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If you are an entrepreneur and run your own business — or are a gig worker or independent contractor — you’ve probably found that it is a bit more challenging to qualify for mortgage financing than it was when you had a steady paycheck or W-2 income.

While self-employed mortgage borrowers can apply for all the same loans that “traditionally” employed borrowers can, buying a home as an entrepreneur comes with a host of unique challenges. The most common of these include:

• The need to close before you have two years of tax returns
• Aggressive tax deductions that reduce your income and prevent you from qualifying for traditional loans
• The need for a jumbo loan amount with minimal money down (to keep money invested in your business)
• Being able to compete and close quickly in a tough housing market

These challenges are compounded by the fact that different mortgage programs and lenders have their own criteria when it comes to documenting self-employed income.

Luckily, there are alternative solutions available to you. If you are a self-employed business owner and are having trouble qualifying for traditional home financing, an Entrepreneur Home Loan might be the solution you are looking for.

What Is an Entrepreneur Home Loan?

Entrepreneur Home Loans were created to overcome the roadblocks self-employed home buyers face when applying for traditional mortgages. These programs allow entrepreneurs to secure home financing with fewer restrictions than conventional loans when it comes to documenting income and assets.

There are two main types of Entrepreneur Home Loans:

1. Alt-Doc Programs.

Alt-doc loan programs allow self-employed borrowers to qualify for home financing using either their bank statements (personal or business) or business Profit-and-Loss statements. For bank statement programs, 12-24 of statements are required to prove income. For P&L programs, two years of P&L statements verified by an accountant are required.

These programs are generally used by business owners who have been in business for at least two years but have not filed their second-year taxes yet, or those whose tax returns do not show enough income to qualify for a traditional mortgage.

2. Asset Qualifier Programs.

Asset qualifier loans (also called ‘asset depletion loans’) allow self-employed borrowers to qualify using their liquid assets instead of income.

These types of loans are perfect for self-employed borrowers who do not have the stated income required to qualify, or who have not been in business for two years.

Finding the Right Mortgage Lender

As you can see, there are plenty of options available to self-employed entrepreneurs who are not able to qualify with traditional mortgage financing.

However, the challenge then becomes finding a mortgage lender who offers each of these programs and can help you decide which solution is the best for you and your financial goals.

NEO Home Loans has a variety of Entrepreneur Home Loans available for self-employed home buyers. Whether you are looking to qualify with your tax returns, stated income, bank statements, or asset documentation, we’re confident we have the perfect loan program that will fit your needs and allow you to qualify for your next home with the lowest possible cost.

Features of our Entrepreneur Home Loans include:

• Alt-doc, bank statement, and asset qualifier loans available
• 90% financing up to $1M
• Credit scores as low as 680
• 2-unit properties allowed
• Second homes allowed
• Investment properties allowed
• Gift funds acceptable
• Cash-out refinance and purchase loans available
• Programs available to J1 Visa holders

How to Get Started

Whether you’re purchasing your first home or refinancing your current one, an Entrepreneur Home Loans is a great option to help you qualify for mortgage financing.

Our mission at NEO Home Loans is to help entrepreneurs navigate the landmines that come with buying a home. We have helped many self-employed home buyers select and qualify for the mortgage program best suited to reach their financial goals.

If you are self-employed and have had trouble qualifying for a traditional mortgage program, visit https://www.homeswithneo.com/entrepreneur-home-loans/ to schedule a consultation with a mortgage advisor and learn more about our Entrepreneur Home Loans. They will answer all your questions and educate you on the available programs so you can be happy with a mortgage solution that works for you!

Starting a business is something that can be very rewarding over time, and many people these days decide to try their hand at starting a business venture. Of course, there is a lot you have to do in order to get your venture up and running, and this includes ensuring you have a strong digital presence with a great website. For many startups, an efficient and affordable solution when it comes to website creation is to use Webflow, which offers a host of features to enable easy and efficient website creation.

