Planning

The Essential Guide to Effective Business Management

Photo Credit: Photo by fauxels

Business management is a crucial aspect of running a successful business. It involves overseeing all aspects of a business, including operations, marketing and sales, finance, and human resources. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at what business management entails and why it's so important.

First, let's define what we mean by business management. Simply put, it's the process of overseeing and coordinating the various activities and functions of a business in order to achieve its goals. This can include things like setting strategic goals and objectives, developing plans to achieve those goals, and managing the day-to-day operations of the business.

One of the key responsibilities of business managers is to ensure that the business is operating efficiently and effectively. This can involve managing the various processes and systems that help the business to produce and deliver its products or services, as well as overseeing the use of resources such as labor, materials, and capital.

Another important aspect of business management is financial management. This involves managing the financial resources of the business, including revenues, expenses, and cash flow. This can involve activities such as budgeting, forecasting, and analyzing financial data to make informed decisions about the business.

Marketing and sales are also key components of business management. These activities involve promoting the business and its products or services to potential customers, and convincing them to buy from you. This can include things like advertising, public relations, and customer service.

Human resources management is another important aspect of business management. This involves overseeing the recruitment, training, and development of the employees who work for the business. This can help to ensure that the business has the right people in the right roles, and that they are motivated and capable of achieving the business's goals.

In addition to these specific responsibilities, business managers also need to have a range of skills and qualities in order to be successful. This can include things like leadership, strategic thinking, problem-solving, and communication.

So why is business management so important? There are several reasons. First, effective business management can help to ensure that a business is operating efficiently and effectively, which can help to improve its profitability and competitiveness. Second, it can help to ensure that the business is aligned with its strategic goals and objectives, and that all of its activities and functions are working towards achieving those goals. Third, it can help to create a positive and productive work environment, which can improve employee morale and retention.

In conclusion, business management is a crucial aspect of running a successful business. It involves overseeing and coordinating the various activities and functions of a business in order to achieve its goals, and requires a range of skills and qualities. Effective business management can help to improve a business's profitability, competitiveness, and overall success.

MDRT Study: Families who seem financially stable may not be protected against potential risks

PARK RIDGE, Ill. (June 6, 2017) — About half of Americans (47 percent) say if they were to lose their primary source of income tomorrow, they could only maintain their current lifestyle for three months or less. A new study commissioned by the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) – conducted online by Harris Poll among over 2,000 U.S. adults ages 18 and older – finds that many Americans, even those considered financially successful, do not account for unexpected risks during financial planning.

Planning for the unknown
It appears that many American households are unprepared in the event of something unexpected happening to a family member, thus losing a primary source of income. A majority of Americans (61 percent) say their family would assume debt if they passed away tomorrow, with 38 percent of U.S. adults saying the debt would be $10,000 or more. Additionally, only half of Americans (50 percent) have life insurance. Of those who have any dependents, 47 percent say their dependents would run out of money without their personal income in two years or less if they were to pass away tomorrow.

“While these families with a steady source of income may seem prepared, they are jeopardizing it all by not having the right protection to ensure future financial security for themselves and their families,” said Mark J. Hanna, CLU, ChFC, MDRT President. Americans are also not taking in to account the possibility of disability or illness while planning for their financial future. One in 20 Americans (five percent) are unemployed and unable to work because of disability or illness, but only 20 percent of U.S. adults have either short-term and/or long-term disability insurance. Of those Americans who do have disability insurance, only 39 percent believe it would be enough to cover their long-term care and medical expenses if they were to have an accident.

Even financially successful families do not anticipate financial risks
On average, Americans say their household has two sources of income, with 40 percent having income of $74,000 or more.

“It’s not just lower income Americans who are vulnerable to financial strain in the event of a life-altering incident; families considered financially successful are also at risk,” added Hanna. “A financial professional can help identify potential risks and work with you to set up a plan that protects your family from these pitfalls.” Of the Americans surveyed:

  • 70 percent have received some college education, are graduates or have a higher degree

  • 62 percent are currently employed

  • 67 percent are homeowners

  • 80 percent have medical insurance

  • 56 percent are parents

Saving for the climbing cost of college
College expenses are rising faster than inflation, yet only 36 percent of parents with children under the age of 18 in their household are saving for their children’s college education. Lack of college savings may be a result of many Americans still working to pay off their own student loan debt. According to the Quarterly Report on Household Credit and Debt from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Americans currently owe $1.31 trillion in student loan debt.1 For a high-resolution infographic that highlights the potential risks Americans face, please contact Tori Unger at TUnger@gscommunications.com.

Survey methodology
This survey was conducted online within the United States by Harris Poll on behalf of MDRT January 9– 11, 2017, among 2,192 adults ages 18 and older. This online survey is not based on a probability sample and therefore no estimate of theoretical sampling error can be calculated. For complete survey methodology, please contact Tori Unger at tunger@gscommunications.com.

1 Federal Reserve Bank of New York, Quarterly Report on Household Credit and Debt

About MDRT
This year, MDRT celebrates its 90th year of delivering innovative ideas and generating empowered growth. Founded in 1927, the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT), The Premier Association of Financial Professionals®, is a global, independent association of more than 49,500 of the world's leading life insurance and financial services professionals from more than 500 companies in 70 nations and territories. MDRT members demonstrate exceptional professional knowledge, strict ethical conduct and outstanding client service. MDRT membership is recognized internationally as the standard of excellence in the life insurance and financial services business. For more information, please visit mdrt.org and follow them on Twitter @MDRtweet.

Brittany Lange
MDRT
+1 847.692.6378
blange@mdrt.org
@MDRTweet

Tori Unger
Gibbs & Soell, Inc.
Phone: +312.648.6700, ext. 2124
Email: tunger@gscommunications.com
@ToriKUnger

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