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A group of people posing for a picture at an event.

EMA Award pic

Biz Kid$ Executive Producers with EMA award presenters from Melrose Place.

Newsletter: December, 2009

 
The Vault, December 2009: Success is no Secret
Hey there loyal Vault readers! It’s been a great year–thanks for sharing it with us! And thanks to all of you who took our survey. We are already using the results to make The Vault better for you!

School makes a difference
Whether you love school or not so much, it’s a long road. You start when you’re a little kid and by the time you graduate from high school you’re practically an adult! Lots of people choose to quit right there. But people with education beyond high school tend to make more money and avoid unemployment. On the other hand, higher education can be expensive. The important thing is to balance the cost with the rewards.

Fast fact
Some grads tend to end up with fatter paychecks than the rest–and their majors all have one word in common. Can you guess what it is?
Make more money
If you could give yourself a 30 percent raise, would you do it? How about 60 percent? The latest report from The College Board (an association of educational organizations that also runs the SATs) shows that, on average and among full-time, year-round workers, those with an associate’s degree earn 30% more and 4-year college graduates earn on average 62% more than those with only a high school diploma.

Free to be you
Of course, money isn’t the only reason to stay in school. A degree gives you more freedom to choose your career. Many jobs such as architecture, accounting, or engineering require a 4-year degree and beyond. Many others require on-the-job training or specialized skills.

Many paths
There are many educational opportunities to choose from. Public, in-state institutions tend to be the less expensive choice for four-year degrees and are often just as good as “big-name” schools. And, a four-year degree is not the only way to fulfill your potential. Community colleges and trade schools can give you a head start down your career path for a lot less money. Demand for workers with associate’s degrees has never been greater.
Pay your way
Higher education is rarely free, although there are many ways to pay for it. Think about whether taking on the debt to go to a more expensive school is worth it to you personally and professionally
– 529 college savings plans let you sock away tax-deferred savings for college tuition. Some even let you pre-pay.
– Scholarships give you money you don’t have to pay back. There are thousands–start your research early!
– You can take out loans from state and federal governments. Make sure to fill out your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) before the deadlines for your chosen schools. Check out more information here.
– Apprenticeships are offered by many trade unions such as those of electricians and ironworkers, offering a combination of paying work and classroom training at little or no cost to the student.
Fast fact answer
The answer is “engineering.” In a technology-oriented world, workers with math skills and the ability to apply them are in high demand. The top-grossing degree? Petroleum engineering, with a starting salary averaging more than $83,000!

Info to go

 

