• 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.

60,427 enrolled on this course

Starting a Business 2: People and Networks

60,427 enrolled on this course

  • 2 weeks

  • 2 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Introductory level

Find out more about how to join this course

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.”

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    People, teams and networking

    • Welcome

      This week, you’ll explore the importance people and networks when starting a business. But before you get started, take the time to meet your fellow learners and share your reasons for joining the course.

    • The importance of people in business

      This activity introduces you to the importance of people, teams and networks when starting a business. You’ll spend time researching great teams and networks, and finding out what it is that makes them successful.

    • Nick's business challenge

      In this activity, Nick shares his business challenge. You’ll listen to a team of business advisers and then have the opportunity to discuss with other learners the direction Nick should take.

    • Summary

      To close this week we would like to introduce you to some of the options for studying at the University of Leeds. We also look forward to next week.

  • Week 2

    Realising your vision

    • About week 2

      This week, you will consider the people, teams and networks you will need to start your own business. If you choose, you can communicate with other learners from around the world to share and discuss your ideas.

    • Your turn

      In this activity, you have the opportunity to research a company’s networks, and find out who they have chosen to work with to develop their business. You will also create and review your own networks online.

    • Your business plan

      Throughout this series of courses, you are encouraged to document your ideas and thoughts in order to produce a coherent business plan.

    • What next?

      Having reached the end of this course, you can test your understanding and then look forward to the next course in the series, or further courses from the University of Leeds.

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 students at schools and colleges. They provide a taster of undergraduate study at the University of Leeds and help students to decide which subject to study at university. Completion of the courses will also enhance students’ university applications.

The courses can also be used as a teachers’ classroom enrichment resource.

Courses in this collection are also great for people that want an introduction in the specific subjects discussed in each course.

Who will you learn with?

Associate Professor in Enterprise at the University of Leeds. Passionate about entrepreneurship. Part of the Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Studies team delivering 'Starting a Business'

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.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Buy this course

$54/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Subscribe & save

$349.99 for one year

Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Tests to boost your learning
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Start learning today

Free

Try this course - with limits

  • Limited to 2 weeks

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

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  • 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
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  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
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  • 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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