As a startup business, it is important to consider what else your Webflow powered startup needs, as there are lots of digital tools and solutions that can help you in a variety of ways. From improving security and saving you time to boosting convenience and aiding effective resource management. In this article, we will look at a few of the digital tools that you can use as a Webflow powered startup.

Some of the Tools You Can Turn To

There are lots of tools that you can turn to as a startup business with a Webflow site. Some of the key ones that can aid your business are:

1. Passwordless Authentication.

If you want to eliminate the hassle and worry of creating, managing, and remembering multiple passwords, one tool to consider is a passwordless authentication tool. Solutions such as VaultVision can help to make life easier, saves you time and hassle, and helps to increase security. You no longer have to worry about juggling passwords, and the worry of your passwords being compromised is eliminated.

2. Workflow Automation.

With the right workflow automation tools, you can automate anything you would normally do through more time-consuming methods. For instance, Parabola enables you to build flows that can automate whatever you would normally do in a spreadsheet, and this includes reports and other tasks. This can save you time and resources as a startup business.

3. Communication Tools.

It is vital that you have the right communication tools in place as a Webflow powered startup, and among the options that you can consider is Smartarget WhatsApp Contact Us! This enables you to not only communicate with your customers via the very popular WhatsApp platform but also send promotions and information via the platform as well.

4. Marketing and Publishing Tools.

Another important tool to consider as a startup is something that can help when it comes to marketing and publishing, as this can help to aid the growth of your startup. Tools such as Audienceful are ideal for things such as email marketing, content marketing, and building an audience.

Choose the Ideal Tools

In order to benefit from the plethora of tools available these days, you need to consider your business requirements and think about the types of tools that will most benefit you. Remember to look at the benefits of different tools, such as the ability to save you time and money, being able to increase security, and help you to better impress your customers.

There’s an old adage that you need 10 years to become an overnight success.

That’s because it takes time to focus your energies, stockpile experiences, and utilize a lifetime of knowledge to create success. USANA Health Sciences was not an overnight success, but because of strong leadership, forward thinking, and a commitment to excellence over 30 years, the company has become the apex science and nutrition supplementation producer in the world.

Their success is the result of innovation — both in the laboratory and boardroom. USANA sets trends by embracing the advantages of forward thinking, distinguishing between brainstorms vs. brain trusts, striving to be a high-performing company, focusing on the customer experience, and investing in their staff and culture. Leaders throughout the organization develop processes and products that are replicable and impactful for USANA’s Associates.

USANA shows how appreciation for the past can dictate the future by working in the moment to compound success. Their 30-year tradition of examining their consumers’ needs and exceeding their expectations has created a legacy company that is often imitated but never matched.

The Advantages of Forward Thinking

Success is a mindset. And USANA has established this mindset by having vibrant leaders at all levels. Led by President and CEO Jim Brown, USANA has created a culture of success through embracing the advantages of forward thinking.

Forward thinking is the ability to look at the “big picture” and break it into digestible, actionable sections. It’s equal parts synthesizing, problem-solving, and bold thinking. While USANA provides world-class products and opportunities for its Associates and Preferred Customers, it actually does even more.

USANA employs over 1,600 employees and serves customers in 24 markets, which makes them part of hundreds of thousands of lives. To meet and exceed these people’s needs, USANA looks at the business, science, and cultural landscape to help them make decisions that benefit people both today and in the future.

To anticipate the changing market, USANA views problems as opportunities. In-house scientists develop products to help support long-term health. They’re not solving the problems of the past — they’re envisioning a world where health and success are intertwined. They work to solve problems that have yet to be defined, because the forward-thinking mindset aims to set up guardrails for the future.

Brainstorm vs Brain Trust

Ideas can come from anyone at any level. And to be successful, everyone must play a role in defining the future. USANA’s leaders know how to distinguish between brainstorms and brain trusts.

Brainstorms are open forum discussions where any and all ideas are good. There is no such thing as a bad idea, but to be productive, there needs to be ground rules. Brainstorms need the following to be successful:

• Project objective.
• Defined timelines.
• Assigned transcriber.
• Respectful discussion.