Newsletter: November, 2009
The Vault, November 2009: Beyond the Piggy Bank
Putting your money in a financial institution can be a smart step, and the earlier you do it, the better. But where should you put your hard-earned cash? Choosing the right financial institution can make a big difference for you and your business.
News
Biz Kid$ won an Environmental Media Award for our episode called, “The Green Economy.” Get the scoop on our blog.
Fast fact
Americans spell it “check.” In England and Canada, it’s “cheque.” However you spell it, the name comes from a popular game. Do you know what it is? Read down to find out!
The Pink Polka Dots Guild receiving the Golden Tennis Shoe Awared from Senator Patty Murray
Biz Kid of the Month: Pink Polka Dots Guild
We spoke with Kelsey Josund, one of the founders of the Pink Polka Dots Guildwhich raises money for pediatric brain cancer research. In the photo, Kelsey (right) and her fellow Guild members receive Senator Patty Murray’s Golden Tennis Shoe Award for their work.
Kelsey, why did you start your organization?
We lost our friend Sidney to a brain tumor in 2006 when she was only eleven. We didn’t want anyone else to go through what we did. We named it the Pink Polka Dots Guild because pink polka dots were Sidney’s favorite.
What was your first fundraiser?
While Sydney was ill, she had been planning to hold a community garage sale for the hospital to give back, but she didn’t survive to see this happen. We decided to finish her project, and raised more than $9,000 in one day to buy a voice machine for the hospital and to introduce our guild to the neighborhood.
What are some of your other activities?
We sell crafted and printed cards online and at farmers’ markets. Every September we hold a golf tournament. This year we also held a masquerade ball and a concert for kids.
How are the card orders and donations processed?
We process card orders and donations using PayPal on our website. At events, we have multiple cash boxes to keep different sales separate such as card sales, donations, and ticket sales. We process credit cards using a machine we borrow from the Guild Association. They take care of credit cards for us, and then send us a report which we consolidate with the bank statement to get our event total.
What’s up next for the Pink Polka Dots Guild?
As always, we’ll have our big golf tournament next fall, and we’re planning to have two dances next year, one for high school students and one for younger kids. If you’re in the Seattle area, check our website to see what’s going on!
A field guide to financial institutions
Quick—what kind of business specializes in keeping people’s money? Did you say “a bank”? That’s right—but a bank is only one kind of financial institution. And knowing the difference can be important. Let’s take a look.
Know your options
Just because a financial institution can afford to do a lot of advertising doesn’t mean it’s right for you. Where you put your money is an important decision, so do your research.
  • Read online reviews. A good place to start is www.yelp.com.
  • Talk to friends and relatives about where they put their money.
  • Ask the institution to show you all of your options so you can choose the account that’s right for you.
  • Make sure you fully understand the terms of any special offers the organization is providing. How long do special rates or services last? Are you paying more in fees to get them?
Places to save and spend
A bank is a business that keeps money for people. The bank may invest, loan, or exchange the money, usually trying to make profits for the bank’s owners. In the case of a publicly traded bank, that means the bank’s shareholders.
A credit union is made up of members who share a common bond like working at a particular company or living in the same state. Credit unions take deposits from members and pay back interest (called a dividend). They also provide loans. Credit unions often provide higher yields and lower loan rates than commercial banks.
Whether you choose a bank or a credit union, you can typically choose a savings account or a checking account. A savings account usually pays you interest, but you’re not allowed to move the money around as much. A checking account is best for making purchases and paying bills.
Places to invest
If you’re willing to accept a higher risk for the chance of greater rewards, you might consider investing. You’ll need a custodian to be responsible for your investment account if you are under 18. The important thing when choosing where to invest is to fully understand the fees and loads you’re being charged–and that most investments are not guaranteed.
A brokerage firm executes orders to buy and sell specific stocks on behalf of its customers. They make their money from fees that they charge.
A mutual fund company maintains a portfolio of investments using the pooled money of investors. They make their money by taking a percentage of what customers invest, called a “load.”
Both mutual fund companies and brokerages can offer banking services such as checking accounts and credit cards. They can also offer you advice, although a mutual fund company has an interest in getting you to invest in their funds.
Places to be careful about
Payday lenders provide quick loans against a future paycheck. They charge high fees and interest rates. Sometimes people go in for a small loan and find themselves trapped in a cycle of debt. If you want to use credit more wisely, build your credit score so you can get a low-interest credit card. Or, better yet, don’t spend more than you earn!
Fast fact answer
The term “check” or “cheque” is derived from the game of chess. Putting the king in check means his choices are limited. In the same way, a check limits or “checks” forgery and fraud.
Info to go

Biz Kid$ wins Environmental Media Award!

Biz Kid$ was honored with the Environmental Media Award in the category for ‘Children’s Live Action’, winning against shows from Nickelodeon and Disney with our episode called ‘The Green Economy’.  Thank you so much to everyone who helped make that show a success!  Please check out our Facebook page (Biz Kid$ Television Series) for pictures of the event.

 

PRESS RELEASE:    EMA_Award_Press_Release_2.doc (32.50 kb)

 

VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS FROM EVENT: http://wonderwall.msn.com/movies/2009-EMA-Awards-Highlights-820.video

Savingsman is here to help you SAVE for a rainy day!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vi4CQDoI4eg

Newsletter: October, 2009

The Vault, October 2009: Hidden Careers

Ever want to be a rock star, a ballerina, or a home run hitter? Big dreams drive big success, but not everyone can be Taylor Swift or Brett Favre. The good news is, there are lots of jobs behind the dreams that will give you a rewarding career!

