Sunday, February 27, 2011

11 Ways to Get Extra Cash

Who couldn’t use a little more moolah these days? If you’ve lost your job, taken a pay cut or are just looking for ways to boost your income, Kiplinger’s Personal Finance can help. Here we offer 11 smart tips for generating extra cash.

Small Business Self-Employment Workshops

BizAid Business Orientation (3/1/2011) MUST REGISTER!
BizAid Business Orientations provide a general overview to opening a new small business or re-evaluating an existing business. This course provides information on where entrepreneurs can find assistance at the idea, start-up, and existing stages of their business. The orientation also covers key questions to ask yourself when starting or expanding a business and furnishes you with the information necessary to take the next step, whatever stage you are in. There is no cost to attend an you can register online by clicking the 


Time:  6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Location:  Workforce Solutions - Lone Star Room, 6505 Airport Blvd, Austin Texas 78752
Fee:  Free
For Information:   512-974-7800
Register: http://www.austinsmallbiz.com/WebCMS_2007/class_register.php?Session=390

 

BizAid Business Orientation (3/8/2011) MUST REGISTER!

BizAid Business Orientations provide a general overview to opening a new small business or re-evaluating an existing business. This course provides information on where entrepreneurs can find assistance at the idea, start-up, and existing stages of their business. The orientation also covers key questions to ask yourself when starting or expanding a business and furnishes you with the information necessary to take the next step, whatever stage you are in. There is no cost to attend an you can register online by clicking the 

Time:  9:00 AM - 10:30 AM
Location:  201 East 2nd Street, Austin, Texas 78701
Fee:  Free
For Information:   512-974-7800
Register: http://www.austinsmallbiz.com/WebCMS_2007/class_register.php?Session=391


Strategic Messaging (3/1/2011)
Sponsored by Business Investment Growth
Did you know that what you advertise, sell, and make money on can be three different things? In Strategic Messaging, you will learn how to tailor your brand message for meaningful dialogue. We will start by understanding the relationship of your product to consumers and the marketplace. After a brief discussion and exercise on differentiation, each participant will craft their very own brand positioning statement. At the conclusion of the session you will have the tools and know-how to build and leverage your brand effectively across all forms of communications. Class offered as a part of BiGAUSTIN's Women's Business Center. The center is funded, in part, through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.    Time:   11:30 AM - 1:30 PM   Location:   5407 N IH 35, Suite 200 Austin TX 78723 Fee:   FREE For Information:    928-8010   To Register:    928-8010    

Business Basics (3/4/2011)
Sponsored by Business Investment Growth
This class covers the legal forms of business, name registration & taxes, business licenses, permits and regulations. You will walk away with a resource packet, business plan checklist, top 10 reasons why businesses fail, and tips to get you started!   Time:   11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Location:   5407 North IH-35, Suite 200, Austin TX 78723 Fee:   FREE   For Information:    928-8010  To Register:    928-8010   


Borrowing Basics (3/7/2011)
Sponsored by Business Investment Growth
Do you know what your lending officer is looking for in your loan package? Regardless of where you seek funding, applying for a loan can be an unsettling process. Borrowing Basics allows you to get an insider�s peek at the loan evaluating process. Time:   11:30 AM - 1:30 PM  Location:   5407 North IH-35, Suite 200, Austin TX 78723 Fee:   Free   For Information:    928-8010   To Register:    928-8010    

Credit Basics - Getting the Score You Need! (3/8/2011)
Sponsored by Business Investment Growth
How important is your credit score? This workshop will help you understand and establish or improve your personal credit and score. You'll also get helpful tips for maintaining a healthy credit score and understand how the credit industry works and the difference between personal and business credit. Register online at: www.bigaustin.org  Time:   11:30 AM - 1:30 PM   Location:   5407 North IH-35, Suite 200, Austin TX 78723 Fee:   FREE   For Information:    512-928-8010   To Register:    512-928-8010 

Business Plan Class (3/10/2011)
Sponsored by Business Investment Growth
Put a plan behind your business dreams! It is hard to take a business seriously when there is little or nothing in writing about its structure, future direction, or position in the marketplace. That is why a business plan may be the most important document you will ever write for your business. Time:   11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Location:   5407 North IH-35, Suite 200, Austin TX 78723   Fee:   FREE For Information:    928-8010   
 
 
Marketing Strategies To Jump Start Your Business (3/12/2011)
Sponsored by SCORE
Developing a practical and effective marketing plan. This workshop discusses traditional marketing issues; defining your target market and position, price, deliver, and promoting your product or service. The workshop works through many examples, but uses breakouts to have you discuss topics as they apply to your specific business idea.  Time:   9:00 AM - 1:00 PM  Location:   SCORE offices, 5524 Bee Caves, Bldg M, Austin, TX 78746 Fee:   $35 cash/check at the door.Credit card in advanc $15 for more of same team For Information:    512-928-2425     To Register:    512-928-2425    

