What Makes a Successful Business

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oCoder Education - English listening Audios are suitable for learners with different levels of English. Here are some ways to make them easier (if you have a lower level of English) or more difficult (if you have a higher level of English).
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Making it easier

Read all the exercises before you listen to the audio.
Look up the words in the exercises that you don't know or don't understand in a dictionary.
Play the audio as many times as you need.
Play each part of the audio separately.
Answer all questions in the exercise.
Read the transcript after you have listened to the audio.

Making it harder

Listen to the audio before you read the exercises.
Only play the audio once before answering the questions.
Play the whole audio without a break.
Don't read the transcript.
Now, listen to the audio and do the exercises on the following tabs.
If you do not complete all the question, you can play the audio again. After that, read the dialog to make sure that you understand all word in the audio.
What is the speaker's main point about being successful in business?
You need an extensive social network.
You need expertise in information technology.
You need to have good information.
You need many different kinds of skills.
What does the speaker say about competition?
You can try to frighten your competition away.
You must know what your competitors are doing.
You must not worry too much about competition.
You shouldn't steal customers from your competition.
How does the speaker suggest a person start writing a book?
Make sure you enjoy writing.
Interview people in the publishing industry.
Read as many books as you can.
Find out what is already in the market.
According to the speaker, why do many people fail in business?
They spend too much money hiring experts.
They don't follow government regulations.
They don't focus on their own expertise.
They forget important legal details.
Why does the speaker mention "passion"?
Most businesspeople lack much passion.
It's important to inspire passion in your employees.
It is necessary for a successful business.
Strong passions can lead to poor business decions.

Frequently I'm asked,"wh- what do you think is important to be successful in business." and, depending on, who is asking the question, um, it could be several different things that I think are of value, and you should do.
But to start with something that might appear, or sound to be very basic.
I really do believe that this is very pertinent as far as being successful in business.
And that is, you really do need to stay up on current events.
You need to know what is going on in your world.
You need to know what your competition is doing, better than they know.
And it is very easy to find, all of this information, um, just by researching it, going to a library.
But... When I say you need to keep, up on current events.
What I am really suggesting is, taking the time to read the newspapers.
And taking in the right newspapers.
And taking the time to listen to, uh, business interviews on the television or on the radio.
You really need to have, a, a, thirst for information.
But you have to be very selective about the information, that you do feed yourself, and that you are looking for.
Um, because we all know with... Information today, everybody talks about information overload.
And there is no question that, it can be very intimidating, and frightening to think about, all the information that you have access to.
But if you are looking to go into business.
Again you have to be very careful and particular about the type of, information that you spend your time in reading and learning and getting to know about.

Uh, an example might be, um, if you wanted to publish a book.
Well_ or you, know that you enjoy writing, or maybe you don't even enjoy writing, maybe you just have an idea that would make, a great story line for a book.
Well, wh- where would you go.
What would you do.
Well one of the things you might want to do is research that particular theme or area.
And find out what is already in the market place, uh, in that particular, uh, in t- subject that you're wanting to, to write or publish in.
So, um_ and again it is just knowing your audience, doing your homework.
And I think too by staying, informed, looking at what future trends are.
Um, there are great opportunities to, know what might be an opportunity, for a, a business opportunity.
Just a- again by reading particular newspapers, periodicals.
Uh, listening to the right kind of business shows and marketing shows.
And I just cannot stress the importance and the value, of staying informed and taking the time, to study, and to be an expert, in whatever it is that you want to do for a business.
You must be the expert.
And you must learn and know that subject.
And again that area, better then any one else.

Um, and don't try to be an expert in all things.
Most businesses fail I believe, because the person in business is trying to do everything.
They are trying to, do their financing and trying to select a location, perhaps, to do their business.
Um, and they are trying to keeping up with all of the legal, um, things that must be done to incorporate a business.
And rather than focusing on what their expertise is.
There are plenty of people available, both through the government and through, um, nonprofit organizations that can help, you take care of those details.
But remember you are the expert in whatever it is that your dream is, and your passion is, and that is what you should focus on.
And know better than everyone else.
And, uh, I think you will find if you do some of these things, that you will find it to be very helpful to you.
And perhaps you will be successful in business too.