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Having Core Values For Business Is The Foundation Of A Truly Successful Business.

What is a Value?

A value is simply a label for something that is most important to you. It is important enough that you spend time trying to obtain it or keep it as a part of your lifestyle.

Values are essential to effective leadership. They are the uncompromisable, undebatable truths that drive and direct behavior. They are motivational, giving us the reason why we do things; and they are restrictive, placing boundaries around behavior. Values are those things that we deem important and that provide direction and guidance in spite of our emotions.

Your values reflect a vital part of who you are. Knowing what is most important to you and why can be helpful when making meaningful decision and for developing effective relationships.

It is very tough to make decisions about your business without first knowing what is most important to you and your business.

People who are confused and unclear about their values often have difficulty making the bigger decisions in life because they do no know themselves well enough to decide what would be best for them and their business.

Businesses, organizations, families and individuals all benefit from knowing and living by their core values.

In Business we use core values as a foundational statement that guides you in evaluating your options, and inventing new ones. If you understand the core values that motivates you, in turn your actions will directly have a massive impact on your actions!

Here are 7 Core Values For Business:

Humility
Integrity
Respect
Enthusiasm
Time
Talent
Treasure

By: Monique Hrebeniuk Business Developer

Have you ever done a particular task or activity while you were distracted, then again when you were focused? Could you see/feel adifference? Were the results different?

I’m from the school of thought that, in order to do something well, and get it done in a timely manner, you need to focus on that oneparticular thing, preferably without interruption, if possible. I don’tsay that because it’s easy to do, but because, based on experience, it’sthe way you get the best results, and get things done within areasonable time frame. However, if you think that by simply “focusing”,your phone will stop ringing, e-mails will stop coming through, orpeople will refrain from disturbing you, I would say that you’re a bitdelusional! That’s not going to happen. Mastering the power of focusrefers to being able to block out that which is around you (or evenwithin at times), or anything outside of what you’re focusing on, inorder to complete a task or activity, fulfill a purpose, or reach agoal.

Ever wonder why parents say to their children, “no tv until your homework is done”? Because they want their child to focus on the task athand, and get it done.

How do you think gold-medalists, professional athletes, performing artists, public speakers, etc. are able to excel under very stressfuland high-pressure circumstances? They have mastered the power of focus.

Now I must warn you, some people may not appreciate your new-found “power of focus” attitude, because it means that they may not have thesame access to you that they once had. You may take a little longer toget back to someone, or you may have to say ‘no’ on occasion, becausewhile you’re focusing on one thing, other people/things will have towait. People, in general, tend to have a lack of patience, especiallynowadays with the speed of technology that we’ve all grown so accustomto. So be prepared for some opposition.

If you start to feel guilty, or wonder if it’s all worth it or not, just think about your doctor. Would you want him/her to examine you, andtwo other patients at the same time? Would you mind if he/she wastexting while doing surgery on you? Or would you prefer that his/hertotal and complete focus be on you, until the task is complete? Ialready know the answer to that question.

Please note that while writing this blog post I did not check my e-mail, BBM, text, answer calls, or check voice msgs once. :)

Stay tuned for “Mastering the Power of Focus” Part 2, where I’ll discuss how mastering the power of focus can improve your health andwellness. If you have questions, or a specific topic you’d like me tocover in this series, please feel free to leave a comment.

This blog post from Kiner Enterprises Inc. Dancer's Blog, http://danceprosusa.wordpress.com.

