February 8, 2017

Two Words for Nailing Any Job Interview

Let’s face it: job interviews are intimidating. A stranger peppers you with questions while you try to win them over with with stories of responsibility, ingenuity, and some good ole’ manners.

Good news. We recently learned of a simple acronym that can come in quite handy in your next interview. Well, two actually. CAR and STAR.

Here’s what they mean:

CAR stands for Context, Action, and Result.

STAR stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result.

The idea is to answer every question with a description of the moment (Context or Situation) followed by what you did about it (Task and Action), and how it turned out (Result).

So next time you’re interviewing for that ice cream parlor job or lawn mowing service, think CAR and STAR. Then blow them away with your thoughtful answers.

Do you have any job searching tips, Biz Kid? Share them with us in the comments below.

Looking for more job searching tips? Watch our episode, “It’s a Job Getting a Job.” Here’s a clip from the episode for your viewing pleasure:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k5kFcdtbHwk

February 3, 2017

Free Tickets to Biz Kid$ Taping in Seattle!

Season 6 of Biz Kid$ is coming to television soon, but first you’re invited to watch it LIVE! If you’re in the Seattle area, join us for a taping on March 8, 13, 14, or 15 from 4-7pm. Tickets are extremely limited, so email us to reserve your spot today!

January 29, 2017

What Happens When You Give Back

Last year, Warren Buffett gave over $2.8 billion—yes, billion with a b—to charity. That’s the equivalent of treating every single person in America to a Chipotle burrito (with guac!) Why? Several years ago, he announced a plan to give away the vast majority of his wealth. Much of it is to be donated to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which is ironically funded by the man whose wealth has been competing for years with Buffett’s for the largest in the world. His goal is to help cure the world’s most deadly diseases.

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Wondering how this type of giving actually pans out? Well, remember the Ice Bucket Challenge? You may or not remember the mission behind it all: to raise money for scientific research targeting a cure for ALS. Well, the stunt went viral, and millions of dollars were raised. Now, a real result is in: a team discovered the gene responsible for ALS, a team funded by the charitable donations given in response to one cold, wet idea.

So what does this have to do with you, Biz Kid? As a young entrepreneur, you have the power to create value that can change the world. We’ve profiled several young Biz Kids who have used their businesses to change people’s lives. Here’s just a few:

Man Cans

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8euVDKIAs2E

Twice Loved by Maggie B

Cymphonique

Want even more inspiration? Check out our episode entitled Businesses That Give Back.

January 16, 2017

The School for Billionaires (and the Billionaire Against School)

“If you want to succeed in life, you have to get your college degree.”

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“College is overrated.”

“Billionaire pays students to drop out of college.”

Headlines like those above circulate weekly, each one contradicting the last. If one thing is certain, the importance of college is a hot-button issue in society today. We won’t dare attempt to settle the issue once and for all, but we have attempted to gather up two recent, opposing perspectives on the topic.

A School for Billionaires

MSN Money recently reported on the colleges that produce the highest number of billionaires. The schools are all around the world, from Waseda University in Japan to Ecole Polytechnique in Paris and America’s own MIT. Their study poses an interesting question: are these clusters of super-successful graduates a coincidence, or is there something about the education that prepares one to strike it rich?

The Billionaire Against School

This was a headline that made quite a few parents nervous. In 2011, Peter Thiel, the billionaire founder of PayPal, paid a selected group of driven and entrepreneurial students to drop out of college and launch businesses. How much? $100,000. The result? Of the 84 who accepted the offer, only 8 returned to college. The other 76 are forging ahead, working on a variety of ambitious startups—and hoping to prove the naysayers wrong.

Here’s one Biz Kid’s perspective. In her words, “the only way to success is getting an education.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpgZMTn5F9Q

What do you think about college, Biz Kid? Is it more important than ever, or less?

January 9, 2017

A Savings Resolution fit for a Biz Kid

The following has been adapted for our teen audience from a post featured on Workman Publishing’s blog, written by the creators of Biz Kid$.

