ChApter 12 | GOOD RESOURCES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES | 209
.faqs.org/usenet), Usenet.org (www.usenet
.org), or the Usenet Launch Pad (www
.ibiblio.org/usenet-i). There are no fees to
use the Usenet.Formal Education
If you’re a little weak in some important
business areas, such as basic marketing,
you may want to investigate some classes.
But that doesn’t mean that you have to
enroll in a two-year MBA program with
a major in marketing just to learn a little
about how to sell your products.
The best way to spend your time and
money wisely is to know specifically what
you want to learn. If you have a certain
direction in mind, you will be less likely
to take a class that doesn’t help you or be
taken in by a slick promoter. Study the
class outline carefully to make sure you
need the material covered in the class.
Also make sure that the instructor is well
qualified. Avoid classes that offer to solve
all your problems or make you rich in one
day; they are probably trying to sell you
something. Here are your basic choices:
• High school business classes. Many high
schools offer continuing education
programs in evening classes. These
classes provide basic, fundamental
information and skills and generally
don’t offer the sophistication or broad
coverage that you’ll require. They can
be an excellent choice if you lack a
basic skill you’ll need in your business.For example, high school bookkeeping
classes and accounting classes can give
you a basic foundation of knowledge
and practical skills.
• Junior or community college business
programs. Business education is a vital
part of many two-year colleges. Classes
often are taught by professionals from
the community and offer specific, real-
world information. The more popular
classes are commonly taught in
both day and evening sessions. You
usually can take just the classes that
interest you, unless you wish to enroll
in a structured degree or certificate
program.
• Short classes and extension programs.
Some colleges and universities offer a
variety of classes that are not part of a
degree program. Some of these classes
take place in one or two days, while
others take longer.
• Universities and colleges. Most univer-
sities and colleges offer classes
only to students enrolled in a four-
year program. Courses tend to be
academically rigorous, but provide
limited practical business information.
• Graduate business schools. Many uni-
versities have specialized business
schools and offer graduate degrees
called a Master’s Degree in Business
Administration (MBA) for students
who have received a four-year college
degree. I don’t think an MBA degree
is necessary to succeed in small
business. I’m aware of no relationship