Small Business Management

Based on five years of academic research, Amy Wilkinson has isolated six entrepreneurial skills that can carry an idea from start-up to scale in the midst of this rapidly changing economy. (2016. 56 minutes)

How do entrepreneurs succeed in following their dreams, while making them profitable? Discover the struggles and successes of four different business owners in Entrepreneurship: Be Your Own Boss. Featuring interviews of a baker, videographer, children's clothing designer, and president of a charitable running event company, the entrepreneurs share their experiences running their own businesses. Topics include: Motivation; Challenges and Risks; Strengths, Skills, and Training; Time Management; Communication and Teamwork; Support Systems; Rewards; Advice for Others. (2015. 21 minutes)

What do we mean when we talk about business strategy? Start thinking more smartly about strategy with this introductory lecture that covers four key facts about competition and the two drivers of profitability: industry structure and competitive advantage. (2015. 33 minutes)

Begin exploring the tactics involving in reaching marketing goals with a look at how to design products and services to provide the best possible customer experience. Along the way, you'll learn six rules for effectively managing customer experiences (including getting bad experiences out of the way and empowering employees). (2015. 32 minutes)

This lecture walks through the process of defining your business, researching the market, determining your product, thinking through your sales strategy, day-to-day operations, staffing, and financial forecasting. A sample business plan is provided, so you can follow along with the development of a real-world company.