 

Fast fact

Walt Disney took a winding path to become the most famous animator in history. Scroll down to find out more.

 

 

Biz Kid of the Month: Jack Thompson

Jack is currently studying for his commercial pilot’s license at Central Washington University.

 

What about flying appealed to you?

I have always had an interest in planes and flying, ever since I can remember. There are pictures of me at flight shows when I was a baby. When I was in school, it was always, “There goes Jack, he’s going to be a pilot when he grows up!”

 

How did you pursue your dream of flying?

I wanted to be a fighter pilot for the US Navy, but because I have asthma, that opportunity wasn’t available to me.

 

So, then what? What were your next steps?

I didn’t give up. I looked into other aspects of flying. I found out that when fighter pilots retire, the next step in their career is flying commercial aircraft.

 

What would you say to other kids in a similar situation?

Look into every aspect of the career you’re thinking about. Not only will you discover all the hidden opportunities, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting into before you decide to spend the rest of your life doing it. And try to find some way to do what you love!

 

 

 

 

Behind the scenes

For every star you see on television, there are hundreds of people working on the other side of the camera. The same goes for professional sports, medicine, fine art, and just about any high-profile career. And sometimes, the lifestyles of the rich and famous aren’t all they’re cracked up to be!

 

Think about what you want to do, not just what you want to “be”

  • Maybe you love action movies, but you’re better at math than doing stunts. With today’s high-tech special effects, engineers and computer scientists and engineers are in high demand in the film biz.
  • If you have dreams of joining the NBA but excel in biology, a career in sports medicine could be a good fit.

Dig deeper

There are lots of ways to find out about behind-the-scenes careers. You can find something you truly love or just have a “plan B” if you’re entering a field with lots of competition.

  • If you’re interested in a film career, watch the credits after a movie to see how many different jobs it takes to get a movie made.
  • Internships are a great way to find out if the job you’re interested in is right for you. You don’t make much money, but you get contacts and hands-on experience that can be the key to “breaking in.”
  • Talk to someone “on the inside.” Most adults are happy to talk to kids who are exploring career options, and it’s a good way to find out what it truly takes to succeed in the field.

Fast Fact Answer

Walt Disney wanted to be a newspaper cartoonist. When no one would hire him, he got a job drawing ads for an advertising agency. Through his work in the advertising business, he developed an interest in animation. The rest is Mickey Mouse history!

 

Info To Go

Check out these resources:
A group of people posing for a picture.

Biz Kid$ wins Daytime EMMY Award!

Biz Kid$ is honored to win a Daytime Emmy Award for ‘Main Title and Graphic Design! Congratulations to the title designer, Lou Zumek.  A show like Biz Kid$ is so important during these tough economic times, and we are so thankful for the recognition.

 

Press Release by the Credit Unions:  http://www.waleague.org/Files/Uploads/newsroom/2009pressreleases/083109EmmysWin.doc

Newsletter: September, 2009

The Vault, September 2009: Going Green to Make Green

Going Green
Green isn’t just a color in the crayon box. Today, it means taking it easy on the environment. And it has a big impact in business and industry, changing the way we think about everything from shoelaces to solar power!

News
Biz Kid$ was nominated for an Environmental Media Award for our episode on green business. To see clips from the episode, visit our Web site and go to episode 209. We also won an Emmy!

Fast fact
Going green may seem like a new trend, but did you know that automaker Henry Ford was a green pioneer? Scroll down to find out more.

Biz Kid of the Month: Patrick Leahy

Patrick is the founder of Shield of Green, a website that saves people time and money by helping them reduce their junk mail.

What inspired you to start your green business?
I was waiting for my report card to come in the mail. I had to walk a long distance from my home to the mailbox every day. I couldn’t believe how much junk mail there was with each mail delivery. I decided to offer a service to consumers to help them de-clutter their mailboxes.