Start with a goal. For example, USANA wants to maximize their Associate experience at their next convention. To facilitate the best experience, the project manager will call for a brainstorm to pitch ideas. Participants will gather for an hour, and an individual will write down all ideas without judgement. Participants pitch ideas to make the next USANA convention a success. With 15 minutes left, the brainstorm stops and the brain trust begins.

Brain trust is where the group reviews each idea and determines if it is an actionable item. The best ones are indicated and put aside and the others are discarded without fear of egos being bruised.

Success happens when people come together with a common goal and respect for each other’s experiences and perspectives as they work toward solutions.

The Will to Perform

It’s not enough to want to be successful. USANA’s leaders strive to lead high-performing teams with clear goals that tie directly to the organization’s priorities. Individuals understand how their work fits into the organization mission, responsibilities are clearly defined, communication is clear and respectful, deadlines are honored, there is a community of trust, and all participants partake in a community culture of continuous learning.

Managers at USANA understand the benefits of trusting their teams to excel at all levels. Ultimately, their chief responsibility is to support and encourage employees as innovation and success are the by-products of a cohesive organization.

Garnering Support and Maintaining Buy-In

Buy-in is more than selling ideas. It’s encouraging staff to participate in building processes, products, and procedures. USANA highlights the importance of goals and how all staff can be part of the success. To marshal support and maintain buy-in to company expectations, leaders must communicate common goals and outline the benefits of everyone’s roles.

Successful companies inspire people to do their very best, and USANA’s success is predicated upon supporting each staff member. Because when you work in a space that appreciates ideas, people, and achievement, there is no limit to what one can accomplish.

A Focus on the Customer Experience

The single most important measure of success is an ability to remain laser focused on the customer experience. Companies that lose focus on corporate goals are destined for the ash heap of history — you cannot find success at any level if you take your customers for granted. While competition is rampant, USANA distinguishes itself from others by providing an incredible experience with superior customer loyalty.

And it’s not just when things go perfectly. From the conception of the supplements to delivery of each vitamin, USANA is committed to making sure each customer feels valued and appreciated.

USANA is more than a pill company. They know their key to success and share it beyond themselves to help their customers and Associates find their own success in life and business.

Experience the difference and see for yourself what separates USANA from the rest. Visit USANA Health Sciences and discover how you can be part of USANA.

Picture this: you’re standing at the helm of a school, your fingers laced behind your back as you survey the bustling hallways and lively classrooms. As the institution’s leader, you’re responsible for ensuring that every student receives the best possible education and that every teacher has the support and resources they need to excel. It’s a challenging role but one that can be immensely rewarding for those with a passion for making a difference in the field of education. If you’re considering a career in educational leadership, you may wonder how best to prepare for the role, face numerous challenges, and make tough decisions.

This article will explore key ways to develop the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed to succeed as an educational leader. So, take a deep breath, roll up your sleeves, and learn how to head towards this path:

1. Pursue Advance Education.

Educational leaders must have a thorough understanding of the education system, its challenges, and its opportunities. Higher education, such as a master’s degree or doctorate, can help you gain the necessary knowledge and skills for a leadership role.

According to an NCES report, over 70% of school principals have a master’s degree or higher. Similarly, over 80% of school superintendents have a master’s degree or higher.

Higher education can provide a strong theoretical foundation in educational leadership and help you develop critical skills such as strategic thinking, decision-making, and problem-solving.

To pursue a role in educational leadership, you may enroll in one of the higher education masters programs online, majoring in educational leadership. These programs are entirely online and allow students to learn about the unique challenges higher education institutions face in the 21st century.

Moreover, you will develop organizational leadership, strategic planning, and student affairs skills, which will prepare you for different leadership roles.

2. Gain Relevant Experience.

One of the most crucial ways to prepare for a role in educational leadership is to gain relevant experience. It can be achieved by working in various positions within the education industry, such as teaching, administration, or research. By gaining experience, you will develop a deep understanding of the education industry, its challenges, and its opportunities.

According to a report by NCES, over 50% of school principals had worked as a teacher. Similarly, over 25% of school superintendents had experience working as a principal.

