The topic “Describe A Successful Businessperson You Know” is a common theme in IELTS Speaking tests, particularly in Part 2. This subject allows candidates to showcase their vocabulary, fluency, and ability to structure a coherent response. As an experienced IELTS examiner, I can attest to the frequency of business-related topics in recent exams and predict their continued relevance in future tests.
Part 1: Introduction and Interview
In Part 1, the examiner may ask general questions about business and success. Here’s a sample question with a suggested answer:
Q: Do you think you have good business skills?
A: Well, I’d say I’m still developing my business acumen. While I have a keen interest in entrepreneurship and have taken some courses in business management, I believe there’s always room for improvement. I’m particularly adept at problem-solving and communication, which I understand are crucial in the business world. However, I’m still working on honing my financial analysis skills, which I consider essential for any successful businessperson.
Part 2: Long Turn
Here’s a sample cue card for this topic:
Describe a successful businessperson you know
You should say:
- Who this person is
- How you know this person
- What kind of business this person does
- And explain why you think this person is successful
Band 6-7 Sample Answer:
I’d like to talk about my uncle, John, who runs a successful local bakery. I’ve known him since I was a child, as he’s my mother’s brother. His business involves baking and selling various types of bread and pastries.
I consider my uncle successful for several reasons. Firstly, he started his bakery from scratch and has managed to keep it running for over 15 years now. Secondly, he has a loyal customer base who appreciate the quality of his products. Lastly, he’s been able to expand his business, opening two more branches in nearby towns.
What impresses me most about my uncle is his dedication to his craft. He’s always experimenting with new recipes and trying to improve his products. He also treats his employees well, which I believe contributes to the overall success of his business.
In my opinion, my uncle’s success comes from his passion for baking, his strong work ethic, and his ability to adapt to changing customer preferences. He’s a great example of how hard work and dedication can lead to success in business.
Band 8-9 Sample Answer:
I’d like to elaborate on a remarkably successful businessperson I have the privilege of knowing personally – my mentor, Sarah Chen, the founder and CEO of GreenTech Innovations. I was fortunate enough to meet Sarah three years ago when I participated in a startup incubator program she was leading.
Portrait of Sarah Chen
Sarah’s company specializes in developing sustainable energy solutions, particularly focusing on solar power technology and energy-efficient smart home systems. What sets her apart in this cutting-edge field is her innovative approach to combining environmental consciousness with state-of-the-art technology.
In my estimation, Sarah’s success stems from a multifaceted combination of factors. First and foremost, her unwavering commitment to her vision of a greener future drives every aspect of her business. She possesses an uncanny ability to anticipate market trends and adapt swiftly to technological advancements, keeping her company at the forefront of innovation.
Moreover, Sarah’s success is not merely measured in financial terms, although her company’s exponential growth and recent IPO are certainly impressive. What truly sets her apart is her holistic approach to success. She has created a company culture that fosters creativity and values employee well-being, resulting in high retention rates and a constant influx of top talent.
GreenTech Innovations Office
Furthermore, Sarah’s commitment to corporate social responsibility is exemplary. She allocates a significant portion of the company’s profits to fund renewable energy projects in developing countries, demonstrating that profitability and social impact can go hand in hand.
In essence, Sarah embodies the quintessential modern businessperson – one who not only achieves financial success but also makes a tangible positive impact on society and the environment. Her ability to balance profit with purpose is, in my view, the true hallmark of her success and what makes her an inspirational figure in the business world.
Follow-up Questions:
- What qualities do you think contribute most to this person’s success?
- How has technology impacted the way this person does business?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I believe my uncle’s success comes mainly from his hard work and attention to quality. He’s always putting in long hours and making sure his products are the best they can be. As for technology, he’s started using social media to promote his bakery and even takes online orders now, which has helped him reach more customers.
Band 8-9 Answer:
Sarah’s success can be attributed to a synergy of qualities. Her visionary leadership, coupled with her astute business acumen, allows her to navigate the complexities of the tech industry with remarkable skill. Additionally, her emotional intelligence and ability to build strong teams have been instrumental in creating a robust organizational culture.
Regarding technology’s impact, it has been transformative for Sarah’s business model. She has leveraged cutting-edge AI and machine learning algorithms to optimize her solar panel designs, significantly improving their efficiency. Moreover, she has implemented blockchain technology for supply chain management, ensuring transparency and reducing operational costs. These technological integrations have not only enhanced her product offerings but also streamlined business operations, giving her a competitive edge in the market.
Part 3: Two-way Discussion
Q: What do you think are the key factors that contribute to a person’s success in business?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think there are several important factors that help people succeed in business. First, having a good idea or product is essential. You need to offer something that people want or need. Second, hard work is crucial. Running a business takes a lot of time and effort. Third, being able to adapt to changes in the market is important. Businesses need to be flexible to stay competitive. Lastly, good communication skills are vital for dealing with customers and employees effectively.
Business Meeting with Diverse Team
Band 8-9 Answer:
The factors contributing to business success are multifaceted and interconnected. Paramount among these is an entrepreneurial mindset characterized by resilience, adaptability, and a propensity for calculated risk-taking. This mindset enables individuals to navigate the volatile business landscape and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
Equally crucial is the ability to innovate consistently. In today’s rapidly evolving market, businesses must stay ahead of the curve by offering novel solutions or improving existing ones. This innovation should be coupled with strategic thinking – the capacity to envision long-term goals and craft effective strategies to achieve them.
