• University of Leeds

Starting a Business 2: People and Networks

Find out how working with people and exploring networks can help you take your business to the next level.

59,742 enrolled on this course

  • Duration

    2 weeks
  • Weekly study

    2 hours

A successful business relies heavily on people and networking. A good team and wider network are essential to success and growth. Whether you have an idea for a future venture or you already have a side-line business whilst studying, this course will help you to recognise the people who can help you take your business forward in both formal and informal business networks.

This course is the second in a series of six about ‘starting a business’.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 9 seconds This is the second course in a series of six, designed to help you on the journey of entrepreneurship. In this course, we focus on the importance of people within a business. Business success does not just rely upon the qualities and resources of the individual entrepreneur. A good business also needs good staff and links to relevant networks. We explore the importance of recruiting the right staff. We look at the different roles within a team and see how teams evolve. We also look at the networks available to help you develop your business. Through videos, activities, and quizzes, this series of business courses introduce case studies of young entrepreneurs who are already on the journey.

Skip to 0 minutes and 51 seconds They share their business challenges with you and a panel of business advisers. Through discussion and activities, you have plenty of opportunity to define and work on your business plan, as well as helping others.

Skip to 1 minute and 4 seconds Sign up now to “Starting a Business: People and Networks.”

What topics will you cover?

  • The importance of people, teams and networks within business
  • Roles within a team
  • Methods to develop a team
  • Formal and informal business networks
  • How to build and expand a professional network
  • The business plan: identifying people, teams and networks

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Assess the importance of people, teams and networks for business success.
  • Identify the eight types of team roles.
  • Explore the five stages of team development.
  • Discuss the entrepreneur’s business challenge: Which option should Nick select to build a high performing team?
  • Identify people and networks in a business plan.
  • Identify what skills are required.
  • Explore how you will develop your networks.

Who is the course for?

This course is part of the ‘Going to University’ collection which has been specifically designed for schools and colleges. The course can be used as a teachers’ classroom enrichment resource or can be studied independently by students.

Who will you learn with?

Lecturer in Enterprise at Leeds Enterpise Centre. I really enjoy helping people to develop their ideas and their confidence to take the first steps towards starting a business.

Who developed the course?

University of Leeds

As one of the UK’s largest research-based universities, the University of Leeds is a member of the prestigious Russell Group and a centre of excellence for teaching.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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