Posted by Anita Moore http://www.girl-friends.ning.com

When should you give your kids a credit card? Should you wait until they're 18 and off to college? Or is younger better? This can be an explosive topic for parents, many of whom have very strong ideas about what's best for their teens when it comes to credit. A new ABC News poll found that 71 percent of parents are opposed to giving kids a credit card before the age of 18, even one that has a restricted balance and is linked to a parent's account."GMA" assembled a roundtable of moms and dads with children between 8 and 17, who were passionately divided about the topic. Some said children need to have access to credit to learn how to use it safely, while others were adamantly opposed to the idea. Most parents agree that kids should learn to save and budget and should earn their own money. But when adults are struggling with their own credit along with the increasing and complex material needs of children, it can be difficult to decide when to help them get plastic. What's the Appropriate Age? Mellody Hobson disagrees with the majority in the ABC News poll, and advises getting your child a credit card linked to your account at 16. She thinks 18 is too late because, at that point, you no longer have total control over your child's spending and credit habits. Parents should look at 16 as a milestone age, she says. We already equate turning 16 with getting a driver's license, 18 with the right to vote and 21 with the right to drink. Make 16 the age you start teaching your child about financial independence and responsibility. Benefits of Giving Your Teen a Card-You Can Monitor and Control Activity A credit card can give you some control over your child's spending and credit management skills, especially before they go off to college, Hobson says. You can discuss with them the proper way to use credit before they get a card of their own, kind of like credit with training wheels. You get to see all of your child's transactions in your monthly statement if they are an authorized user on your card, and you will be able to better recognize any impending issues and problems they might develop in the future. MY VIEWS: View the video and tell me what you think? Personally this has made me recognize that I can handle finances with my sixteen year old son differently. I’ve been holding a credit/debit card for him and when he gets paid, I would take a few dollars from him and match it and put it on his debit card for when he started college, but now I see that I need to give him the card so that he can learn how to handle his credit himself. Even though I still feel a child shouldn’t get a credit card until he has a job, this is a good eye opener. What’s your opinion? Kids Won't Have to Carry a Lot of Cash There's one other really big advantage to giving your 16-year-old a credit card, Hobson says. By giving your child a card, you're making sure they will not be carrying a ton of cash which can be very unsafe for them.

Given all of the pressures and issues today’s tweens face, the internet is both a blessing and, potentially, a curse. Many local companies and entrepreneurs are taking up the cause to make the internet, and specifically social networking, a safer environment for tweens.

Many tweens are just being awakened to the allure of the internet world. Their initial exposure may be limited to just sending email or looking up items on Google. However, Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter usage will likely come into play for tweens as well.

To assist in the issue of protecting tweens online, a new social networking site, called BFF less than three, is being created. The creators, Roy and Ed Suda, are recent Illinois Institute of Technology grads. For those new to social networking and internet lingo, “BFF” is short for “Best Friends Forever” and the less than three (the number three) looks like a heart laying on its side.

This new network will focus on the security and safety of tweens by employing a couple of methods. First, the network will use the idea of “necklaces” to not only verify the user, but to also make it possible, once the user is verified, to connect only to others that the user knows. Secondly, the network will provide parents a report, via email, so that they can regularly see the communication trail of their tween. Such safeguards will help parents to mitigate the risk and exposure of online predators.

While the BFF network sounds like a potentially great social network for tweens, there will still be the need for parents to actively monitor their tween’s online usage. Starting with mentally accepting that the online world is a major component of how this generation communicates is key. Parents who may not already be internet or computer savvy will need to educate themselves more thoroughly in order to effectively help in the safeguarding tweens as they mature in their own personal internet and social network usage.


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About the Author:
Traci S Campbell is the top advocate for tweens and teens from single parent homes. She is the host of Heroes at Home Radio dedicated to providing single parents with inspiration and motivation by featuring other single parents and the author of The C.H.A.M.P. Within program designed to enrich the lives of children and teens from single-parent homes.

My name is Chloe Womack and I'm the the founder/C.E.O. of "Yes I Am My Sister's Keeper".. I am also an Author of one of the hottest books released this year "Yes I Am My Sisters Keeper and The Controller of My Destiny.. I am also a certified lifestyle coach with over 30 clients..

Blogging is an easy and creative way to help you generate exposure for your business. Not only is it a useful marketing tool to drive traffic to your website but it also provides a way for you to build a community of people to connect with. You can use a blog to share your business expertise and knowledge, keep customers updated on new products or services, and even communicate with your readers and request feedback.

