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A person can be basically literate, but if they do not know how to open a Word document on a computer, type and
send e-mail, or put information into an Excel spreadsheet they are not business literate. Word documents, e-mails and
spreadsheets are basic and fundamental tools, which allow for the flow of information in business. And needless to say,
information flow is a huge part of business.
So, to be business literate, you don’t have to be able to program a computer like Steve Jobs or write chunks of software
code like Bill Gates. But, if you are given a contract, you should be able to carefully read through the entire contract
and have a basic understanding of the obligations of both parties. A person who is business literate does not simply
‘sign on the dotted line’ without understanding the future implications of the agreement. Now, of course, it is always
advisable to have an attorney read through the contract, but the business literate individual does not rely solely on the
attorney without reading the contract through for his or herself first, with questions for the attorney to clarify.
- Documents in Word. Spreadsheets in Excel. Presentations
in Power Point. A business literate person should know how to
open and set up documents (Microsoft Word) and spreadsheets
(Microsoft Excel). They should also know how to set up a basic
Microsoft PowerPoint presentation that will allow him or her to
express ideas and plans to an audience. That audience may be a
single person at a co"ee shop, or a convention #lled with
hundreds of spectators. NOTE: I didn’t say you have to be an
expert. Local libraries o"er free courses that can teach anyone
how to learn these basics within a few hours. - E-mail. A person who is business literate must be able to
send and receive e-mails, send attachments, CC, BCC, Forward,
Reply, Reply To All, etc.
NOTE: Regarding numbers 1 & 2: Not being able to a"ord a
computer is no excuse. You can get a functional computer for
less than $500. And if you just can’t save the money, you can
sign up for free computer time at your local library. A comput-
er is an absolute must today because anyone doing serious
business will be communicating with a computer of some form.
And if can’t communicate back, you are not in the game.
- Understand contracts. The business literate person should
be able to read a contract, highlight any questions they have,
and consult an attorney when necessary. - Documentation. The business literate person pays more
attention to what is written than what is said. Talk is cheap. The
business literate person values the written word more than the
spoken word. This is not to say that what is written can always
be trusted at face value, or that what is said cannot be trusted.
But in general, things that are written tend to hold more value
over time, because they can be veri#ed and do not change.
Also, it takes considerably more energy and thought to write
than to talk. So, when you receive written communication from
a person, you have received a more thought out communi-
cation than if the same thing were simply said from the
mouth. Also, people who are either untruthful or are unsure
of what they are saying are generally hesitant to commit
things to paper.- Decision Process. The business literate person makes
prompt decisions by going through the process of
gathering facts and doing research, rather than by guessing
or making assumptions. - Concise Communication. The business literate person
knows how to make their point in quick, concise
statements, instead of engaging in long, drawn-out
conversations that waste time. A business literate person
understands that time is money. Keep this in mind: In
business, the people that have the ability to help you the
most, will listen to you for the least amount of time. Those
who don’t have the ability to do anything for you will listen
to you ramble on and on, while giving the impression of
being able to help. In most cases, important and powerful
people will cut you o" after a few seconds unless you get to
the point. - Stay Ready. The business literate person is always
prepared to take notes and add to and re#ne plans.
Whether it is a pen and pad, a laptop, smart phone, or a
napkin, a business literate person understands the need to
always be ready to record and re#ne ideas and plans, and
act when opportunities arise. - Continuous Improvement. The business literate person
reads business/ #nance materials and self-help materials on
a continual basis. The great thing about business literacy is
that it is available to everyone, because you can start
exactly where you are, and continue learning.
If you can gain and develop these skills, you can go very far in the business world.
Here are 8 things that a business literate person should be able to do:
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