Essentials of Writing a Business Plan (3/15/2011)
Sponsored by SCORE
Providing general and individual guidance to help prepare and evaluate a business plan. This workshop discusses the content of a business plan and why the sections are separated but linked. We also discuss ways and places to find the information needed to fill in the holes of the plan. Time:   11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Location:   SCORE offices, 5524 Bee Cave, Bldg M, Austin, TX 78746 Fee:   $35 cash or check at the door. $15 for addtl same team For Information:    512-928-2425      To Register:    512-928-2425   

Essentials of Starting a Business (3/16/2011)
Sponsored by SCORE
To help would-be entrepreneurs effectively evaluate the pros and cons of starting a small business and create a plan for small business success. The workshop discusses a wide range of subjects; financial considerations, planning, forms of business organization, financing alternatives, marketing, insurance, record keeping, and taxes. The workshop is ideal for people with ideas but still trying to figure out all the other things they need to consider about starting a business. Presented by 5 different professionals from the Austin Business Community, and augmented by SCORE counselors.  Time:   9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Location:   SCORE offices, 5524 Bee Cave, Bldg M, Austin, TX 78746 Fee:   $50 creditcard in advance, $55 cash/check at the door. $20 for addl team   For Information:    512-928-2425     To Register:    512-928-2425    

Tightwad Marketing (3/16/2011)
Sponsored by Business Investment Growth
Looking for strategies to grow your business without spending a fortune on marketing? Join BIGAUSTIN to explore creative ways to market your business. This class covers: � Traditional advertising (e.g. radio, TV, print) � Alternative and cost-effective marketing vehicles � Low cost and practical marketing tips  Time:   12:00 PM - 1:00 PM   Location:   5407 North IH-35, Suite 200, Austin TX 78723 hFee:   Free For Information:    928-8010   To Register:    928-8010    

Do You Have What It Takes? Exploring Entrepreneurship (3/17/2011)
Sponsored by Business Investment Growth
This exciting new class discussing all aspects of considering the venture into entrepreneurship. This class provides an overview of the field of entrepreneurship and how you might potentially fit into this field. This class will help you through many questions and many ways to assess whether or not entrepreneurship is an appropriate fit. This class is instructed by John Paul Porter, Director of Marketing and Training for BiGAUSTIN  Time:   11:30 AM - 1:30 PM Location:   5407 N. IH 35, Suite 200 Austin, TX 78723  Fee:   FREE  For Information:    928-8010  To Register:    928-8010    

Business Plan Class (3/21/2011)
Sponsored by Business Investment Growth
Put a plan behind your business dreams! It is hard to take a business seriously when there is little or nothing in writing about its structure, future direction, or position in the marketplace. That is why a business plan may be the most important document you will ever write for your business. Time:   6:00 PM - 8:00 PM  Location:   5407 North IH-35, Suite 200, Austin TX 78723 Fee:   FREE For Information:    928-8010     

IT Opportunities (3/22/2011)
Sponsored by Small and Minority Business Resources
This is a perfect opportunity to find out more about IT opportunities with the City of Austin.    Time:   5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Location:   505 Barton Springs Road, Room 325, Austin, 78704 Fee:   free   For Information:    512.974.7600         To Register:    512.974.7600   

Sunday, February 20, 2011

COBRA Continuation Coverage Assistance

COBRA Continuation Coverage Assistance Under ARRA
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provides a COBRA premium reduction for eligible individuals who are involuntarily terminated from employment through the end of May 2010. Due to the statutory sunset, the COBRA premium reduction under ARRA is not available for individuals who experience involuntary terminations after May 31, 2010. However, individuals who qualified on or before May 31, 2010 may continue to pay reduced premiums for up to 15 months, as long as they are not eligible for another group health plan or Medicare.

CHIP and Children’s Medicaid

CHIP and Children’s Medicaid
http://www.chipmedicaid.com/en/Can-I-Get-It
Children in Texas without health insurance may be able to get low cost or free health coverage from the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or Children’s Medicaid. Both programs cover office visits, prescription drugs, dental care, eye exams, glasses, and much more. Families with children who get Children’s Medicaid pay nothing and children with CHIP pay no more than $50 a year for health care coverage. Some families with CHIP also may need to pay co-pays for some services. 



What Does It Cover?
  • CHIP and Children’s Medicaid both offer many benefits:
  • Dentist visits, cleanings, and fillings
  • Eye exams and glasses
  • Choice of doctors, regular checkups, and office visits
  • Prescription drugs and vaccines
  • Access to medical specialists and mental health care
  • Hospital care and services
  • Medical supplies, X-rays, and lab tests
  • Treatment of special health needs
  • Treatment of pre-existing conditions

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Photo Equipment Engineer in Austin, TX

If your referral gets hired, Formalized Design is happy to pay you a $1,000 Referral Fee.

