This document discusses communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills important for entrepreneurs. It covers writing effective business letters and memos, speaking skills for phone calls and customer interactions, listening skills, and a problem-solving model of defining the problem, gathering information, identifying solutions, evaluating alternatives, taking action, and evaluating the results. It also describes brainstorming and consensus-based decision making techniques for group problem solving.

1. Chapter 2-Entrepreneurship Skills Business Ownership Spring 2007 Williams C. Greene, (2000). Entrepreneurship Ideas in Action. Cincinnati, OH: South-Western.

2. Lesson 2.1 Communication Skills Businesspeople communicate by writing letters and memos, talking on the telephone, and meeting with customers, suppliers, bankers, employees, and others. Successful entrepreneurs need to master all types of communication

3. Writing Skills The rules of writing effective Business Letters Type all formal correspondences Spell names and addresses correctly Always date the correspondence Use names and titles of people appropriately Be direct and positive Be persuasive and specific Avoid fancy language Be polite Use appropriate closing (Sincerely) Spell Check (pg. 25-26)

4. Memos A memorandum is a short written form of business communication that has a set format. See format on page 26

5. Speaking Skills Telephone Conversations Speak clearly Be cheerful Speak Politely Plan what you are going to say Take notes (pg. 27)

6. Speaking Skills Talking to customers Shake hands and make eye contact Show interest in what customers say Speak clearly Be patient (pg. 28) Thank the person

7. Listening Skills Are you a good listener? Focus on the person speaking Try to understand what the other person is saying Ask questions for clarification Take notes (pg. 29)

8. Class Activity Story Telling Activity

9. Lesson 2.3 Problem-Solving Skills Once you own your own business, you will have to make decisions and solve problems every day

10. Problem Solving Model Define the Problem Gather Information Identify Various Solutions Evaluate Alternatives Take Action Evaluate the Action Model seen on pg. 39 Think of a Problem you currently have?

11. Group Problem Solving Brainstorming is a creative group problem-solving technique that involves generating a large number of fresh ideas. Consensus-Based Decision Making involves a consensus from group members-a consensus is agreement among a group of people (pg. 40-41)