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Permalink Reply by Joseph Robertson on November 29, 2009 at 2:46pm

Chantelle,
Probably not. One of our list members just hired another list member who is from the east side of this country. He was discovered partially because he has presence on Barista Exchange. I'm 99.999999999% sure he did not ask this individual if he had a diploma or degree in business. This industry is driven by folks like you and me who come up through the trenches with tampers and portafilters in our hands. Smart Coffee business men like the one I mentioned above know this fact and are more interested in your #1 Unparalleled, uncontrollable, beautiful creama bleeding Passion for Coffee, passion for quality, passion for out standing customer service and not to mention love for people which translates to "your"customers to go with it (#1).If they sense this then on to #2#3#4 requirements which all pale to and will not matter much at all if you don't possess a good amount of #1. After all they, #2#3#4 etc. are only complements to #1.
When it comes to classes, I knew exactly what I wanted to I pick a well known coffee roasting school on the east coast. At about the same time I took specific coffee business courses taught and or sponsored by Delano's Coffee ( Forgive me if I misspelled Delano's) at a Seattle Coffee Fest. This was very target to opening and operating a coffee shop. This was fast track to opening our business. I have no regrets, we have been open for a little over a year and I love this more than anything I have ever done. I found my home.
When it comes to work, and by the way that is a misnomer. When you finally get there you will know it and it will not be work.
There are other names for it which I sure others here will chime in on that.
When you have all the passion the world can possibly provide you. Nothing will keep you from your desired goal.
Best wishes and I want to see your posts here and some blogging along your road to your dream....
Joseph

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Ambassador for Specialty Coffee and palate reform.

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Permalink Reply by Bob Von Kaenel on November 29, 2009 at 5:09pm

A diploma is always good to have. It's certainly an advantage in job searches. But, it can also be an advantage in that it will give you another perspective with which you can combine with your own real-world experiences. Knowledge is good, the more you have the better.

I'd think that marketing classes, basic accounting, and human resources, would be of benefit to anyone thinking of someday starting a business.

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Permalink Reply by Joseph Robertson on November 29, 2009 at 6:29pm

Chantelle,
Bob is right on here. Thanks for posting your wisdom on this Bob. I was replying from the view of my 60 year old window of life. I got lost in giving just my view and fast track business plan. If I was not 60+ years old and had the resources I would want more college, more education, more tools to run my business with. No such thing as too much knowledge or information.
A degree, sure if your young or old as long as it fits into your plan. It does look good on your resume. Do come up with a plan, talk to as many people as you can. Ask questions, then ask more questions. BE is a great platform here. Enjoy and take advantage of all the combined knowledge. It is truly amazing how much information is being shared here.
Joe

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Ambassador for Specialty Coffee and palate reform.

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