Business

from North 32nd News, July 2018

Charity

BUSINESS NORTH 32ND BUSINESS PROS CONNECT

by Natasha Beal

We’ve all heard the saying, “It’s not WHAT you know, but WHO you know.” This rings most true in the business world.

Networking and running a successful business go hand in hand. It is an invaluable way to make new connections, learn from other business owners and tell others about your business. While at events, it is important to remember you that you are not just gaining exposure to the people in the room, you are building connections with their network too.

Regular networking not only helps to raise your visibility in the community, but it is also a great way to increase your confidence. Confidence is a key attribute as a business owner, and your business growth is reliant on talking to people and making connections.

So, how can you get the most out of a networking event? Ask the right questions. Good questions are a way of building relationships, and connecting with those that you meet.

Here are some great, engaging questions to ask those that you meet:

• “What business problem does your company solve?”

• “Tell me why you love what you do”

• “Who is your ideal client?”

• “What sets you apart from others in your industry?”

• “What’s the best thing that has happened in your business this year?”

• “What kind of people can I introduce you to that would be a good fit for your business?”

• “How do you like to de-stress from work?”

We recommend NOT starting a conversation with “What do you do?” This implies that you are only interested in what they do for business, and what they can do for you. You want to show that you are interested in who they are as a person as well. Remember, real conversations lead to real connections. And networking is all about the connections.

Did you know that the North 32nd area has its own business networking group? North 32nd Business Pros Connect was created specifically for fellow entrepreneurs of North 32nd to form business relationships and exchange referrals.

For more information visit www.facebook.com/groups/ north32ndbusinesspros

Our next event will be held July 25th, from 9-10 a.m. at 10832 N. 32nd St. Phoenix, AZ 85028 inside of Craft Nights.

This is a FREE, non-industry exclusive event. We would love to hear about you and your business. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards.

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1515 E. Bethany Home Rd. Phoenix, AZ 85014 602-277-0067 www.fl ipdunksports.com

TOP SAVING-FOR-COLLEGE TRENDS

Parents are socking away more money for encouraging to see them saving more, employing their children’s higher education, and they smart habits and taking deliberate actions to make are doing so in smarter ways, suggests a college a reality,” says Raymond J. Quinlan, new report from Sallie Mae. chairman and CEO, Sallie Mae. “Our research One-third of parents saved more for college this financially to give their children the advantages of year than last, and the average amount saved higher education, and having a plan pays off.” -- $18,135 -- is the highest amount reported in the last five years of “How America Saves for Parents who have planned how they’ll pay for College,” a national study by Sallie Mae and college have saved more than twice as much as Ipsos. those without a plan ($22,169 vs. $9,208). They After saving for general needs and emergencies, they’ll be able to meet the cost of college (73 parents earmark funds for college more than for percent vs. 27 percent). any other specific purpose, alongside retirement. So, how are they doing it? To make your college savings plan, Sallie Mae To keep their college savings on track, 61 percent savings account; second, set a goal and make of parents contribute a set amount to their college deposits regularly; and third, explore taxfund on a regular basis. To find more money advantaged options such as 529 college savings for college, 30 percent of parents have cut back plans. on discretionary spending, and 27 percent have reduced their household expenses. This year To access the full report, as well as other marks the first time resources and information about saving for that tax-advantaged college, visit SallieMae.com/HowAmericaSaves. 529 college savings To join the conversation on social media, use plans hold the largest #HowAmericaSaves. share of college savings, at 30 percent. Experts say that a dedicated commitment to “Most parents aspire clear strategy for doing so, can help parents reach to give their children their college savings goals. the opportunity to shows most parents are proactively preparing are also three times more likely to be confident recommends a 1-2-3 approach: first, open a funding their children’s education, along with a attend college, and it is (StatePoint)

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EDUCATION PARADISE VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT GOVERNING BOARD APPROVES SALARY INCREASES

The Paradise Valley Unified School District's Governing Board unanimously approved staff salary increases at the June 5 Governing Board meeting.

In April, the Board previously approved 3 percent increases to all employees due to the passage of a Maintenance and Operations Budget Override Election from last November. With the adopted State budget and increases to K-12 funding, the following was added:

For Certified staff (teachers), an additional 9 percent increase to the base was approved. In total, certified staff will receive a 12 percent base increase. The starting salary for entry level new teachers with Bachelor of the Arts or Bachelor of the Science degrees hired for 201819 school year will be $39,240.

For Educational Support Professionals (support staff), an additional 6 percent increase on the base to all employees at $11.01 and above, including classified exempt. In total, a 9 percent base increase was approved.

For Administrators, an additional 2 percent to the base. In total, a 5 percent base increase.

The approved salary increases will be effective July 1, 2018, for the 2018-19 school year.

In her remarks, President Nancy Case also thanked the PV community members for their continued support and expressed her gratitude that these increases were possible.

According to Mrs. Case, “these increases wouldn't be possible without the increased state funds and the amazing support of our voter approved override. The new starting teacher salary for the 2018-19 school year will be $39,240. Though not as much as our neighbors in contiguous states, it is certainly an improvement.”

According to Dr. Troy Bales, assistant superintendent of Human Resources, “the increases have immediately helped with retention and is a great beginning. We still have a long way to go, but are grateful and thankful for a step in the right direction.”