Do You Need an MBA to Run a Successful Business, or Vision?

Is a strong vision for your business more important than an MBA? Should you go
to school or go to the school of hard knocks?

When the cost for an MBA ranges from $15,000 to $50,000, you need to consider
whether the traditional MBA program will meet your needs as a business owner.

First, please keep in mind that most business school programs are not designed
to teach you how to start a business, but how to contribute to running and managing
an existing large company. Starting a business from scratch requires a completely
different skill set.

So, why even bother going to business school?

Business school can provide you with some very strong theoretical skills, including
the ability to read and understand financial statements, as well as understanding
market trends and economic theory. Most importantly, an MBA program can help you
develop relationships with mentors and others that can help you build your business
down the road.

It can also give you an inflated image of your entrepreneurial abilities.

The last thing I want to do is discourage anyone form pursuing an education,
as a college education can be a valuable tool. If you are pursuing a career, an
MBA has been proven to help you command a higher salary.

Unfortunately, I have seen absolutely no correlation between educational level
and success when it comes to running a business. In fact, in the last ten years
I have spent helping business owners grow their businesses, I have never found a
college education to make a difference in business success.

The deciding factor in the success or failure of a business owner has absolutely
nothing to do with education level.

It is the strength of the business vision.

Successful business owners have a plan. They know what they want for themselves
and their business, and they do whatever it takes to make it happen. They have a
strong vision in front of them at all times-a picture in their minds of where there
business will be next year, five years from now, and beyond.

If they don't know how to read a financial statement or run a marketing campaign,
they find someone who can. They don't let education or a lack of education stand
in the way of growing their business.

They just do whatever it takes.

Creating a successful business is rarely a straight path. Two steps forward and
one step back is normal. Business owners with vision are the ones that don't get
caught in those backwards steps. In fact, they tend to brush them off quickly, refocus,
and take a bigger step forward. Successful business owners are not afraid to admit
they don't know everything.

This is not a trait of the typical MBA graduate.

Successful business owners are always looking to make themselves and their business
better, faster and stronger.

If you want a career in business, by all means pursue an MBA. If you have a personal
goal to get your Masters Degree, an MBA is a great choice. Just don't be surprised
to find that you have a lot more to learn when it comes to being an entrepreneur.

Find a mentor, or a business group that can help you along the way. The best
teachers are the ones that have already created a successful business. Regardless
of how you pursue your education, just remember to never stop learning.

Success is a journey, not a goal. Your business vision is your guidebook.

Use it.

Discover the 7 Simple Rules to Make ANY Business a Cash Flow Machine. Todd Jensen
Explains What are the 7 Simple Rules Every Business Owner Must Know in Order to
Run a Successful and Profitable Business. FREE Details:
http://www.theprofitengineer.com