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​If you have a special skill, invented something, or just have a passion for helping others, you may have considered becoming a “mompreneur” – a stay-at-home mom who runs a business. It can be a great way to make money and save on child care.
 
How do you start? These four steps, courtesy of Grow With STEM, will help you to go from business idea all the way to successful business.
 
Step 1: Find Your “Why”
 
Why do you want to start this business? It’s important to get to the heart of this question. Many people say “to make money” but really, that’s your “what” –the result of your hard work. Your “why” is your purpose, for example, helping other moms start their own businesses or advocating for children’s education. Inc. recommends looking to your strengths and thinking about what you would love to do if money were no object.
 
Once you find your purpose, look at your skills, talents and experience to see how the two align. For example, if you are passionate and knowledgeable about healthy living and like to engage with others, you can become a nutrition coach.
 
Once you’ve decided on your path, make it official by selecting a business structure and registering with your state. Many people choose a limited liability company, or LLC, for example. It’s a popular option, thanks to the protection it provides your personal assets. It also offers tax advantages and can grow as your business grows. Consider filing through an online service since they will save you looking up the legalities involved.
 
Step 2: Finding The Best Business Model For You
 
What’s the difference between a business and a business model? A business is centered on the product or service you are selling. A business model is how you sell it. Here are some business models, as explained by Investopedia:
 

• Bricks and mortar is another term for a storefront; clicks-and-mortar combines this with an online store.
• Direct sales, commonly called network marketing.
• Franchises.
• Advertising-based business models.

 
You can also provide a service like bookkeeping, become a travel agent, or open a subscription service. Online consulting is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to get started in business. However, having multiple business models will allow you to build multiple streams of income.
 
Step 3: Getting Your First Clients
 
Your first clients may be friends, family and acquaintances. This is great if they are willing to pay full price and if they need your services. Otherwise, you may want to heed this advice from The Balance: Think about your fourth client first. Taking that longer view can ensure that you “put the marketing and consulting fundamentals in place that will secure your future as a consultant.”
 
Step 4:  Marketing Your Business
 
The best way to build your business is with solid marketing. Here are some tips that will help you get started without breaking your budget:
 

• Build a blog. There are many ways you can use this tool to build your client base.
• Grow your business with social media marketing.
• Join your local Chamber of Commerce and attend their networking events.

 
Step 5: Planning For Funding
 
As your business grows, you’re going to need capital for things such as an office, a staff and other business tools. Before you go out looking for a lender, you’ll need to make sure your credit is in good condition. This might mean you have to repair your credit. The better your credit score, the more appealing you look to lenders when the time comes to request a small business loan. If you need to repair your credit, look into reputable companies that can assist you in the process.
 
Balancing Work And Family
 
This is going to be a challenge but you also need to make sure your family respects your work time. This means finding a space (preferably with a door) for your office and setting regular work hours and providing your kids with appropriate activities like board games or school work. Balancing work and family can be challenging, but with the right tools, strategies and motivation, you can do it!
 
Starting a home-based business is the dream of many stay-at-home moms. When you know your purpose and are dedicated to your dream, with hard work and dedication, you can build a successful legacy for your family. Look to Grow With STEM for more tips, tools and information that can help you and your family thrive!

These young "would be" voters spare no excuses when it comes to voting. In this delightful, informative PSA, created by 15 year old entrepreneur Cameron Samuels, of CamSam Productions, is chock-full of sensible advice on why we should vote and the steps on preparing for the polls.

They all agree that if you don't vote, you lose the right to complain.  There are no excuses! Mask up! Get out and vote!

Afua Jones, a Board Certified Credit Consultant, began her career in 1994 as a Credit Reporter.  After years of working in the industry, she saw an undeniable need to elevate and educate her community, while giving them the necessary tools to build generational wealth. With her DIY Credit Repair Course, Jones helps people repair their own credit and start their very own Credit Repair Business!

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN:
How To Fix Your Credit
Step By Step Process (my complete Blueprint)
Access To Template Letters
How To Set Your Business Up
How To Rebuild Your Credit
Access To Private Facebook Group
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I was looking for an unbiased, apolitical (as possible) video that would give me the 411 on current stimulus negotiations.  I stumbled on this video by Ron Yates. Ron does an excellent job explaining "Stimulus 2 Talks".  You may also want to grab a pen and paper to take notes on valuable tips on how to make money! 

#stimuluscheckupdate  #stocktips  #RonYates  #secondstimuluscheckupdate  #investing  #smartstocktips

During this Covid 19 pandemic, students and teachers all over the world have been thrusted into a new reality--virtual learning. As a teacher, I am aware that the relationship between technology and inequality is multifaceted. My company, Grow With STEM, is offering a raffle for a Kindle fire HD 8 with Alexa or a $25 Amazon Gift Card.  

Let me tell you, teachers do not get enough credit, and many of you have no idea how much work we do. We teachers had to abruptly alter our lesson plans, grasp new technologies and adapt to a new delivery system without missing a beat.  Guess what.  We did it.  Students are now isolated from their friends and their world has been turned upside down. Both, students and teachers, never had the opportunity to cap off the end of the year with hugs and joyous celebrations. And without warning, parents have had to embrace the role of homeschool teacher. 

First of all, a special thanks to the educators, students and parents who jumped in, feet first, to meet the challenges of this new reality.  Also, a special thanks to those of you who purchased a copy of Adam Baum: The Autistic Engineer and Marisol: A Little Girl with a Big Dream, in order to help me make this possible. 

​In order to enter the drawing, simply login with Facebook or your email.

@houstonisd @wilsonmontPTO @Wilson_HISD @wfuhouston @growwithstem #teamworkmakesthedreamwork #togetherwerise #hugateacher #unbreakable #cheerleadersforyouth