business skills you can use, too, to help get in full control of your life (and increase your "survival" options).

Some other skills which come to mind are recognizing and making good deals, including negotiating, how to get free publicity, and also motivating others, knowing how to hire the right people or outsource... and I'm sure there are plenty more...

However, I agree with you - if you are good at selling, you can always make money...!

Best wishes,

Dien