SKILL # 1: BASIC TYPING
Ok..I am sure you were taken aback by that one. You can’t believe this could even be in the list of IT skills to learn not to talk of it being the number one. You think you know how to type, don’t you?
Many years ago, long before I started using the computer, I used to write down my ideas and plans on A4 papers. I usually bought it in rims every one month. I loved writing a lot. My room was always decorated with files and papers. It gave me a sense of pride seeing my write-ups in large files; I would smile to myself and beat my chest, and to myself, “O boy you dey try ooo”.
However, what I didn’t realize was how much I was paying to have those manuscripts typed and printed out by a “professional”. I was a regular customer to one particular business centre in Okigwe, Imo State, where I used to spend not less that N7, 000, in 2 weeks to have my manuscript typed for me. Today, I run one of those kinds of outlets and I know how much a single customer coughs out weekly to have his/ her documents typed and printed. Now don’t get me wrong. I admit that time could be a factor why you can give the job to someone to do it for you; but for a whole larger number of others, they simply don’t know how to type.
WHAT TO DO:
Learning typing is one of the simplest skills to learn. It, however, requires a lot of discipline, consistency and continued practice. You can teach yourself typing, using the popular typing software, MARVIS BEACON, available in the market for only N100. The software is designed in such a way that, just by following the introduction on the screen and placing you fingers appropriately, you can easily begin you typing exercise. The program will take you from basic typing through the intermediate level then to the advanced level with a certificate rewarded for each level you complete. It is that simple!
SKILL#2: MICROSOFT OFFICE PACKAGES (WORD, EXCEL, POWERPOINT)
Now you are getting there… you are ready to start creating those confidential business documents and spreadsheet that no other eye should see. You can’t run the risk of having your well crafted proposal fall into the wrong hands simply because you had it typed in a commercial business centre where someone can easily get access to it. I know these things…
This is the reason you must learn how to use these important applications. I type all my documents myself except for a few I give to my secretary. It gives me the flexibility to get the exact output I desire. These things should only be delegated, not because you don’t know how to, but because you don’t have the time.
WHAT TO DO:
No my advice to you at this level is to enroll into a program and learn these packages. Make sure to focus on the recent versions of the application: 2007, 2010, 2013.
Starting with MS Word, you should learn how to create documents and save them in your preferred location in your computer. Then move over to MS Excel and learn how to prepare spreadsheets for your business income statements and other accounts. Then you move over to learn MS PowerPoint and start creating exciting business proposal and presentations.
