Tired of working for other people? Want to be your own boss and earn a possible average income of $25 per hour? Housecleaning is a skill that can make you money. This course will cover the basics of how to start up a business (cheap), how to clean and what products to use. This information can also show you how to clean your own home professionally. Remember; good, detailed housecleaners are in demand, so the work is "out there."

Whether it's for work, family or play, make that next event successful because of good planning. Learn how to be proactive and avoid, as much as possible, those last minute emergencies so that you can have as much fun as your guests. Receive step-by-step guidelines on how to accomplish your goal. Learn how to get organized so that as many people as possible share the work. Also receive information on vendor/venue selection, event marketing or invitations, how to create a theme and more. With event planning, you have embarked upon a path full of fun, excitement, big challenges and great possibilities. Learn wedding planning, keys to throwing parties, organizing group activities and large special events.

Clutter drains you of energy and time! The people who recognize and reduce clutter are more effective and in control--and therefore less stressed. To be truly productive, you need to be one step ahead of events, instead of always just reacting to what each day brings. By implementing the suggestions in these classes, you'll find that you finally have the time to get caught up, think creatively, meet more challenges, and do whatever it is you want to do. The secret to making your life clutter free is for you to organize it and keep it that way. Organizing your home (6652) puts you in control. Learn how to organize each room and keep it organized. You will put systems in place to help you through the process. By organizing your closet, you will learn a technique to use throughout your home.

This six-hour class is for beginning typists and those wishing to review. Learn the alphabet and some punctuation by touch. At the end of class you should be able to type 15 wpm and know the basics necessary to continue on your own. NOTE: Every minute in this class is vital; you'll learn seven keys in the first 15 minutes. Please arrive on time. No refunds, transfers or cancellations after 5:30pm 48 hours prior to class.

This overview demonstration reviews the latest version of QuickBooks and QuickBooks Pro. Business owners want to spend time running their businesses--not their books. QuickBooks is a simple-to-learn computer program that will ease your bookkeeping chores. It's a program designed with the small business owner in mind. QuickBooks meets the needs of businesses who want invoicing capabilities; must manage accounts receivable and accounts payable; want detailed business reporting such as accounts receivable aging, collections, profit and loss, cash flow, income statements and more; want a package with integrated easy-to-use checking and check printing; need budget capabilities; and have limited inventory requirements. This program allows you to see where your business stands at all times. NOTE: Instruction is by demonstration and lecture. If you have a laptop with QuickBooks, you are invited to use it in class as you follow the instructor. It is strongly recommended that you have prior knowledge of QuickBooks before taking this class. This class qualifies for 3 CPA continuing education credits.

Accountants, bookkeepers, consultants...unveil the features of QuickBooks and QuickBooks Premier for the advanced "power user." Learn to integrate QuickBooks with powerful programs such as Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook. Learning how to handle those "tricky" transactions like bounced checks, customer down payments and deposits, automatic wire transfers, credit card transaction processing, petty cash transactions, and budgets that will help increase your efficiency and effectiveness. This course will also cover such areas as condensing your company files, finding and resolving file errors. Also discuss when (and when not) to use journal entries as well as the proper "period" closing procedures. Learn to take a more proactive role with management; reporting information by instituting advanced reporting features. Other tips and tricks will be discussed. NOTE: Prerequisite-8066: Intro to QuickBooks or equivalent experience. Instruction is by demonstration and lecture. If you have a laptop with QuickBooks, you are invited to use it in class as you follow the instructor. This class qualifies for CPA continuing education credits.

Harness the Internet or prepare to become obsolete. This course is designed to eliminate techno-babble and fear of computers and to provide you with the knowledge you need to start an Internet business. Topics include: the value of starting an internet business, choosing a proper domain name, benefits of using template based websites, email marketing, blogs, press releases, link exchanging, affiliate programs, search engine optimization services, Google adwords, Paypal, logos and the dos and don'ts of the internet.

If you can get on the Internet, you have the computer skills necessary to start a part or full-time eBay business from home. Earn supplemental income, buy what you want at amazingly low prices, start a home-based business with unlimited potential or just make money clearing the junk out of your garage. Topics include: getting started, buying on eBay, planning and researching your auction, how to write an auction title and listing, the magic words that can increase the number and amount of bids, timing and duration of your auction, how to take and use photos, how to maximize your selling price, and getting paid. It also covers proxy bidding, and the art of “sniping,” plus secrets to getting a great feedback rating fast, getting the best price when selling many identical items and more.

Start your own business! Find out what it takes to be a successful entrepreneur by learning about yourself and your idea. Take the entrepreneur challenge quiz to test your background and develop an action checklist for your new business idea. Learn the reasons why businesses succeed and the number one reason why startups fail. Review the fundamentals of winning business plans, from starting a business plan to executing your plan. Participate in case studies of winning business plans, free marketing and low cost financing for your business. Once your have mastered the tools for the feasibility of your business idea, find out the legal form for your business and lucrative tax deductions for self-employed entrepreneurs. Explore how to control and quickly analyze your business with QuickBooks software. Save thousands of dollars by finding out where you can obtain free or low cost resources in the Houston area for your idea, your business plan, government procurement and contracts, business processes, and even technical assistance for patents and trademarks.

