From: Barbara Lamar (altamiratexas@earthlink.net)
Date: Fri Dec 15 2000 - 14:15:09 MST
> -----Original Message-----
> From: owner-extropians@extropy.org
> [mailto:owner-extropians@extropy.org]On Behalf Of Brian D Williams
> Jeremy if I could turn back the clock the one thing I would've done
> as far as school is concerned is I would have taken more business
> classes.
I'm not sure I agree with you, Brian, about taking business classes. I took
a number of business classes at the University of Texas and have also
started and operated businesses. I learned much more about business by
actually engaging in it than by studying about it. Unless your goal is to
get a job with a person or organization that requires business classes as an
admission ticket, I'd advise you to start a business in order to learn about
business (and even if you DO need a business degree as a ticket, it's still
good to get some practical experience). You don't need a huge amount of
capital in order to do this, and it can be done "on the side" without
completely disrupting the rest of your life. Keep your eyes and ears open
for things or services people need that you could provide. As far as I've
been able to determine, the same general economic principles apply to both
tiny and huge businesses. A lot of the stuff they teach in university
classes is based on unrealistic assumptions, some of it's pure BS; but out
on the streets you gain practical wisdom which you can put to use in
real-life situations. With respect to summer jobs, internships, and so
forth, IMO most "management trainee" jobs in large companies teach social
skills but not how to run businesses (not to say that social skills aren't
extremely useful).
> Go to a discount bookstore and find a copy of "The millionare next
> door, or the millionare mind" this weekend and start reading. It
> may help re-inspire you.
Another good book is _Rich Dad, Poor Dad_.
As far as non-business classes to take, I'd suggest sampling as many things
as possible. You may find something that ignites your interest. When I was
in school I found that my mind seemed sharper if I took at least one math
course each semester. Even now I find that I can think more clearly if I
spend at least half an hour each day engaged in mathematical play.
Barbara
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