Furthermore, strong leadership skills are indispensable. Successful businesspeople must be able to inspire and motivate their teams, foster a positive organizational culture, and make tough decisions under pressure. They should also possess excellent communication skills to articulate their vision effectively to stakeholders, from employees to investors.
Financial acumen is another critical factor. Understanding market dynamics, managing cash flow efficiently, and making sound investment decisions are all essential for sustainable business growth.
Lastly, I believe that ethical business practices and social responsibility are becoming increasingly important in today’s business world. Companies that prioritize these aspects often enjoy enhanced brand reputation and customer loyalty, which can translate into long-term success.
Q: How do you think the definition of business success has changed in recent years?
Band 6-7 Answer:
I think the definition of business success has definitely changed in recent years. In the past, success was mostly about making a lot of money. Now, people are also looking at other factors. For example, a successful business today might be one that’s environmentally friendly or treats its employees well. There’s also more focus on innovation and how businesses contribute to society. Additionally, with social media, a company’s reputation has become more important for its success.
Band 8-9 Answer:
The concept of business success has undergone a paradigm shift in recent years, evolving from a purely profit-centric model to a more holistic and nuanced perspective. This transformation has been driven by several factors, including increased global connectivity, changing consumer values, and a growing awareness of business’s role in addressing societal and environmental challenges.
Firstly, there’s been a marked shift towards sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Successful businesses are now expected to balance profitability with environmental stewardship and positive social impact. This has given rise to concepts like the triple bottom line, where companies are evaluated not just on their financial performance, but also on their environmental and social contributions.
Moreover, the digital revolution has redefined success metrics. In addition to traditional financial indicators, businesses are now measured by their digital presence, user engagement, and ability to leverage data for strategic decision-making. The rapid scalability facilitated by technology has also changed expectations, with many now associating success with exponential growth and disruptive innovation.
Another significant shift is the increasing importance of corporate culture and employee satisfaction in defining success. Companies that foster inclusive, flexible, and purpose-driven work environments are often seen as more successful, as they tend to attract top talent and demonstrate higher employee retention rates.
Furthermore, there’s a growing emphasis on agility and adaptability. In today’s volatile business landscape, a company’s ability to pivot quickly in response to market changes or crises is seen as a key indicator of success.
Lastly, there’s been a shift towards valuing long-term sustainability over short-term gains. Businesses that can demonstrate consistent performance and resilience over time are increasingly viewed as more successful than those that show rapid but unsustainable growth.
In essence, while profitability remains important, the modern definition of business success has expanded to encompass a company’s broader impact on society, its adaptability to change, and its ability to create value for all stakeholders, not just shareholders.
Key Vocabulary and Phrases for High Scores
Entrepreneurial acumen /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜːriəl əˈkjuːmən/ (noun phrase): Sharp business sense and ability to make good judgments.
Example: Her entrepreneurial acumen was evident in how quickly she turned the startup into a profitable venture.Innovative approach /ˈɪnəvətɪv əˈprəʊtʃ/ (noun phrase): A new and creative way of doing something.
Example: His innovative approach to customer service set his company apart from competitors.Corporate social responsibility /ˈkɔːpərət ˈsəʊʃəl rɪˌspɒnsəˈbɪləti/ (noun phrase): A company’s initiatives to assess and take responsibility for its effects on environmental and social wellbeing.
Example: The company’s commitment to corporate social responsibility was reflected in its sustainable practices and community outreach programs.Visionary leadership /ˈvɪʒənəri ˈliːdəʃɪp/ (noun phrase): The ability to create and articulate a realistic, credible, and attractive vision of the future for an organization or team.
Example: Her visionary leadership inspired the team to push boundaries and achieve unprecedented success.Leverage /ˈliːvərɪdʒ/ (verb): Use something to maximum advantage.
Example: She leveraged her industry contacts to secure valuable partnerships for her new venture.
Examiner’s Advice
To achieve a high score in the IELTS Speaking test, particularly when discussing business topics:
Use a wide range of vocabulary, including idiomatic expressions and business terminology. Practice using these words in context to ensure natural delivery.
Develop your ideas fully. Don’t just give short answers, especially in Parts 2 and 3. Explain your points and provide examples to support them.
Work on your fluency by practicing speaking on various business topics. The more comfortable you are with the subject matter, the more naturally you’ll be able to express your ideas.
Pay attention to your pronunciation and intonation. Clear pronunciation and appropriate stress on key words can significantly enhance the overall impression of your speaking skills.
In Part 3, try to engage with the questions at a deeper level. Discuss broader implications, potential future trends, or different perspectives on the issues raised.
Stay updated on current business trends and issues. This will help you provide relevant and insightful responses, particularly in Part 3 discussions.
Remember, the key to success in the IELTS Speaking test is not just about what you say, but how you say it. Confidence, clarity, and coherence in your responses will go a long way in impressing the examiner and achieving a high band score.
For more practice and tips on describing influential figures, you might find our guide on How to describe a person who has positively influenced you in IELTS Speaking helpful. Additionally, if you’re interested in exploring business topics further, check out our article on describing a famous businessperson in your country.