How do you use a blog to generate exposure?

Think of it as being an informational portal to your business. You can create various pages on your blog including descriptions of products, services you offer, the latest news in your industry or current specials and promotions.

Providing a subscription option by email or RSS feed is a great way for readers to stay up-to-date with what’s going on. Having an RSS feed will also help you generate exposure because of the distribution throughout the many RSS directories.

You’ll also want to be sure you keep your blog fresh by writing new content regularly. Share links to your latest posts on your social network sites such as, Facebook and Twitter to encourage new readers.

Another great way to generate exposure is to interact with your readers. Ask questions and always respond to comments. Including guest posts and interviews also helps with audience participation and will increase your visibility in the blogosphere.

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This little known story has met a just conclusion, as Sophia Stewart, African American author of The Matrix will finally receive her just due from the copyright infringement of her original work!!!

A six-year dispute has ended involving Sophia Stewart, the Wachowski Brothers, Joel Silver and Warner Brothers. Stewart's allegations, involving copyright infringement and racketeering, were received and acknowledged by the Central District of California, Judge Margaret Morrow presiding.

Stewart, a New Yorker who has resided in Salt Lake City for the past five years, will recover damages from the films, The Matrix I, II and III, as well as The Terminator and its sequels. She will soon receive one of the biggest payoffs in the history of Hollywood , as the gross receipts of both films and their sequels total over 2.5 billion dollars.

Stewart filed her case in 1999, after viewing the Matrix, which she felt had been based on her manuscript, 'The Third Eye,' copyrighted in 1981. In the mid-eighties Stewart had submitted her manuscript to an ad placed by the Wachowski Brothers, requesting new sci-fi works..

According to court documentation, an FBI investigation discovered that more than thirty minutes had been edited from the original film, in an attempt to avoid penalties for copyright infringement. The investigation also stated that 'credible witnesses employed at Warner Brothers came forward, claiming that the executives and lawyers had full knowledge that the work in question did not belong to the Wachowski Brothers.' These witnesses claimed to have seen Stewart's original work and that it had been 'often used during preparation of the motion pictures.' The defendants tried, on several occasions, to have Stewart's case dismissed, without success.

Stewart has confronted skepticism on all sides, much of which comes from Matrix fans, who are strangely loyal to the Wachowski Brothers. One on-line forum, entitled Matrix Explained has an entire section devoted to Stewart. Some who have researched her history and writings are open to her story.

Others are suspicious and mocking. 'It doesn't bother me,' said Stewart in a phone interview last week, 'I always knew what was true.' Some fans, are unaware of the case or they question its legitimacy, due to the fact that it has received little to no media coverage. Though the case was not made public until October of 2003, Stewart has her own explanation, as quoted at aghettotymz.com:

'The reason you have not seen any of this in the media is because Warner Brothers parent company is AOL-Time Warner.... this GIANT owns 95 percent of the media... let me give you a clue as to what they own in the media business... New York Times papers/magazines, LA Times papers/magazines, People Magazine, CNN news, Extra, Celebrity Justice, Entertainment Tonight, HBO, New Line Cinema, DreamWorks, Newsweek, Village Roadshow and many, many more! They are not going to report on themselves. They have been suppressing my case for years.' Fans who have taken Stewart's allegations seriously, have found eerie mythological parallels, which seem significant in a case that revolves around the highly metaphorical and symbolic Matrix series. Sophia, the Greek goddess of wisdom has been referenced many times in speculation about Stewart. In one book about the Goddess Sophia, it reads, 'The black goddess is the mistress of web creation spun in her divine matrix.'

Although there have been outside implications as to racial injustice (Stewart is African American), she does not feel that this is the case. 'This is all about the null,' said Stewart. 'It's not about money with me. It's about justice.'

