Ten Tricks

Forget school -
In the past five days,  I was able to make a mental note of what it takes to survive in a business world (*note: this does not apply to those in IT or science - you actually need to know your s***)


(1) Math: fast math. Calculating numbers in your head. Understanding mathematical concepts and equations. No, you don't need to know everything from Gaoculus but the more math you do in school - you're probably pushed a lot harder to adapt yourself into that unfamiliar territory.

(2) Accounting. I dropped it once. My friend dropped it three times. Everybody hates accounting - the least favorite hurdle to get to your business minor. But seriously - basic concepts needed. You'll be considered a dumbass if you don't know squat about income statements and cash flow.

(3) Excel. If you're more in the customer services, PS, accounting department - then all you really need is excel. If you've never heard of VLOOKUP, SUMIFS or COUNTIFS, well I suggest you either get cracking on it or go to a different field.

(4) Powerpoint. Presentations presentations presentations. Meetings meetings meetings. Corporate world thrives on clean, slick, to-the-point, quality powerpoints.

(5) Design. You might not need to know a lot about photoshop or creating fonts, but if you're contemplating about going into marketing or something familiar and want to work on the "cool stuff," learning a bit of photoshop and illustrator isn't a bad idea.

(6) Concepts & Theories of your field. Whether it's sales, marketing, pricing, business - every expert in the world has written something about your field. It's your job to choose the expert that your company adapts to - and then to read what that expert has to say. Understanding why your company does the things they do all come down to their philosophy - and usually it's derived from good ol' business theory (check out all the smart employees - they've got TONS of books in their cubicles).

(7) Knowing good food. Overworked people thrive on a good break every now and then. If you know anything about great quality restaurants or outings - they'll love you for suggesting such a great place!

(8) Organization. Be organized. If you aren't, you're kinda screwed. You don't have to be OCD, but people randomly ask for this and that and if you know where to get what in the shortest amount of time, you're being the most efficient one around. People will recognize you for that.

(9) Humility. If you're the hardest worker there, people will push you to your limits. People might overwork you. But best to be humble - goes for an exec too. Those that treat their subordinates as superiors- everybody respects and loves that person for such a trait.

(10) Social Skills. Know how to crack some jokes, laugh a little now and then, make everyone at ease in a frantic setting. Know how others work - who's impatient, who likes to brag, who likes to talk? etc. Don't be the one that people don't want to work with.

I think I encompass 7 and half of 8 and a third of 9.