Link to Coursera - Emory Business Essentials Course: Link.

Instructor: John Kim.

Course - 1 : Introduction

ROUGH NOTES (!)
Updated: 26/8/2026

[Who should take this course?]

Instructor’s opinion:

• Business doesn’t have to be complicated.

• Let’s make it easy to understand and useful.

We will consider:

Core concepts: Self explanatory.

Linkage: How is it linked to your goals?

Tools: To practice and use the stuff.

Course is designed with three groups in mind:

• Graduates

• Managers

• Entrepreneurs

Graduates:

(Graduates who did not study business or want a refresher)

Idea: Build up confidence before the interview. Do great, get the job offer.

• Get smart on business concepts quickly.

• Prepare for interviews
  • Company
  • Industry
  • Specific role
• Start strong; do great work with new job.

Managers:

(Managers promoted into roles that require more business)

Idea: Understand business, not just your job. Become “executive material”.

Idea Get more done with same resources.

Typically: Do good work –> Impress boss –> Promoted —> Impress boss —> Promoted etc.

Eventually you reach a point where you must have a broad view, not just one function. Eg, work with marketing, R&D, manufacturing, etc.

You need to be able to persuade people with data.

• Develop a broader, more executive view of the business challenges.

• Make better decisions; persuade with data.

• Influence others (departments / leaders).

• Goal: Get more done with same resources.

Entrepreneurs:

(Entrepreneurs looking to start a new business)

Idea: Business is difficult. Use tools. Make money, win.

Typically you’ve identified a gap in the market, and where you can be of help. You have something you’re good at, a strength.

You’re putting your own money at risk. You’re like a solo pilot flying a plane. How do you get customers? How do you keep them? How do you get them to tell their friends about it? How do you explode this business and make a lot of money?

The focus is on marketing, strategy, cost reduction, operations, etc. Setting you up for success.

• Find a gap in the market for your product/service.
  • Strong market need.
  • Fits your strengths.
  • Position differently.

• Acquire customers and drive word-of-mouth.

• Drive business profits.

Business is a massive topic. There is not a simple “skeleton key” that unlocks all the answers.

Business comes in all flavors, sizes, and situations.

Yes, there are patterns. Gotta stay curious.

Let’s learn the basics quickly; then practice applying it.

(If you want to deep dive into a topic, you can use other courses on Coursera)

Learning business is like learning how to cook.

You need to know the ingredients (eg: eggplant, carrot, onion), tools (eg: stove, microwave, pressure cooker), recipes (eg: you don’t need to reinvent the wheel, you can follow for eg your grandma’s recipes)

Quote of the day:

Free education is abundant, all over the Internet. 

It's the desire to learn that is scarce. 

- Naval Ravikant.