Stewart's future plans involve a record label, entitled Popsilk Records, and a motion picture production company, All Eyez On Me, in reference to God. 'I wrote The Third Eye to wake people up, to remind them why God put them here. There's more to life than money,' said Stewart. 'My whole to the world is about God and good and about choice, about spirituality over 'technocracy'.'

If Stewart represents spirituality, then she truly has prevailed over the 'technocracy' represented in both the Terminator and the Matrix, and now, ironically, by their supposed creators.

Stewart is currently having discussions with CBS about a possible exclusive story and has several media engagements in the near future to nationally publicize her victory. June 13th 2004. Sophia Stewart's press release read: 'The Matrix & Terminator movie franchises have made world history and have ultimately changed the way people view movies and how Hollywood does business, yet the real truth about the creator and creation of these films continue to elude the masses because the hidden secret of the matter is that these films were created and written by a Black woman...a Black woman named Sophia Stewart. But Hollywood does not want you to know this fact simply because it would change history.

This is why the "AUTHENTIC BLACK OWNED MEDIA" is still vital to our survival and more importantly, we we must learn to tell our own story (Cora)

Also, it could encourage our Black children to realize a dream and that is...nothing is impossible for them to achieve!'

Greg Thomas, Editor

Save Time, Money and Take Control

The longer I coach Indie Business owners, the more I am persuaded that our success requires that we become our own best media outlets. We must become the news we want to be. While traditional media outlets and publicists can complement our efforts, ultimately, the responsibility rests with us to literally become the media on our behalf. After all, we have access to all of the tools needed to create interesting and informative content that can be delivered directly to our target audience.

Over the years, I have hired PR firms, done my own media outreach and created outlets of my own, including Indie Business Radio, my Twitter home and this blog. My experiences and the work I have done with thousands of Indies confirm my belief that, as great as it is to be quoted in mainstream media, at the end of the day, each Indie is his or her own best mouthpiece.

This truth is pointedly illustrated by the recent experience of my friend, colleague and Indie Beauty Network member, Jo Ann Hines, the Packaging Diva. (Throughout this article, "writer," "reporter" and "blogger" are used interchangeably, a testament to the ever changing and ever expanding media landscape.)

Who Is Jo Ann?

Jo Ann is a seasoned packaging expert with a knack for helping Indies find the packaging they need to make their products stand out in the crowd. Through my Media Leads Program, Jo Ann has been interviewed by several bloggers and journalists who have quoted and/or featured her in various media outlets.

The Media Outlet

Recently, through the Media Leads Program, Jo Ann was interviewed by a writer for BrandWeek, which touts itself as a publication that delivers "the latest breaking marketing industry news and analysis, along with commentary that puts that news into perspective."

The Query

The writer for BrandWeek issued a query seeking experts to comment for an article on businesses that fail even though they have green business models. Jo Ann emailed the writer in response to his query. He quickly contacted Jo Ann, and then interviewed her by phone for about 20 minutes so she could expand upon and explain some of the information contained in her email reply.

During the interview, Jo Ann shared several of her expert insights in order to provide content for the article. After the phone call, Jo Ann invested more of her time to answer the writer's emails containing requests for clarification and follow up.

The Story

Jo Ann receives Google Alerts when her area of expertise is covered online, so when the BrandWeek story was published, she received a Google Alert. Imagine her surprise and disappointment when she discovered that, even though some of the information in the article came directly from her, her name was not mentioned at all.

Jo Ann landed the interview, but not the recognition. And that's not fair.

Unfortunately, fair is not always the name of the game. Reporters are busy. They may interview dozens of people for one story, which sometimes means they mix up sources or just forget that something they heard came directly from a specific person. That's not an excuse, but it is reality. On the other hand, some reporters intentionally or carelessly fail to credit someone who has helped them tremendously.

Who knows what happened here? Maybe it doesn't matter because the result is the same. Jo Ann invested her valuable time and got nothing out of it, except for the satisfaction of helping someone and the experience of being interviewed on a topic she is passionate about.