What were some of the challenges you faced?
When a person designing my website subcontractor didn’t make the deadline, I took over and managed the website myself. One thing led to another and now I have a successful web design business.

What are you doing now?
I’m still serving my customers, but now from The Wharton School of Business at The University of Pennsylvania. I’m having a great time.

Green sweep

What have you done to help save the environment? What changes have you made in your business or your life to make the world a greener place? Let us know by sending an e-mail to info@bizkids.com

What does it mean to go green?
Every day, there are more and more people on the earth. And every single one of us uses resources and creates waste. Reducing the negative impact of our choices is called “going green.” Businesses have a big role to play. They can offer greener choices. They can also help raise awareness of environmental issues. Check it out:

  • Lawn care business: Burning fossil fuels increases the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, contributing to rising global temperatures. Reduce your “carbon footprint” by using gas-free push mowers.
  • House cleaning: Chemical cleaners harm oceans and rivers. Use all-natural products and use them in smaller amounts.
  • Salon: Personal care products contain harmful chemicals. Go all-natural–choose organic and plant-derived products.

Going green to make green


Green isn’t just good for the environment–it can be good for your business.

  • Compete more effectively: A green product or service could give you an edge over the competition.
  • Meet new markets: Selling your product from a green perspective can introduce you to new customers and businesses interested in making sustainable changes.
  • Charge a premium: Materials might be more expensive, but many people will pay more for green products.
  • Boost loyalty: Customers are more likely to stay with you if you share their values.

Ask John Paul

Q: How can I incorporate green technology into my business?

A: Let me begin my answer with another question: how many schoolteachers does it take to change a light bulb? I don’t know, but if it’s not changed during class, it will be added to the homework! Seriously, though, light bulbs are a great example of green technology that’s easy to use. Replacing your current light bulbs to high efficiency bulbs makes business sense because they last longer and use less energy–and that makes them better for the earth, too! “Green” technology is the wave of the present–and the future. Using some very simple strategies not only helps you protect the earth, but saves money as well. Tell me your bright idea!
Respectfully,
John Paul

John Paul Pigéon is a 12-year-old financial guru from Fort Worth, Texas. Visit his Web site athttp://www.johnpaulpigeon.com. Send your question to askjohnpaul@bizkids.com. It may be selected for our next newsletter!

Fast Fact Answer

Henry Ford believed that future fuels would be made from plant sources and experimented with renewable materials. Crates used for shipping the Model A truck could be disassembled and used as the vehicle’s floorboards. In 1941, he even built a car made of plastic stiffened with plant fibers.

Info to Go

Check out these other green success stories:

  • Project Green Dorm: Designed to inspire high school and college students to live greener with helpful tips and ideas.
  • Dorm Sweet Dorm: Eco-friendly care packages for the college bound.
  • Teens Turning Green: A group of teens concerned about harmful chemicals in personal care products created this line of all-natural cosmetics.
  • Reverb: By working with the leaders in the entertainment business, Reverb helps bands and their fans rock out greener.
Two children sitting at a table with a sign on it.

Meet Entrepreneurs Jake (7) and Julaine (5)

Check out these two cuties selling lemonade, and for an added bonus…. home-made lipbalm.

Newsletter: August, 2009

The Vault, August 2009: Love Your Mistakes

 

Failure is your friend
On the path to business success you’ll make mistakes–sometimes a lot of mistakes. Any successful businessperson will tell you that. The key is to learn from your experiences and stay focused on your goals.

 

Lemonade stand contest–submit your entry by August 27!
Think you have a great lemonade stand? Tell your story! Inc. Magazine and Biz Kid$ have teamed up for the Best Lemonade Stand in America Contest 2009 and you could win big! Go here to submit your entry.

 

Biz Kid$ nominated for two Emmys!
Check our blog to learn more–and thanks for watching!
Fast fact
One of corporate America’s most respected CEOs was kicked out of his own company before returning many years later to lead it to glory. Do you know who it was? Read down to find the answer!

