What skills do you need to succeed in the business world? There’s no doubt that you’ll need plenty of skills, especially if you want to stand out from the crowd. The good news is that the skills you need can be useful across several business professions.

Once you’ve completed a business program at Ohio Business College, you will have gained the experience and the attributes you’ll need to get ahead. More importantly, you’ll be able to translate your knowledge into an exciting new career.

What Skills Do You Need To Succeed in Business?

By definition, every skill is a useful attribute. That said, some are more likely to help you on your career path toward a business career. Let’s take a look at a few of the most sought-after business skills.

Skill #1: Communication

You can succeed in many professions if you’re an effective communicator. What many people don’t understand is that this also involves being a good listener in addition to clearly expressing one’s thoughts and feelings.

It is important to allow the other person to finish their thoughts before asking any questions you might have. Often, they’ll address your concerns without you having to ask a thing. If there’s still something you don’t understand, be specific in your inquiries. That will make it easier for the other person to clarify their intent and expectations.

Specificity is just as important when you’re the one giving instructions. Be as detailed as possible when outlining and describing tasks. When people understand the purpose behind what they’re doing, they’re more likely to take pride in their work.

Skill #2: Customer Service

Strong customer service skills can be applied across a broad range of professions. Whether you’re attempting to climb the corporate ladder or starting a small business venture of your own, creating good relationships with clients should be a key goal.

It goes without saying that you should put on a friendly face when engaging in customer relations. However, availability and punctuality are just as important. Make sure the customers know they can rely on you to get things done.

Skill #3: Organization

Another skill you’ll learn in a business program is how to stay organized. Keeping lists of unfinished tasks and projects will sharpen your focus and foster a sense of accomplishment when you’re done.

Skill #4: Cooperation

Cooperation is directly related to communication, but it goes deeper than that. People who flout instructions from superiors and are dismissive of their colleagues won’t get very far. If you’re a team player who can get along well with others, you’re more likely to advance in a business profession.

Skill #5: Time Management

In today’s fast-paced society, it’s easier than ever to find ways to waste time. Employees who stay on task and complete projects in a timely fashion are sure to stand out. As a bonus, this skill will inspire your superiors to give you more responsibilities, which could translate into a promotion.

Skill #6: Decision Making

Every business needs strong professionals who are willing to make judgment calls, even in difficult situations. Obviously, in some cases, you might need to consult with upper management, but you should be willing to take initiative when dealing with smaller tasks.

Skill #7: Technical Proficiency

As business skills go, this is considered a “hard” skill. Not hard as in difficult, but as in a tangible skill that can be learned and demonstrated.

Fortunately, almost anyone can develop technical proficiency if given the opportunity. Learn as much about business as you can. Even if the company in question doesn’t use the same software, chances are they’ll be similar enough for you to manage.

Skill #8: Employee Management

Just because someone can get along well with others doesn’t mean they’ll be an effective manager. To lead, you need to delegate tasks and supervise their execution. This requires a strong personality in addition to the communication skills we discussed earlier.

How Can You Transfer Skills Into Any Profession?

These skills should be helpful in most fields, from hospitality to finance. Just about every business can benefit from organized workers who can communicate clearly and manage their time effectively.

If you’re still having trouble deciding where your business training will take you, here are a few ideas.

Human Resources

Now that you’ve learned to be a clear communicator who works well with others and understands how best to resolve conflict, what could be a better fit than a career in human resources?

As an HR associate, you’ll likely be involved in the scouting, hiring, and onboarding of new employees. If you make your way up to HR management, you may take on other tasks such as payroll and benefits administration.

Banking

Customer service, time management, and technical proficiency will all hold you in good stead if you want to pursue a career in banking. These jobs are best suited for people who enjoy handling money and have stronger-than-average math skills.

Bookkeeping

Keeping the books might not sound like a particularly romantic profession, but it is one of the most practical. Businesses can always use someone with accounting experience. If you have a keen eye for detail and are a skilled problem-solver, you’ll be in high demand.

Small Business Management

Even if the corporate world isn’t for you, it’s still possible to find work in a business-related field. You might bring some skills to the table that you learned in a former job. Restaurants, movie theaters, art galleries, grocery stores, specialty shops, any of these small businesses could be seeking a manager to make their lives easier.

Social Media/Internet Marketing

Jobs in social media marketing combine customer service with technical skills in a way that’s unique to the times we live in.

As an internet marketer, you’ll maintain contact with customers through social media. This will help to promote brand recognition and allow you to address any customer complaints in a timely and professional manner.

How Long Is a Business Administration Specialist Program?

When you embark on this program, you’ll have two choices.

It’s possible to spread the program out over two years, in which case you’ll receive an Associate’s degree in business administration. This is an excellent choice for those of you who want to move straight into mid-level or senior positions.

Alternatively, you can enroll in a 12-month program, which will give you a diploma that you can use to bolster your résumé. The 12-month diploma is an appealing option for workers who don’t want to wait two years to begin the next stage of their journey.

Final Thoughts

The bottom line? With this business training, you’ll acquire the skills you need to move forward in the business world. Skills like communication, accounting, customer service, and technology can be applied to many different fields. By learning and honing these skills, you’ll become a more flexible and dynamic worker, and an asset to any company.

Want to Learn More?

Many business careers begin with a quality education in the field taught in a college setting. If you have a passion for running your own business or helping someone else run theirs, one of Ohio Business College’s business diploma or degree programs give you the opportunity to learn the necessary skills. We offer the following business programs:

• Accounting and Business Management (Associate’s)
• Business Administration Specialist (Diploma/Associate’s)
• Office Administration (Associate’s)
• Real Estate Pre-Licensing (Certificate)

If you are interested in a business profession, let Ohio Business College answer any questions you may have. Contact us today to learn more about our Business programs.