These are both valuable experiences but at the end of the day, when your business is on the line, it's nice to be quoted and credited when you've invested your time, energy and experience to help a member of the media create a good article.

Jo Ann's experience caused me to wonder how she handled the situation. I asked her to give me the scoop, and here's what she said.

dM: How often does this happen?

Jo Ann: Out 5 interviews, 4 reporters will generally quote me directly with a credit. The 5th does not, and I have found that it's usually high profile reporters trying to make a name for themselves as experts in a particular field. They want to be seen as the experts, so they don't give credit where credit is due.

dM: 4 out of 5 is not a bad ratio, but still, how do you handle situations like this?

Jo Ann: I try to be nice about it. I usually write a thank you note after the article is published, which nicely alludes to the fact that they quoted me but didn't mention my name.

If the same reporter contacts me in the future, I ask them directly to quote me as a source if they use my input.

You always have to protect your interests. In this particular case with BrandWeek, however, I felt comfortable because the reporter actually called me on the phone. Usually, email communication is all you can expect. When a reporter calls, it typically means they are more serious about using you as a source.

I have found that there's a fine line between being helpful and being pushy when dealing with the media. But if I get burned by a reporter once, I'm very cautious how I work with them the next time.

dM: Is it worth it to even receive and respond to media leads, when your business might not receive credit if you are interviewed?

Jo Ann: Absolutely. Yes, it's worth it. When you get mentioned in even a single major publication, it lends enormous credibility to your products and services. This always leads to new business.

I consider myself very media savvy. I spend time daily getting my name out there, using whatever reasonably priced vehicles I can find. My efforts have yielded good results. I have been quoted in all major newspapers, and in magazines like Entrepreneur, Fortune Small Business and on NBC.

Like you always say, dM, it's great to get media leads from elsewhere, even your Media Leads Program, but the real key is doing some of the legwork yourself. It's a component of what I do every day. Whether it's writing articles for other publications, publishing my own email newsletters, issuing press releases, blogging or social networking, if you want to connect with your customers and potential customers, you have to work at it all the time.

The Tips

As an Indie, the most valuable commodities you have are your time and your innate creativity. If you manage both well, it rarely matters that you are also cash poor. There are plenty of exceedingly boring and ineffective cash rich businesses. But Indies have advantages in that we are nimble, creative and can often see payoffs quickly following wise investments of our time.

When a member of the media interviews you, you have no guarantee that you'll be rewarded by being included in the finished product. But that's not the end of the world. There are always new media opportunities, including those you can create yourself using your blog, email newsletter, podcast, radio show, website and other social media outlets that you own and control.

When dealing with the mainstream media, here are some tips to help save you time and money, and maximize your chances of having a positive experience.

1. Only Respond to Queries For Which You Are Qualified

One of the most common mistakes Indies make is trying to fit a square peg into a circle-shaped hole. Don't do this. If a blogger asks for examples of candles made from natural soy wax, don't send a reply pitching your natural beeswax candles. Likewise, if a reporter requests input from experts on a particular topic, don't reply unless you are in fact an expert on that topic. To do otherwise wastes your and the reporter's time, and risks your credibility.

The best media opportunities are the ones you are uniquely qualified for, and there is probably no shortage of them. You just have to be diligent in responding to the ones you find out about. You also have to be constantly on the lookout for creative ways to share what you have to offer using media outlets that you control such as your own blogs, email newsletters, Facebook page, etc.

2. If Interviewed, Ask to Know Exactly What It's For

If you land an interview, there's nothing wrong with asking exactly what the interview is for. What's the purpose of the story? What publication is it for? When is it scheduled for publication? Are you being interviewed for "background" only, which means you are just providing basic information to help the reporter build the story? Or is the writer looking to you as a major source of information?

You can also ask for confirmation that, if your expertise or words are quoted, you will receive a credit of some kind. For an online publication, the ultimate credit is your name and the name of your business with a hyperlink to the website of your choice.