8” Wafer Fab PHOTO EQUIPMENT ENGINEER

Overview 
Supports the equipment engineering activities in the Photolithography Module.
Defines and documents equipment maintenance procedures, processes and improved availability states to support a high volume manufacturing line.

Qualifications
10+ years wafer fabrication, equipment maintenance and engineering.
07+ years ASML PAS 5500 steppers/scanners, ASML 1400 Twinscan
Experience on two or more of the following tool sets a plus: Cannon ES6A, TEL Mark8/ACT8/ Lithius tracks, Cymer lasers
10+ years developing Trouble Shooting Guides and reducing downtime as well as installing/sustaining/maintaining equipment

Responsibilities
Designs maintenance programs which will be used to improve tool availability, defect performance and reduce cost of ownership.
Defines and writes equipment specifications and work instructions for Photolithography equipment.
Writes reports detailing all equipment engineering projects performed.
Evaluates and recommends the selection of new process equipment.
Overseas the installation, acceptance and qualification of equipment.
Creates and Maintains Tool Health and FDC models and programs.
Uses Design of Experiments (SDE) techniques to optimize tool and process performance.
Writes preventive maintenance specifications for equipment.
Utilizing technical skills investigates and develops improvement to equipment to increase quality, tool reliability, and yield.
Assists technicians in resolving problems and in sustaining production and quality.
Trains, guides and directs maintenance technicians.
Develops training matrices for technicians.

Please refer qualified candidates to joshua.sie@formalized.com

Joshua Sie
Formalized Design Inc.
Sourcing Specialist
joshua.sie@formalized.com
www.formalized.com

Formalized Design, Inc.
12295 Oracle Blvd., Ste 340
Colorado Springs, CO 80921
719-785-7922 Office

Monday, February 14, 2011

T-Mobile Retail Associate

Retail Sales Associate - Austin North (11002076)
http://tinyurl.com/4s677lf

Description
Our Retail Sales Associates are in the best position to deliver T-Mobile's "staying connected" Retail promise to our customers. In this role, you'll hone professional sales techniques and learn all about the technology T-Mobile offers as you build the service relationships that are the foundation of our company's (and your team's) success.

Responsibilities
As a Retail Sales Associate, you'll be asked to:
Build customer confidence of customers by making the store experience interactive, engaging and reassuring.
Maximize customer experience by "solving the whole problem" (as opposed to pushing products).
Maintain the visual appeal of your store.
Make the most effective use of store displays and interactive devices for each of your customers.
Use your time well, even when not serving customers.
Keep abreast of the rapidly evolving T-Mobile technology.
Develop positive customer relationships.

Qualifications
Previous retail or customer service-oriented experience
Stellar problem-solving skills
Availability for flexible scheduling
Ability to listen carefully and actively
Interpersonal and communication skills that enable customers to feel comfortable with our products, features, plans, and services
Basic computer skills
Aptitude for sensing and responding to the range of shopping types
High School Diploma or GED required

Competitive compensation and benefits package offered
T-Mobile is an equal opportunity employer (EOE). We strongly support diversity in the workforce.
Schedule: Part-Time (20-29 hours per week)

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Events, Opportunities, News and Resources

~Upcoming Events~

Tuesday – Feb. 22 - 9 AM - 10:30 AM
Free BizAid Business Orientations
A general overview to opening a new small business or re-evaluating an existing business. 201 East 2nd Street, Austin.512-974-7800 http://tinyurl.com/yefx487

Wednesday, March 2nd, 10 AM – Noon
Franchising 101
Event Fee: $0.00 1st floor conference room Contact: Dr FC Caranikas, (512) 716-4800 - Event Location: 314 E. Highland Mall Blvd., Austin, TX 78752-3735 Topics: Buy/Sell Business Instructions http://tinyurl.com/48fdbx5

Saturday, March 19 - 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
March Career Workshop
Austin Texas Stake 1000 E Rutherford Lane, Austin, Texas 78753. For Registration and Materials email: sis.barksdale@yahoo.com


~Career Opportunities~

Information Technology Specialist
(5 positions Dept. Of Veterans Affairs) Salary Range: $59,339.00 - $106,369.00 /year Technical expert for mid-tier Windows computer and peripheral operations ensuring full system availability and proper functioning of systems. LDS Contact: johndharrison@austin.rr.com

AT&T Retail Sales Consultant
Sales Support Representative, Sales Executive Door-To-Door, and Bilingual Relay Associate openings in various cities across Texas. http://connect.att.jobs/

Texas Dell Customer Service
Case Directors ($12.50/hr) We are looking for someone with good multi-tasking skills. They will be handling cases of customers who call in that the call directors are unable to help out. Contact Chris Bucheit: cbucheit@magrabbit.com

Part Time Leasing Consultant
Camden Property Trust Req # 11-0062 - Austin State TX
Responsible for the leasing, marketing and maintaining positive resident relations of multi-family residential apartments. http://tinyurl.com/4p7zus8

IT Desktop Support Engineer

Bazaarvoice is searching for a highly motivated IT Desktop Support Engineer who will report directly to the IT Manager. Contact Matthew Calabresi matthew.calabresi@bazaarvoice.com.

