Chapter 2-Entrepreneurship Skills

Business OwnershipSpring 2007Williams

C. Greene, (2000). Entrepreneurship Ideas in Action.Cincinnati, OH: South-Western.

Lesson 2.1Communication Skills

Businesspeople communicate by writing letters and memos, talking on the telephone, and meeting with customers, suppliers, bankers, employees, and others.

Successful entrepreneurs need to master all types of communication

Writing Skills

The rules of writing effective Business Letters

1. Type all formal correspondences2. Spell names and addresses correctly 3. Always date the correspondence4. Use names and titles of people appropriately5. Be direct and positive6. Be persuasive and specific7. Avoid fancy language8. Be polite9. Use appropriate closing (Sincerely)10. Spell Check (pg. 25-26)

Memos

A memorandum is a short written form of business communication that has a set format.

See format on page 26

Speaking Skills

Telephone Conversations1. Speak clearly2. Be cheerful3. Speak Politely4. Plan what you are going to say5. Take notes

(pg. 27)

Speaking Skills

Talking to customers1. Shake hands and make eye contact2. Show interest in what customers say3. Speak clearly4. Be patient (pg. 28)5. Thank the person

Listening Skills

Are you a good listener?1. Focus on the person speaking2. Try to understand what the other

person is saying3. Ask questions for clarification 4. Take notes

(pg. 29)

Class Activity

Story Telling Activity

Lesson 2.3Problem-Solving Skills

Once you own your own business, you will have to make decisions and solve problems every day

Problem Solving Model

Define the Problem

Gather Information

Identify Various

Solutions

Evaluate Alternatives

Take Action

Evaluate the Action

Model seen on pg. 39

Think of a Problem you currently have?

Group Problem Solving

Brainstorming is a creative group problem-solving technique that involves generating a large number of fresh ideas.

Consensus-Based Decision Making involves a consensus from group members-a consensus is agreement among a group of people (pg. 40-41)