By Dr. Cassandra Shaw
Associate Professor, School of Business, American Public University
Starting this fall, the university’s School of Business will offer two new graduate-level courses ideal for anyone interested in entrepreneurship or international business: The Value of Networking and International Entrepreneurship. We’ve also introduced a new concentration, Small Business, to our bachelor and master’s degrees.
Networking Essential to Small Business Owners
Networking is a useful skill for anyone, but good networking skills are essential for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Small business owners can get so involved in creating their own businesses that they forget to network and lose valuable opportunities to develop relationships with their customers.
The Value of Networking course covers the art and skill of networking. This course focuses on developing business relationships, structuring and maintaining a network, and the psychology of networking.
International Entrepreneurship Course Prepares You for Global Business Expansion
Technology has allowed us to grow past our own borders and seek opportunity in other geographic areas. There is so much opportunity for international business these days, such as exporting, franchising, licensing, importing, contract manufacturing, joint ventures, direct investment and outsourcing.
Our International Entrepreneurship course will help provide you with the knowledge to expand your business beyond conventional borders. This course focuses on:
- Identifying international opportunities
- Evaluating strategic alliances with international partners
- Assessing the culture of different countries
- Analyzing your financial needs as an international entrepreneur
- Raising funds
- Exploring legal and regulatory considerations for international entrepreneurship
- Implementing and managing your global strategy
- Creating an exit strategy or maintaining continuous operations
Small Business Concentration Geared to New and Existing Business Owners
What are the goals for your small business? Do you have a clear strategy for your small business? Do you want to keep it manageable but successful? Do you want to open another location or hire people?
Courses in the Small Business concentration examine your role as a small business leader, your customer service, your operations and your marketing. This concentration has one level for bachelor’s degree students and another level for master’s degree students.
At the bachelor’s level, this concentration covers:
- Employment practices, leadership and small business operations
- A customer service model for your small business
- Implementation of marketing functions, including social media
- Assessment of relevant areas for cost improvement for a small business
- Virtual business creation
The master’s version of this concentration includes:
- Legal and ethical issues for small business owners
- Small business funding and operations
- Creation of marketing and advertising plans to help you meet business goals
Whatever your educational needs may be, our new business school offerings can help you gain the knowledge you need to help you make informed decisions and achieve your dreams.
About the Author
Dr. Cassandra Shaw is the Program Director for the bachelor’s and master’s entrepreneurship programs. Sandi received a bachelor’s degree from Florida State University, a master’s degree from University of Phoenix and a Ph.D. from Capella University. She has a professional genealogy company.
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