Because some online reporters are hamstrung by editorial rules that don't allow them to include links, this is not always possible. But either way, you should make it your business to find out in advance by either asking or reading other articles in the publication to see whether or not they show Link Love.

Either way, if you arm yourself with this information up front, you can more quickly assess how much time you should invest in the interview process.

3. Tell The Reporter How You Wish To Be Identified or Credited in the Article

A thank you note following a phone or email interview is a great way to kindly let a reporter know that, if you are quoted, you expect to receive credit. You can do this by including a note at the end of your thank you email letting the reporter know that you'd like to be identified in the story in a specific way, which includes your site link. This does not guarantee that you'll get what you want, but it does serve as confirmation that you expect to be treated fairly under the circumstances.

Developing relationships with the media is a critical part of ensuring the future success of your business. But bear in mind that, as valuable as traditional media relationships are, you also have the power, the opportunity and the responsibility to become your own media outlet. In this way, you complement your products and services with content that engages your audience.

To drive this point home further, my business partner husband and I are working to create a day-long media training program especially for Indies. Between us, we have over 20 years of experience working in the media and now, we will be bringing our expertise to you.

Our first Indie Business Media Training is planned for October 4 in Portland, Oregon. We'll be doing it in conjunction with Dennis and Kayla Fioravanti of Essential Wholesale. Stay tuned for the new website and registration page.

Oh, and Jo Ann is a lot of fun to Twitter with if you are interested in packaging trends.

What do you think?

Have you ever experienced anything similar to Jo Ann? What did you do about it? How are you handling your media outreach? Are you being your own media outlet? What works? What doesn't work?

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For more Indie Business tips, subscribe to Indie Business Blog today.

One of the best things about being Indie is teaching children about money from an entrepreneurial perspective. I love showing my kids the connection between our business and our ability to care of our current and future needs as a family.

This past Monday, along with some of my fellow Mocha Moms, I was called upon by award winning journalist Michel Martin, host of NPR's Tell Me More, to share some of my best tips for teaching children about money. You can listen to the show audio here.

When it comes to money, we have to be vigilant and steadfast in teaching our children. We must arm them with a money mindset that helps them avoid ending up on the short end of the next economic meltdown. It's important for everyone, but especially for those of us who are not relying on a traditional job to secure our well being. To that end, I offer my tips for teaching children about money.

Donna Maria's Top 10 Tips For Teaching Children About Money

1. Start early. I started teaching my kids about money before they could talk. I talked to them about money. I showed them money. I let them touch money -- in my presence of course, for safety reasons. I let them push buttons when I was dealing with money -- the grocery story, ATM, etc. Anytime I was thinking about money, which was a lot, I said my thoughts out loud so my babies could hear them. This establishes your mindset early on as a parent to make sure you never miss an opportunity to teach your children about money.

2. Use mantras. Repetition works. From the time they can talk, teach them mantras. My favorite is, "There are 4 things you can do with money: spend it, save it, invest it, donate it." I say the first part, my kids say the second part. Another one: "Take care of your money and your money will: take care of you." Again, you say the first part and they say the second part. This confirms that your children are in control of their money and not the other way around.

3. Use coupons. Clip coupons to use for snacks and treats. At the grocery store, if your children can find a coupon for something they want, they can buy it. This lets them know that you should rarely buy anything at the grocery store unless you also have a coupon for it so you can save money.

4. Teach them to use cash. At the grocery store, show them that you are using cash so you don't overspend. Show them a credit card and let them feel the difference between that and cash. Let them know that both can be used to take care of yourself, but that when you use cash, you have more money left over for other things. As a simple example, tell them that, if you use a credit card, you're paying $1.25 for a candy bar that really only costs $1.00.

5. Teach them not to pay full price. Let them know that everything eventually goes on sale. Use newspaper circulars to teach this principle. Show them their favorite cereal in the grocery store and let them see the price in the store. Then show them a sale circular for the same product for less money at another store. Then go to the other store and buy the product (using coupons of course). This lets them see that they never have to pay full price, and they can use coupons on sale items to multiply savings.

