Business Qualification Recommendations?

[Emma789]

Hello everyone!

I'm new here and hope that some of you might be able to offer some advice

As a bit of background, pre-pandemic I was a self-employed professional musician (mainly working in professional orchestras) but even before all the work disappeared following lockdowns etc. I'd been thinking about a change of career. The logistical complications of my previous occupation were hugely magnified after the birth of our daughter and it was clear that that once she started school, I would need to be doing something with more flexible hours!

I've spent the last few years working as a teaching assistant but this was never a longterm career choice. My real interests lie in running my own business (specifically setting up and running my own jewellery brand). I've tried my hand at this already via platforms such as Etsy and have even gone as far as setting up my own Shopify store. BUT, having no previous knowledge of running a business (in particular, ecommerce), I'm struggling to get to grips with all the different aspects of this sort of venture.

I desperately want to make a go of this and I think it would be beneficial to learn the nuts and bolts of business first in order to put down some solid foundations? I also feel quite isolated and would be so grateful to actually get out and meet people who are busy trying to do the same thing.

Any advice would be so welcome and if anyone has suggestions of the sort of course I could take to help myself along this journey, I would be incredibly grateful

Many thanks!

 

[Mark T Jones]

As a starter I'd focus on the course itself rather than the qualification-

You can go one of 2 ways, either focus on specific disciplines- ehg marketing, accounts etc or a generic start up course.

I used to run the latter at various colleges in Surrey - whilst I don't, lookaround to see what is in your area.

 

[Baines Watson]

Hello everyone!

I'm new here and hope that some of you might be able to offer some advice

As a bit of background, pre-pandemic I was a self-employed professional musician (mainly working in professional orchestras) but even before all the work disappeared following lockdowns etc. I'd been thinking about a change of career. The logistical complications of my previous occupation were hugely magnified after the birth of our daughter and it was clear that that once she started school, I would need to be doing something with more flexible hours!

I've spent the last few years working as a teaching assistant but this was never a longterm career choice. My real interests lie in running my own business (specifically setting up and running my own jewellery brand). I've tried my hand at this already via platforms such as Etsy and have even gone as far as setting up my own Shopify store. BUT, having no previous knowledge of running a business (in particular, ecommerce), I'm struggling to get to grips with all the different aspects of this sort of venture.

I desperately want to make a go of this and I think it would be beneficial to learn the nuts and bolts of business first in order to put down some solid foundations? I also feel quite isolated and would be so grateful to actually get out and meet people who are busy trying to do the same thing.

Any advice would be so welcome and if anyone has suggestions of the sort of course I could take to help myself along this journey, I would be incredibly grateful

Many thanks!

Hello and welcome!

It's great to hear about your journey and your passion for starting your own jewellery brand. Transitioning from a career in music to running an ecommerce business is a big step, and it's understandable that you want to build a solid foundation before diving in.

Taking a business management course could certainly help you understand the basics of running a business, but what's even more crucial is learning directly from others who are already in the industry. Observing how successful businesses operate, understanding their challenges, and seeing what works (and what doesn’t) can give you valuable insights that you won’t necessarily get from a classroom.

Here are a few suggestions to help you get started:

1. Network and Connect: There are numerous networking events and business expos happening across the country. These are great opportunities to meet like-minded individuals, potential mentors, and others who are also navigating the world of ecommerce. By attending these events, you can start building relationships and learning from the experiences of others.
2. Market Research and Viability: Before fully committing, it's important to assess whether your jewellery brand is a viable business opportunity. This involves understanding your target market, competitors, pricing strategies, and what makes your brand unique. Connecting with other entrepreneurs can give you practical insights into these aspects.
3. Learn by Doing: As you’ve already started with platforms like Etsy and Shopify, keep experimenting and learning. Every small success or setback will teach you something valuable about running a business.
4. Seek Out Mentors: Look for experienced business owners who are willing to share their knowledge. A mentor can provide guidance, feedback, and advice that can be incredibly helpful as you navigate the early stages of your business.
5. Continuous Learning: While practical experience is crucial, don't shy away from learning the theory behind it. Online courses, webinars, and workshops focused on ecommerce, digital marketing, and brand building can be beneficial.

By combining formal education with hands-on experience and learning from others, you'll be in a strong position to grow your business. Best of luck with your venture, and I hope you find the support and inspiration you need to succeed!

 

[Emma789]

Thanks Mark, that's helpful! I'm in Fife, Scotland, so I'll have a look about to see what the options are here.

As a starter I'd focus on the course itself rather than the qualification-

You can go one of 2 ways, either focus on specific disciplines- ehg marketing, accounts etc or a generic start up course.

I used to run the latter at various colleges in Surrey - whilst I don't, lookaround to see what is in your area.

 

[Emma789]

Hello and welcome!

It's great to hear about your journey and your passion for starting your own jewellery brand. Transitioning from a career in music to running an ecommerce business is a big step, and it's understandable that you want to build a solid foundation before diving in.

