Harvey Said:

Business: employability skills?

We Answered:

Usually an "executive" is a role that is at a organizational leadership level, i.e. reports to CEO.

I'll cut and paste your cut and paste, but i'll add answers.

Experience in similar roles- Experience is always good to have.

Experience working in the industry- You should have a general knowledge of the industry itself, and the major players in it. For example, if you are going into the insurance industry, you should know the big names (nationwide, allstate, progressive, aig, travelers, etc) and the current state of each company (like how AIG is at the forefront of our economic decline right now)



Professional approach- You should be able to act like a professional in a professional role. You should be able to speak to people professionally. (Good morning Mike, hows that mid year report looking? as opposed to ' Whats up mike, so do we keeps our jobs next quarter?'

Good team player - explains itself.

Flexible- Sometimes you'll need to work longer hours, if you cant be flexable with an employer, you wont last long.



Good with people- Its customer service, this one explains itself.


Supportive of colleagues- Its a good habit to have, periodically tell someone how good their doing, as long as they actually are doing good. People remember that, and appreciate it. It makes you seem like a nice person, and a team player.



Having good written skills- Written communication can kill a career if it isnt done properly. Knowing how to write a memo, an e-mail, and a business letter are ESSENTIAL in the business world.

IT literate- You need to have some basic computer skills to do just about any job now. You need to be familiar with the basics of your operating system, as well as fixing minor software issues so that you dont have the IT tech at your desk every day. IT's time usually costs a lot of money.


Experience in web commerce - If you company does business on the internet, you need to know how, why, and what impact it has on the revenue of the company.



Persuasive skills- Persuasion is an art form that can make your professional life a lot easier. You need to know how to talk to people in order to get what you want, or make them do what they need to.


Ability to build relationships- Business is all about networking. You need to be able to buid and sustain relationships with people in order to be successful. Having contacts within and outside of your organization can have a big impact on your career.


Focused and task driven - Explains itself.

Communication Skills - You need to know how to speak to people effectively and professionally.



Can speak and listen well- explains itself.

Is persuasive- we covered that


Good written skills- this one too.
Good presenter- you need to be able to get your point across, without too much explanation or wasting too much time. You need to be able to speak, act and present, like its as easy as putting your shoes on.



Good interpersonal skills- explains itself.
Sympathetic and supportive - explains itself.

To be quite frank, you need these skills to do just about any job in the business world. This sounds like some HR person listed off a bunch of things that are obviously needed skills, just to fill in space.

Kimberly Said:

What is a good business for a 19 year old in South California with music, sales, & people skills to start ?

We Answered:

Think of all your interests & ask yourself if any of those could be expanded into a business. Just keep in mind...what's your expertise? What are your interests? What could you imagine yourself doing?

By researching the prospect of starting your own business -- what it entails, what you need to know, helpful hints, etc -- you'll feel better prepared to take that plunge.

I found some book titles that are relevant to your specific question:

* Generation, Inc: The 100 Best Businesses for Young Entrepreneurs by Elina Furman, Leah Furman
* The Young Entrepreneur's Guide to Starting and Running a Business (Completely Revised and Updated) by Steve Mariotti
* The Young Entrepreneur's Edge: Using Your Ambition, Independence, and Youth to Launch a Successful Business (Princeton Review Series) by Jennifer Kushell
* Upstart Start-Ups!: How 34 Young Entrepreneurs Overcame Youth, Inexperience, and Lack of Money to Create Thriving Businesses by Ron Lieber

I also posted some article links in the source box.

Hope that helps! I wish you much success & happiness in all your ventures!