It’s important to note that experience in the education industry is one of many types of relevant experience that can prepare you for a leadership role. Experience in other fields, such as management or business, can also provide valuable skills that can be applied to educational leadership.

3. Build a Strong Network.

Building a strong network can be an excellent way to prepare for a role in educational leadership. Building a network of professionals in the education industry can provide valuable insights and opportunities for professional development. You can network with professionals from the education industry by attending conferences, seminars, and other industry-related events.

Networking can also help you stay informed about the latest trends, policies, and practices in the education industry, which is essential for pursuing a role in educational leadership.

4. Develop Leadership Skills.

Leadership is an essential skill for anyone working as a leader in education. According to a National School Boards Association study, 92% of school board members believe effective leadership is critical to student success.

These skills can be developed through training, attending workshops, or mentorship programs. Effective educational leaders must possess various leadership skills, such as communication, strategic thinking, decision-making, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.

5. Stay Updated.

Aspiring leaders must stay informed about the latest trends, policies, and practices in the education industry. You can stay informed by reading industry-related publications, attending workshops, conferences, and seminars, and networking with other professionals.

According to the report “Characteristics of Public School Districts in the United States” by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), over 90% of school superintendents reported that keeping up with new developments in education was essential to their job.

Staying informed can help you make informed decisions, anticipate challenges, and take advantage of opportunities in the education industry. It can also help you stay current with changes in regulations and policies, which can impact educational institutions.

6. Take Risks.

In K-12 education, it is effortless to fall into a routine of relying on proven methods and never venturing beyond those successes. Some educators have been teaching the same lessons for two decades, but is this approach truly benefiting their students? Regrettably, the answer is no. With education advancing in diverse directions, inaction hinders students’ overall potential. Hence embracing risk-taking is the key to breaking away from this stagnancy. However, it all starts with the organization’s leadership. If leaders and administrators aspire to observe positive outcomes from their teachers, they must actively promote, support, and demonstrate risk-taking at their institution.

7. Strengthen Communication Skills.

It is imperative to possess strong communication skills, both in written and verbal formats, to excel in an educational leadership position. Effective communication is crucial in determining the school’s performance and reputation. Therefore, taking time to assess your communication strategy is essential, ensuring that your message is clear and consistent. Additionally, maintaining professionalism and integrity in all communication methods is paramount. Sharpening your communication skills will benefit you and the institution you lead.

Conclusion

The future of education is counting on you! As we reach the end of our journey exploring ways to prepare for a role in educational leadership, we hope you’re feeling inspired and empowered to take the next steps toward realizing your career goals. Whether you’re a teacher looking to transition to administration or a student studying to become an educational leader, the road ahead may be challenging. Still, it’s filled with opportunities for growth, learning, and impact. By developing the key skills, knowledge, and mindset critical to effective leadership and staying attuned to the changing landscape of education, you can position yourself for success in this exciting and rewarding field. So, keep your eyes on the prize, stay curious, and never stop learning.

[Photo by Mikhail Nilov]

In today’s world, mobile technology has become an integral part of our lives. Everywhere we look, people are glued to their phones and tablets – checking emails, browsing websites, playing games, and more. This shift towards mobile has made it essential for businesses to have a presence on these devices if they want to stay competitive in the market.

Having a dedicated mobile app is one of the best ways for organizations to scale their business efficiently and reach out to potential customers. To help you get started with developing your own app, here’s a complete guide on how you can go about it!

Whether you are planning to hire an mobile app development company or overseas, or you are attempting to develop an app on your own, this article will help you understand the process and make an informed decision.

What exactly is mobile app development for business?

Mobile app development is the custom process of creating software applications that run on smartphones and tablets. These apps are designed to meet the needs of businesses by providing features such as content delivery, sales tracking, customer management, and more.

The main advantage of having a mobile app for your business is that it allows you to reach out to a broader customer base, increase visibility and generate more revenue. Compared to the conventional web, mobile apps also provide a better user experience and can be tailored to specific customers’ requirements.

