Earn a certificate (both hard copy and electronic) upon successful completion (additional charges apply). UniversalClass™ offers many wonderful learning tools to help you get the most out of your online course,
including an online portfolio service that manages all your course completions.
Course Description
The idea of running one's own business is the dream of hundreds of thousands of Americans. The reasons for opening your own business are myriad; to be your own boss, to set your own hours, to do what you want to do, to provide a product or service where you perceive a need, to follow your passion.
Any one of these reasons are good ones for opening your own business. There are really only a few real reasons for not just jumping into the process and opening your doors to new customers and your heart to an entirely new and wonderful way of life.The biggest reason is fear; fear based on lack of information.When you do not know how to do something, there is underlying fear that it will likely be done wrong.
In order to tackle your fear, you need knowledge and that is what this course on Retail Business will give you. By going through Retail Business you will discover whether or not you have the true entrepreneurial spirit to leave the corporate world and all that goes with it, and enter into your new world of Business Owner. The beauty of being a business owner is that you will never be bored, you will spend time doing the things that you love, and perhaps even with the people you love if you decide to join forces.
This course will take you through the lists of things that you need to do or consider before you open your doors.Once you have completed the course, you will have enough information to decide whether or not business ownership is for you.
Course Lessons
Lesson 1 : So, you want to be a retailer?
Individually owned retail businesses are among the fastest growing in the country. Determine what type of business is best suited to your interests, expertise and goals.
Lesson 2 : Your Options and the Competition
Overcoming fear and uncertainty is a major hurdle for many who dream of opening their own retail business. This lesson will teach skills and methods to help you achieve your goals.
Lesson 3 : Developing a Business Plan
Before you take steps to open a retail business, you need to have some sense of direction. A business plan is an essential part of the planning process. Learn how to develop a 'blueprint' for your business.
Lesson 4 : Structure of Your Business
Okay, you're the boss - now what do you do about expenses and tax obligations? As your business grows, you may decide to form a partnership, incorporate or form an LLC. This lesson offers the basics of each.
Lesson 5 : Location, Location, Location
Location is vital for the success of any business endeavor. This does not mean that the busiest street in your city is the best for your business. This lessons will show you how to determine the best location for your business.
Lesson 6 : Merchandise
Understanding how vendors and suppliers stock your store and how to purchase and price such goods is one of the foundations of delivering value and setting price points for resale to your potential customers.
Lesson 7 : Designing the Store
How you display your products will have a great deal to do with your ultimate success in attracting customers. Product placement and attractive displays utilizing floor space and window treatments will appeal to and entice customers.
Lesson 8 : Marketing Issues
Marketing is important because it alerts consumers that you are open for business. Not only is marketing vital for building clientele, it's an investment that should not be overlooked. Various marketing methods are explored in this lesson.
Lesson 9 : Staffing
Finding honest, reliable employees is an important part of managing your retail business. Learn what to look for when hiring and create a loyal workforce for optimal success.
Lesson 10 : Training and Motivating
Happy employees mean happy customers. Adequately training employees and keeping them motivated is essential to ensure a smoothly functioning business and enhance communication with customers.
Lesson 11 : Will We Make It?
Determining whether you are, or will continue to be, successful as a retailer depends on several factors. These factors are addressed in this concluding lesson.
Optional Certificates Awarded
Certificate of Merit
Certificate of Academic Excellence
Certificates may be awarded by the instructor at his/her own discretion and are based on student merit.
To save your award and have a hard-copy delivered, there is a $30.00 processing fee that covers the customization, printing, and delivery of the award, as well as access to the UniversalClass™ Portfolio Service that documents your achievements online.
Official awards have a serial number that verifies the authenticity of the award (great for employers
to verify your achievement).
This is a non-credit course, and is provided for your personal enrichment.
This course is not intended to be a substitute for any state, government, licensing, or educational requirements.
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To use any of these methods you must press the "Join this Course" button on this screen and go through the online registration process in order to generate the correct order form and correctly process your enrollment.
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