Customer Service – Home Based
The Apple Online Store is hiring home-based customer service agents. These positions are available for anyone in the metro area. This would likely be ideal for someone who wants to work, but needs to stay at home. If anyone is interested, they can email me their resume. Interviewing is occurring this week, and the recruiter told me today that they have some additional openings. Contact Bryant Beck: beckb@apple.com

Summer Professional Internships
ERCOT is pleased to announce sponsorship of 14 summer paid internships: Computer Science, Finance, Electrical Engineering, Health and Safety. Contact: Ederick Spencer, espence@ercot.com

North Austin - Manufacturing Workers
Start ASAP, work 7am to 4:30pm Mon. – Fri.
Flexible to Overtime. Pay is $10.00 to $12.00 DOE an hour--Long Term Opportunity with the possibility of going perm. Apply online, submit your resume to Leslie.Kelly@expresspros.com , or come by to fill out an application. For immediate consideration! 7940 Shoal Creek blvd. #205 Austin, Texas 78757 (512) 453-3838.

Sales Reps, Sales Managers, Developers

Seeing Interactive is currently hiring Sales Reps, Sales Managers, and Software Developers. www.seeinginteractive.com/company/jobs


~News You Can Use~

Free Tuition for Texas Vets / Families
http://www.collegefortexans.com/apps/financialaid/tofa2.cfm?ID=500
The purpose of the Hazlewood Exemption (Hazlewood Act) is to provide an education benefit to honorably discharged or separated Texas veterans and to eligible dependent children and spouses of Texas veterans. Eligible veterans, their children and spouses may receive an exemption from the payment of all tuition, dues, fees, and other required charges, including fees for correspondence courses, but excluding deposit fees, student service fees, and any fees or charges for books, lodging, board, or clothing for up to 150 semester credit hours.

Making Home Affordable
http://www.makinghomeaffordable.gov/
The Obama Administration’s Making Home Affordable Program includes opportunities to modify or refinance your mortgage to make your monthly payments more affordable. It also includes the Home Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives Program for homeowners who are interested in a short sale or deed-in-lieu of foreclosure.

Students – Get a Reality Check
http://www.cdr.state.tx.us/realitycheck/
After High School you will need to pay for housing, transportation, clothes... You will need money. You will need a career. Don't know how much money you will need in the future? Don't know which career to choose? No Problem. Get a Reality Check. Find out how much you will spend each year. Buy "stuff" for a sample month.


~Other Resources~

LDS Employment Resources
https://www.ldsjobs.org/ers/ct/home.jsf
LDS Employment Resource Services is dedicated to much more than just helping members find a job. Whether you are a Church leader assisting members with employment challenges, a member looking to advance your career, or an employer or other community organization willing to help, ldsjobs.org will provide you with tools, information, and resources.

Be a UTemp (University of Texas)
http://www.utexas.edu/hr/prospective/utemps.html
Looking to work your way into the university? Working with UTemps is a great way to get hired. Our goal is to provide temporary employment opportunities for you to experience various university positions. Working as a temporary employee gives you the prior university experience that most departments list on their postings. Plus, a network of contacts that can assist you when you apply for open positions is an advantage. 512-232-8367

What is AmeriCorps?
http://www.americorps.gov/for_individuals/ready/index.asp
AmeriCorps is an opportunity to make a big difference in your life and in the lives of those around you. It’s a chance to apply your skills and ideals toward helping others and meeting critical needs in the community. Each year, AmeriCorps offers 75,000 opportunities for adults of all ages and backgrounds to serve through a network of partnerships with local and national nonprofit groups. In addition, members who complete their service earn a Segal AmeriCorps Education Award to pay for college, graduate school, or to pay back qualified student loans. Some AmeriCorps members may also receive a modest living allowance during their term of service.

Small Business Administration
http://tinyurl.com/4v8v4fj

BYU Management Society
http://tinyurl.com/4s4rzuy

Texas Workforce
http://www.texasworkforce.org/

Jobless Joe – Unemployment tips
http://www.joblessjoe.com

Webwise – A beginners guide to the internet
http://www.bbc.co.uk/webwise/courses/