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Happy New Year, Biz Kid! We’re almost two weeks in to 2017; how are you doing so far? Have your resolutions held up? If you haven’t made any resolutions yet, allow us to suggest one: a savings resolution.

Set your goal.

Set a goal that’s specific and achievable. For a ten-year-old, perhaps that’s $100. Once you’ve defined your goal, write it down, post it on the mirror, or make it the background for the phone. Put it somewhere that you’ll see everyday.

Make it a priority.

The key to meeting any savings goal is understanding a concept we call PYF. That stands for Pay Yourself First. No, we’re not talking about a Scrooge-like mentality. We’re talking about a commitment to saving toward your financial goals before other excuses get in the way. When you get your allowance, paycheck, or make a sale, put the money towards your savings goal first. Then you can eye that new pair of shoes. Just take it from Beauty and the Budget:

Take advantage of free tools!

For older Biz Kids, creating a more extensive budget can go a long way in helping to nail down your expenses and keep your goals in check. Here are a few (free!) budgeting tools that we love:

Turn that $100 into a cool million.

Once you’ve made your goal, it’s time to make it grow! With some dedication and savvy investment, even a crisp, cool Benjamin could turn into a healthy fortune. Our new book, How to Turn $100 into $1,000,000 is chock full of tips for teens who want to earn more, invest more, and save more. Check it out!

January 3, 2017

Biz Kid$ Casting Call!

Happy New Year, Biz Kids! We’re ramping up production on six new episodes of the show, and we’re looking for talented young actors in the Greater Seattle area! Check out the casting flyer below, and email us if you’re interested!

January 1, 2017

A Resource for Every Resolution

So, Biz Kid, are you among the millions of Americans spending their New Year’s Day jotting down resolutions for the coming year? If so, we wanted to tell you about a few of our resources that could help make your resolutions a reality, come New Year’s Eve 2017. So check out the following resolutions. If they sound familiar, check out the corresponding resource. Each one is free, and ready for you to download today. Cheers!

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“I resolve to actually write a business plan.”

Guide to Writing a Business Plan

“I resolve to use my free time to be inspired, rather than veg out.”

Young Entrepreneur Profiles

“I resolve to save every month.”

Saving & Investing Lesson Plans

“I resolve to turn my wild idea into a real money maker.”

Profit Calculation Worksheet

“I resolve to make financial literacy a priority in my family.”

Jump$tart Activity Sheets

“I resolve to turn my allowance into big bucks.”

How to Turn $100 into $1,000,000

(Our new book!)

“I resolve to be a more professional Biz Kid than ever before.”

How 2 B a Pro Guide

December 4, 2016

The 20 Habits of Eventual Millionaires (Infographic)

The following infographic was designed by Pamela Sisson for James Altucher.

November 21, 2016

NBA Champ: Get Rich, Not Famous

Andre Iguodala is best known as the 6’6″ forward for the Golden State Warriors. But if you think that sports consume his every moment, you’d be wrong.

Iguodala is among a growing contingent of athletes determined to redefine what it means to be an athlete–at least, how the role relates to money. Rather than blindly entrust his millions with a money manager, Iguodala is an active investor. His decision to play for the Golden State Warriors was made in part because it would put him close to the tech frenzy in Silicon Valley.

Today, he’s a regular presence in the board rooms of the country’s emerging enterprises.

His motto is an uncommon one in the era of instant stardom: “I’d rather be rich and not famous than to be famous and rich.”

The way Iguodala thinks about his wealth is what we call his “money personality.” We spent an entire episode exploring the different ways people think about money. Here’s one clip from that show (and a side of Oz you’ve never seen before.)

For more of Andre Iguodala’s story, check out his interview with LinkedIn.

November 16, 2016

Calling all San Diego Educators!

The following is a press release from our friends at the San Diego County Credit Union, regarding a Biz Kid$ training for San Diego-area educators.