Taking a business management course could certainly help you understand the basics of running a business, but what's even more crucial is learning directly from others who are already in the industry. Observing how successful businesses operate, understanding their challenges, and seeing what works (and what doesn’t) can give you valuable insights that you won’t necessarily get from a classroom.

Here are a few suggestions to help you get started:

1. Network and Connect: There are numerous networking events and business expos happening across the country. These are great opportunities to meet like-minded individuals, potential mentors, and others who are also navigating the world of ecommerce. By attending these events, you can start building relationships and learning from the experiences of others.
2. Market Research and Viability: Before fully committing, it's important to assess whether your jewellery brand is a viable business opportunity. This involves understanding your target market, competitors, pricing strategies, and what makes your brand unique. Connecting with other entrepreneurs can give you practical insights into these aspects.
3. Learn by Doing: As you’ve already started with platforms like Etsy and Shopify, keep experimenting and learning. Every small success or setback will teach you something valuable about running a business.
4. Seek Out Mentors: Look for experienced business owners who are willing to share their knowledge. A mentor can provide guidance, feedback, and advice that can be incredibly helpful as you navigate the early stages of your business.
5. Continuous Learning: While practical experience is crucial, don't shy away from learning the theory behind it. Online courses, webinars, and workshops focused on ecommerce, digital marketing, and brand building can be beneficial.

By combining formal education with hands-on experience and learning from others, you'll be in a strong position to grow your business. Best of luck with your venture, and I hope you find the support and inspiration you need to succeed!

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer in such detail.... that's really appreciated!

In my head, I'm imagining that having a business qualification might help me to access a more useful working environment in terms of learning from others and getting hands-on experience? This is clearly going to be a huge learning curve but I'm excited to take the first proper steps towards achieving my business goals I'll certainly work through your suggestions and see where I get to!

 

[Newchodge]

In my head, I'm imagining that having a business qualification might help me to access a more useful working environment in terms of learning from others and getting hands-on experience?

I really don't think that is very likely. A lot of courses are online, often worked at your own pace, so you don't meet anyone. and once you have gained the qualification it is not really an avenue to anything.

Perhaps you could explaina little more how you think it would work?

 

[Emma789]

I really don't think that is very likely. A lot of courses are online, often worked at your own pace, so you don't meet anyone. and once you have gained the qualification it is not really an avenue to anything.

Perhaps you could explaina little more how you think it would work?

Hello and thanks for your reply!

What I mean is that gaining a qualification in a business-related subject might help me to find employment in a field where I'll meet like-minded people. Currently, my background is almost exclusively in music and I can't see that having a BMus(Hons) degree in violin performance is going to be very useful in this case?

I see that Fife College is offering an HNC in Business (delivered on a part-time basis in person) and I am quite interested in exploring this. I'm not in a position to study full-time (I appreciate that a self-paced online course might be a good option, too) and I need to keep working.

 

[fisicx]

Your local adult education almost certainly runs courses for startups and small businesses.

You don’t need to do a HNC. Most of it won’t even be relevant.

All you need to do is get started. Begin with selling your old clothes and stuff on eBay or vinted. Learn how to price and write compelling sales copy. Research packaging and delivery options.

There are loads of online tutorials to help with this.

 

[MikeJ]

I can't see that having a BMus(Hons) degree in violin performance is going to be very useful in this case?

Go into accountancy, at least you'll be able to fiddle the figures...

 

[Ozzy]

What I mean is that gaining a qualification in a business-related subject might help me to find employment in a field where I'll meet like-minded people. Currently, my background is almost exclusively in music and I can't see that having a BMus(Hons) degree in violin performance is going to be very useful in this case?

Many people will have different opinions on qualifications in business, and mine is that you learn more when you get on the job and do it. Use resources around for help and support when needed, like these forums here, and also build your network around you with like-minded individuals (such as going to a few networking groups, women in business groups, these sorts of things to meet people who also run their own small businesses).

There is a risk that you could spend so much time (and money) focused on getting a qualificiation with aspirations it will open a magic door for you, but very rarely they do. You need to create the door yourself and reach out and open it. I've been doing this lark for more than 25 years with nothing more than a GCSE in Art.

BUT, having no previous knowledge of running a business (in particular, ecommerce), I'm struggling to get to grips with all the different aspects of this sort of venture.

Have you had a look here?

| Business Gateway

Business Gateway Fife, delivering on behalf of Fife Council, offers a range of support and advice to individuals who are looking to set up in business

www.bgateway.com

There are also some other freely available resources listed on the fife.gov.uk website related to business support. These sorts of events and programs are, at the very least, a great starting point to cover some of the basics in starting and running a business. Then lean on experts in the field for the more intrinsic help when needed - like e-commerce as you mention. There are members on here who hang out in the e-commerce section of these forums who I'm sure will be able to help there.

 

[campbeji]

Hi Emma,

Sorry this will be really quick as I need to go soon.

Check with your local council and see if they offer any support, mine does and it is great. MAybe a local enterprise centre.

Courses that come with qualifications, I feel, are not worth the effort, they are for people who want a job, generally.

Good Luck
Jim