Give your idea a start on Kickstarter

Kickstarter LogoHave an idea you’re sure would work, if only you had the funds to get it off the ground? Your family and friends are behind you and your idea all the way — but that’s not nearly enough to provide the financing your project will involve?

The headstart you need could be Kickstarter.com, an online funding platform for creative projects from films, games and music to art, design and technology. Since its introduction in 2009, Kickstarter has seen over $643 million pledged by more than 4.2 million people, funding more than 42,000 creative projects!

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Savings Tip: Mother’s Day DIY Ideas

Mother and SonMother’s Day is Sunday, May 12. Hopefully, you’ve already found the perfect gift for Mom. As you’ve probably learned the hard way, the longer you wait, the more you could end up spending.

Pressed for ideas that are easy on the wallet, but still show how much you care?

We’ve searched the Internet and came up with ideas, from do it yourself crafts for which there may still be time to create, to suggestions for making the day special in other ways — while still staying within your budget.

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Home Based Business Tips

Home_OfficeAre you a one-woman financial consultant with a smartphone in one hand and your children’s carpool schedule in the other? How about a digital marketing machine writing code at your kitchen table? The advantages of home-based businesses are bountiful, but so too can be the challenges. Maximize the benefits of your home office with these quick tips!

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Children – Why Entrepreneurship Is Great for Youngsters

Does your teen have aspirations of starting the next Facebook? Do you have a little one interested in selling lemonade on the front lawn? Embrace it! Entrepreneurship can help young children acquire a vast skill set befitting whatever career path they choose to explore. Here’s how you can help foster your daughter or son’s entrepreneurial side.

Learning experiences, not mistakes

Encourage your children to take risks and be unafraid to fail. Mistakes are a part of life, and early on children should see a mistake as an opportunity to improve . Help them learn by looking at what went wrong and brainstorm alongside them, ways to do things differently next time. Such exercises also play a role in nurturing their problem solving abilities.

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What Businesses Can Do in the Cloud

You might be wondering, “What is the cloud?” Basically, it’s a form of online computing which enables you to access all the applications used to run your business through the Internet. Now you might be asking yourself, “Okay, how can I use the cloud to help my business?”

Good news, turns out there are a number of cloud-based options available to enhance several key aspects of your business.

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How To – Stretch the Marketing Budget

Want to get more out your marketing budget? Or starting a new business with little left over for marketing? However lenient or tight the reins on company spending, here are a few tricks and techniques to get a bigger bang for your marketing buck!

Go Social

Take your pick, or utilize a combination of social media channels like Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest, for which the only cost is the time you invest! Business owners can employ social media to promote their brand and generate awareness. But it’s best to start slow and see how other businesses use it, and what they have success with. You will find no shortage of websites, blogs and online forums available to find out how to generate leads and acquire more customers through social media.

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The Community Corps — join us this summer

As you may know, “Community Corps” is just one of the ways that we demonstrate that our priorities are located right here in the communities we serve. Community Corps volunteers are our employees, families and friends, neighbors and customers, helping to enhance the quality of life in the communities where we live and work. The hunt is on for summer volunteers!

Volunteers Joan & Susan making a difference at the recent blood drive

Volunteers Joan & Susan making a difference at the recent blood drive

You may have noticed our signature red and white t-shirts at our blood drive, held on June 1, or as hosts at Reaching Out Now, Inc. We saw a great number of our friends at the Family Fun Festival and Community Food Drive on Saturday, May 19. But the work doesn’t stop with the change in seasons, we’ve got community focused summer plans!

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Summer is here! Get outside and fly a kite (or take a walk, or sail a boat!)

Summer is here and you know what that means. If you have youngsters, it won’t be long until you start hearing the “I’m bored” lament. You might even start agreeing!

It’s not too late to make summer plans and there’s no need to travel far and wide or spend a fortune. There are a wealth of things to see and do in our own backyard.

Why not start your planning by visiting tourism websites featuring attractions in Calvert, Charles , King George and St. Mary’s counties? You’ll find hundreds of activities, special events, and sightseeing and entertainment guides, as well as lodging, dining and shopping suggestions. Continue reading