Join us for a SDCCU Biz Kid$ Bash on November 16; enter to win SDCCU Biz Kid$ program

SDCCU Biz Kid$ program launched in partnership with San Diego County Office of Education and the County of San Diego

SAN DIEGO, Calif., (November 14, 2016) — San Diego County Credit Union^® (SDCCU^®), San Diego’s largest locally-owned financial institution, is hosting a free Biz Kid$ Bash Seminar to help teachers integrate the Biz Kid$ program into their curriculum. The event will be held on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido, located at 340 N. Escondido Blvd., Escondido, CA 92025. To register for the event, visit sdccu.com/schools.

The bash is from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and will run through a mock lesson, showing educators how to implement this valuable resource into their classroom and teach students the basics of money and business. The SDCCU Biz Kid$ Bash is an interactive learning session featuring the Biz Kid$ episode “Crash Course on Starting a Business,” which provides attendees a quick but comprehensive tour on the steps you need to start your own business. Attendees of the Bash will have the opportunity to enter for a chance to win the complete SDCCU Biz Kid$ Program.

Biz Kid$ is an award-winning comprehensive financial literacy program focused on teaching kids how to use credit wisely and the importance of saving, budgeting, investing and giving back to their communities. The program includes an Emmy award winning television series, free classroom curriculum, outreach activities, and a website for kids 9 – 16 years old. Biz Kid$ is the first national public television series promoting financial education for elementary through high school students and was created by the same team that produced “Bill Nye the Science Guy.” All of the Biz Kid$ episodes are based on national standards for financial literacy and entrepreneurship education and have been mapped to individual state standards.

“We encourage all educators and support staff in San Diego to attend this seminar and learn more about the SDCCU Biz Kid$ program, created to teach students about money and business. We are pleased to provide this valuable resource to teachers, which will lay the groundwork to begin building a successful financial future and enhance lives for years to come,” said SDCCU President and CEO Teresa Halleck.

Research shows that the average high-school graduate lacks basic skills to manage personal finances, many young people experience difficulty balancing a checkbook and half of Americans live paycheck to paycheck. For more of these statistics, view the SDCCU Biz Kid$ program infographic.

November 17 through December 1, educators are encouraged to enter for a chance to win the SDCCU Biz Kid$ program. For official rules and to enter to win, visit sdccu.com/sweepstakes.

SDCCU is committed to helping teachers, students and individuals in communities where we live and work make educated financial decisions by delivering the BEST financial education, products and services. SDCCU is engaged in several philanthropic efforts aimed at improving overall economic well-being and making a positive difference in local schools. For more information, visit sdccu.com/classroomheroes.

Launched in 2008 in partnership with the National Credit Union Foundation (the Foundation), the overall objective of Biz Kid$ is to engage young people and help them develop life skills in the areas of financial literacy and entrepreneurship. Since its inception, Biz Kid$ has aired on over 340 public television stations and has reached more than 65 million viewers.

The Foundation’s vision is making financial freedom achievable through credit unions. The Foundation believes that all consumers should have the education, tools and resources needed to achieve financial freedom. Through the Foundation grants and programs, credit unions provide widespread financial education, create greater access to affordable financial services and empower more consumers to save, build assets and own homes.

The County Board of Supervisors launched Live Well San Diego in 2010 with the goal of achieving healthy, safe and thriving communities across the region by partnering with community and city leaders, schools, businesses, non-profit organizations and residents.

San Diego County Credit Union is San Diego’s largest locally-owned financial institution serving San Diego, Riverside and Orange counties. SDCCU has assets of $7.7 billion, over 330,000 customers, 40 convenient branch locations and 30,000 surcharge-FREE ATMs. SDCCU provides breakthrough banking products that meet the demands of today’s lifestyle and delivers banking services that save customers money. SDCCU is leading the way, offering FREE Checking with eStatements, SDCCU Mobile Deposit, mortgage loans, auto loans, Visa^® credit cards and business banking services. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Opportunity. Equal Opportunity Employer. For more information, visit www.sdccu.com.

November 11, 2016

Biz Kid Guide: How to be a Pro

So you want to be a pro, but you’re not sure if you’ve got what it takes?