 

Biz Kid of the Month: Aaron Sacks
Aaron started You’re On Deck, a company that makes personalized playing cards. By providing better service and lower prices than competing companies, Aaron has built a successful venture.

Why do people love your product?
Personalized playing cards are great for businesses and trade marketing, or for gifts at parties. It’s different and it’s something that people will actually use.

How did you get the idea for the business?
My brother had his bar mitzvah with a casino theme. I looked online to find personalized cards. They were either very expensive or you had to buy a huge quantity. My parents are printers, so we decided to use their equipment to make the cards. Then, I got an assignment in school to do a business plan. I figured out how to turn the cards into a business through mass producing them and selling them online.

What are some mistakes you made and what did you learn?
I’ve gotten a lot smoother in dealing with customers. Once I said “quality isn’t an issue” in an e-mail. The customer thought I meant that quality wasn’t important! I was trying to say that my products are high-quality. I’m a lot more careful about what I say in e-mail now. Another time I printed an order before I got paid–and then never got paid. Now it’s all automatic.
Any advice for fellow Biz Kid$?
A lot of people will support you as a kid starting a business, but you will also have people who say it isn’t a good idea. But if you believe in it, you should run with it.

 

 

What is failure?
Most of the time, failure is something you don’t expect–something that feels rotten. Like, you end up spending more money on your business than you’re making…you make a customer mad…or you get fired from a job.

Learn to love your mistakes
Failure can make you feel bad in the moment. But the most important thing is how you respond to it. If you see failure as the end of the road, you’re not going to get very far. Look at it a different way–as an opportunity to:

  • Try a new tactic. Failure can mean that one approach isn’t working–look for a different way to attack the problem.
  • Learn. Figure out what went wrong so you can avoid it next time.
  • Change. Sometimes failure is really just change–your old way of looking at things stops working. Examine your expectations and goals. Keep moving forward!

Remember, everybody experiences failure–especially entrepreneurs. If you don’t learn from your mistakes, you’re missing the best opportunity to learn and grow. But don’t dwell on the past. Learn what you can and move on.

 

 

Ask John Paul

Q:  What’s the upside to failure?

 

A:  Nobody does something right the very first time especially if it is something worth learning.  Babe Ruth struck out almost twice as often as he hit home runs!  But if he was afraid of making mistakes (in this case, missing the ball), he never would have become the famous home-run king that we know today.  As my Dad always says, “If it was easy, everyone would do it.”  And if you fail, great!  That is the fastest and most efficient way to learn.  People who are afraid to make mistakes will never be successful.  Here’s to hitting it out of the ballpark, (even if we miss it 66% of the time!)

 

John Paul Pigéon is a 12-year-old financial guru from Fort Worth, Texas. Visit his Web site athttp://www.johnpaulpigeon.com. Send your question to askjohnpaul@bizkids.com. It may be selected for our next newsletter!

 

Fast Fact Answer

“I didn’t see it then, but it turned out that getting fired from Apple was the best thing that could have ever happened to me…it freed me to enter one of the most creative periods of my life.” That’s what Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple, had to say in a 2005 speech at Stanford University. Go here to read the whole thing.

 

Info to Go

Failure is just a milestone on the way to success. Check out these links to learn about some famous folks who faced big challenges on the way to the top:

 

 

Not your traditional ice cream truck….

What’s one of the most classic sights and sounds of summer?  The traditional ice cream rolling through the streets of the neighborhood.  Well check out this ice cream truck run by two young entrepreneurs – it’s not exactly traditional…… only a little bit better.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bi118Q2rZLY

One week job - one week job - one week job - one week job - one week job - one week job -.

52 jobs in 52 weeks

So you think finding a summer job is tough?  What about figuring out what you want to do for the rest of your life?  Here’s how one Biz Kid solved that problem – he traveled around North America working 52 jobs in 52 weeks!

 

http://www.oneweekjob.com/

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