6. Teach them about commercials. From the time they start watching kids' television, teach them the difference between content and a commercial. Let them know that commercials are trying to get them to give up their money. So, here's another mantra. When a commercial comes on, train your children to recognize what it really is. Here's a suggestion for a mantra when a commercial comes on:

Parent: What's that?
Child: A commercial.
Parent: What are they trying to do?
Child: Get our money.

7. Let them see you deposit money in the bank and pay bills. Most children see their parents take money out of the ATM, but with automatic deposits and fewer paper transactions these days, they don't often see you put money in the bank. Take some cash to the bank and let your children see you deposit it. In this way, you show them that you can't get money out unless you first put money in.

Also, let them see you pay bills. I know it's a hassle, but how else will they learn? I don't want my kids to be like me. My parents paid for everything, bless their hearts. They were money management champions, but they never passed the nuts and bolts on to me. When I went to college, they sent me off with a nice starter checking account, but I didn't know how to balance a checkbook.

What do you think happened next? Let me tell you about the $10.25 candy bar.

As a freshman, I wrote a check for $1.25 to pay for a candy bar. The check bounced and the bank imposed a $10 bounced check fee. Mom and dad closed the account and I was back to cash and food cards, which is what my money-dumb-self should have been using in the first place.

I don't want this to happen to my kids. Now and then, I take cash to their pre-school and let them see me pay the bill in cash. Their eyes get really wide when they see the huge wad of money being forked over.

In this country, 9 times out of 10, how much education you have is inextricably tied to how much money you are willing and/or able to pay for that education. Children benefit from being aware of this connection.

8. Save money in a big glass jar. Piggy banks are nice, but kids need to see money accumulate in order to understand how that happens. Instead of a piggy bank, help them put their money in a glass jar so they can see it add up. The smaller the jar the better at first because it looks like a lot more money that way.

9. Pass the plate and let them donate. Help them donate a percentage of the money they get as gifts or whatever. We try to use the 10% rule, helping them calculate 10% of each dollar for the collection plate at church. This can be done for any charitable organization that you and your family support.

10. Pay them for working in a business. Most families these days have some kind of small business at home. When my kids were just 2, they started emptying the trash in the home office for a quarter. This money goes into their money jar right away. Make the chores age appropriate, but remember that they don't really have to accomplish much to teach the lesson. If my son empties a trash can with 2 sheets of balled up paper in it, or my daughter does something as simple as wipe off the window sills or put all the pens in the pen holder, they still get paid. This teaches them that they have to work for money. If you connect the task to your business, it also teaches them a little about entrepreneurship. (You may also be able to deduct these payments on your taxes. Check with an accountant first.)

We do not compensate our children for doing chores around the house, because life doesn't work that way. Chores are a part of your contribution to the family. Mommy doesn't get paid for sorting the laundry, and neither will you.

But mommy does get paid in her business, and you can too.

When they ask for a new toy, we send them into the home office to clean it up, AFTER they've done their chores. Then they get paid. Then they can save up to buy their new toy.

What do you think?

Some may say I am stressing my kids about money. I disagree. It's not like all we talk about is money. Of course not.

On the other hand, I don't want to raise ignorant children who end up paying $10.25 for a candy bar because they don't know how the game is played. A $10.25 candy bar today becomes an adjustable interest rate worth hundreds of thousands of dollars tomorrow.

I am telling my kids like it is. Good stewardship, whether it's over money, environmental resources or our bodies, begins at home.

Money is a part of life. Money cannot make one happy. In fact, the love of money is the root of all evil. At the same time, money is a part of human existence. Whether you have a lot or a little of it, money impacts your life.

It's not about getting untold riches and countless gobs of money. My goal is to teach my children to respect money. To use it to acheive financial freedom and contentment. To take control of the money they earn so the money they earn does not control them.

For more small business money tips, subscribe to Indie Business Blog today.

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