Don’t fret, Biz Kid. We’ve done the legwork for you, and collected the best advice to make a first impression and create repeat customers. So whether you’re making a sales pitch, interviewing for a job, or meeting a potential customer, you can rest assured that you’ll be putting your best foot forward.

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APPEARANCE

What you have on the inside is what truly matters, but if we look sloppy, our passion and message won’t shine through. Your appearance shouldn’t be a distraction – it should communicate that you are responsible, and you care about the interaction with the customer in front of you. Here’s a few specific questions to ask yourself before your next meeting:

▪ Does my appearance make me look responsible? Do I look ready for work?

▪ Are my clothes wrinkle-free?

▪ Is my hair neat?

▪ Have I brushed my teeth? Do I have jam on my face?

COMMUNICATION

Talking to adults, or customers of any age, can feel intimidating, but be confident. You’re a Biz Kid. You are no average teen. People will enjoy hearing about your idea. Here’s a few pointers to being an effective communicator:

1. Practice a firm handshake. This is communication through body language. A firm handshake communicates confidence and pleasure in meeting someone.

2. Look ‘em in the eyes! Customers are more likely to trust someone that looks at them directly, instead of at the ground.

3. Smile! When people perceive you are excited about your idea, they will be too!

4. Listen. Everyone likes to be heard. Ask people about their lives, then tailor your pitch to their needs.

5. Practice. Practice. Practice. The more you practice your pitch or personal introduction, the more comfortable you’ll feel, and the more effective you’ll be. “Winging it” is not wise.

6. Avoid “filler words.” Terms such as, “like,” “um,” and “uh” are like poison to communication. The more you practice, the more these will disappear.

7. Be efficient. No idea is good enough to keep someone’s attention for longer than they were expecting. We all tune out at some point, so be aware of your time.

8. Be thankful. Thank the person for their time, and smile as you leave.

Want to share this content with your students? Download a PDF version for FREE on our website. Check it out!

October 26, 2016

How Parents Can Encourage Entrepreneurship

At the basketball games, the bleachers are filled with super-fan parents, cheering on their players with the tenacity only a parent can deliver. Debate competitions, more subdued but equally passionate. And choir recitals and musical performances empty local florists of their bouquets. These are the moments parents cherish, snapping pictures to share with their friends. So what if your child has no desire to be an athlete, soloist, or master debater? What if they crave a path defined not by letters on a jacket but numbers in a spreadsheet? What if…they want to be an entrepreneur? Encouraging—and guiding—your child in their pursuit of the entrepreneurial dream can take some creativity and intentionality. But there’s no shortage of ways to do so. Here are a few of our favorites.

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Get into their world.

What is true for most any area of parenting is true for encouraging your aspiring Biz Kid: ask questions! Talk with your child about their dreams. Especially at first, ask questions that show you take interest in their dreams, not just questions of concern.

Recognize achievement.

All of those special moments that traditional hobbies and activities like the free solitaire app which provide can be sorely missed in the more independent life of a young entrepreneur. Watch for opportunities to recognize their accomplishments. Perhaps a special dinner to mark the completion of their business plan, their first sale, or their website launch. It doesn’t have to be expensive or fancy; a simple gesture that says, “this matters” will go a long way.

Encourage mentorship.

Whether you have the business acumen of a Shark Tank investor or not, encouraging outside mentorship is a great way to ensure that your child asks the right questions without being labeled as a worry wart. Ask a local business professional to meet with your child every now and then and offer their counsel. Who knows, they could both learn a thing or two.

Identify resources.

You may not be buying knee pads, uniforms, or paying for special training camps, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play a role in equipping your future business tycoon. Looking for resources—paid or free—for your entrepreneur shows that you care about their success and support their endeavor. Not sure where to look? Here are a few places to look:

Your local library: Biographies on entrepreneurs like Steve Jobs and Henry Ford, or more practical resources like business plan guides, are all free.
BizKids.com: We have a robust selection of free resources for your Biz Kid. Business plan templates, marketing worksheets, and more. Check them out.
Podcasts: Some of the brightest minds in the marketplace offer their thoughts on a weekly basis in free podcasts. Play them around the house to fill your home with wisdom!