With mobile app development in India, organizations can customize their app according to their requirements. The mobile app development process involves planning, designing, coding, and testing the application before it is launched in the market.

Why shift to a mobile app in 2023?

Mobile apps are the future of digital marketing. With more people accessing the internet on their phones, businesses need to be present where their customers are. An app will not only provide an easy way to reach out to potential customers but also help you stay ahead of your competitors.

Moreover, these apps can track customer analytics and help you understand how customers are engaging with your product. This data can then be used to optimize the app and improve user experience.

Mobile apps can also be used to push notifications to customers, offer discounts and promotions, run loyalty programs, etc. This will help you increase customer engagement, build brand awareness, and drive more sales.

Mobile apps provide more value to the business than a traditional website. It is fast, responsive, and interactive compared to the web. The app development process can be complex but it is worth investing in it to take your business to the next level.

In addition, companies can build a strong brand presence and loyalty by offering a smooth and user-friendly mobile app experience to their customers.

How to get started with mobile app development for business?

Whether you have an in-house team to develop a bespoke mobile app or you plan to partner with an app development company in India, these fundamental steps remains the same in both scenarios:

Defining app idea and business requirement:

Before you embark on the journey of developing your app, it is essential to understand what you are trying to achieve. You need to define a clear goal and come up with an idea that will help you fulfill that goal.

It is also important to define the business requirements for your app. This includes the app’s purpose, its target audience, key features, and other important details. It becomes crucial for businesses to focus on the target audience, as it helps them to make design and development decisions that will improve user experience.

You can do detailed competitive analysis and market research to identify the requirements. This will help you make an informed decision on what features to include in your app and how it needs to be designed to meet customer expectations.

Choosing the right technology stack:

The technology stack is a combination of programming languages, frameworks, and other tools used to develop an application. The right technology stack will be the one that meets all your business requirements and fits within the budget.

It is important to choose the right technology stack as it will affect the speed, cost, scalability, and performance of the app. If you’re planning to build a native app, then the technology stack will consist of Java (for Android) and Swift/Objective-C (for iOS).

The hybrid app development process involves using a single codebase to create apps for both platforms. In this case, the technology stack will consist of HTML5, JavaScript, and third-party frameworks such as Ionic, React Native, and Flutter.

Overall design and UX:

Design and UX are two crucial elements that can make or break your mobile app. The UI needs to be simple, intuitive, and visually appealing so that users will find it easy to use.

It is important to perform user testing during the design process so that you can identify any issues in the design before you launch it in the market. You should also focus on providing a personalized experience to the user that will help build loyalty and engagement.

The overall user experience should be smooth, intuitive, and consistent across different platforms. This will help you create a seamless experience for the customer and ensure that they keep coming back to your app.

Hiring an app development company in India:

If you don’t have an in-house team for app development, then you should consider hiring an experienced mobile app development company in India. The right partner will have the skills and expertise to develop a feature-rich and secure mobile app that meets your business needs.

They should be able to provide you with end-to-end services, from UI/UX design to development, testing, and launch. It is important to hire a company with a good track record in app development and a portfolio of successful projects.

Testing and QA:

Once you have developed your app, it is crucial to test its features and functionality before launching the product in the market. This process can be done either manually or using automated testing tools. It is important to check the app on different devices and platforms to ensure it works properly across all platforms.

Testing helps to identify any bugs or errors in the app that need to be fixed. Quality assurance is also important to ensure that the product meets quality standards and delivers a great user experience.

Future scalability and maintenance:

Once the mobile app is launched, it is important to plan for future scalability and maintenance. The app needs to be regularly updated with new features and bug fixes so that it remains up-to-date with the latest industry trends.

It is also important to plan for scalability in case your user base grows. This means that the app should be designed in such a way that it can easily accommodate additional users and features without any performance issues.

Wrapping up!

A mobile app is an important tool for businesses to engage with customers, boost sales, and increase revenue. The success of a mobile app depends on various factors such as the right technology stack, proper design and UX, and quality assurance. It is important to choose the right agency for mobile app development in India and gain a competitive edge.