The marketplace is the globe. The Internet has made goods and services in demand in virtually every country in the world. This course will provide an overview of the importing/exporting industry and some necessities of being successful at either importing or exporting. Discuss the World Bank, Ex-Im Bank, duties and tariffs, custom brokers, free trade agreements, regulations and labeling requirements. Learn what any businessperson needs to know to be a success moving goods in or out of the U.S.

Effective financial management is vital to nonprofit success but many find accounting to be a chore. Learning the roles and rules along with understanding the tools will leave you with an abundance of tips to take back to your organization. Find out about nonprofit accounting, terminology, recordkeeping requirements, accounting systems, critical policies, financial statements and more.

In this webinar, discover ways to build capacity and diversify your revenue through earned income. As funding from traditional sources is stressed, the private sector can make it up. NOTE: This event is a hybrid webinar/class meeting.

The money is waiting. In Grant Writing I (9041) learn to understand basic fundamentals of the proposal process. See what's involved in describing your mission, creating a needs statement, and producing goals and objectives.

In Grant Writing II (9042), write! Learn the fine points of describing your project, producing an executive summary, a cover letter and an intent letter. Interpret foundation guidelines and attempt the grant writing process. Project evaluations, budgeting, an Interpreting foundation guidelines are discussed and reviewed. Analyze a successful application to refine writing process. NOTE: It's highly recommended that you take 9041 it's a stepping-stone for 9042.

Grant Writing III (9043) will be an opportunity to roundtable with others as you complete or review your grant proposal. Additionally, have your grant application critiqued, fine tune it, and have a final product ready for submission. With facilitation from your instructor, take this opportunity to dot I’s and cross T’s. for final packaging. Also discuss who you plan to send your proposal to and receive input on other options. NOTE: The names of over 50 funding agencies will be provided. Instructor highly recommending previous attendance in Grant Writing I & II.

By themselves a shiny new flyer or a beautiful website will not bring "them" running. If you thought that was the case, then you may have a billboard in the desert. The problem is that there is no one out there to see it. This class will provide tested and true ways to improve your marketing and online presence, making sure that your efforts to bring in clients are effective. After this class the acronyms, USP, LVC, PPC, SEO and LBLO will no longer be a mystery. You'll walk away ready to properly advertise your business or service using REAL marketing methods that are “Really Easy and Always Lucrative.” NOTE: A laptop is not necessary for the class, but you are welcome to bring yours.

More than 350,000 businesses use Constant Contact to help grow their business! This workshop will help you create and enhance your first email marketing campaign. Receive tips and techniques to guide you through the tools and features in the Constant Contact system. You’ll learn to: set up your account options; build and manage your contacts; create great looking emails; brand your emails to match your website; work with images; analyze email reports to maximize results; text editing; and, other shortcuts and tips. NOTE: You don’t need to bring a laptop, though you are welcome to for note taking. If you are attending this workshop, you are either a Constant contact user or are considering a free 60-day trial account to start your email marketing campaign.

Constant Contact has revolutionized email marketing. This class covers the basics of what email marketing is, why it works so well, and how to use it in your planning to achieve specific goals. Topics include list building, how to avoid spam, tips for scheduling and content choices that work.

Are you interested in learning how you can turn social media sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter into powerful business tools? This seminar will cover key strategies and best practices to get the most out of your social media activities. We will discuss what social media marketing really is, how small businesses are using these tools to gain visibility, develop relationships and drive sales. We will discuss how to balance social media marketing with email marketing and ways to leverage their inherent strengths, and the tools to evaluate the best use of them for your business or organization. NOTE: Bring a laptop if you choose to do so. Also, participants do not need to be Constant Contact customers to attend. All information provided can be applied regardless of the system or service you are using for email marketing.

Too many businesses aren’t seeing results from their Facebook marketing efforts. At this seminar you’ll learn why Facebook is important to your business, the difference between posting and marketing, and proven tips to drive more “likes”, “comments” and “shares” on Facebook. We’ll share of how to gain new customers using Constant Contact’s Social Campaigns to drive repeat business and amplify word of mouth by engaging your happy customers on Facebook. NOTE: Bring a laptop if you choose to do so. Also, participants do not need to be Constant Contact customers to attend. All information provided can be applied regardless of the system or service you are using for email marketing.

More than 500,000 small businesses and organizations use Constant Contact to help grow their business! Learn how to build relationships that are the key to the success of your goals with easy, inexpensive and highly effective email marketing! We will explore the basics of what email marketing and provide tips, techniques and guide you through the tools and features in the Constant Contact system. NOTE: You don’t need to bring a laptop, though you are welcome to for note taking. If you are attending this workshop, you are either a Constant contact user or are considering a free 60-day trial account to start your email marketing campaign.

Most of us fall into a career without much thought, then feel stuck and confused about what to do. Few of us are using our full potential. Fortunately you have more options than you think. Find out how to get unstuck and look inside yourself to discover new possibilities and choices. The reality is that you have many opportunities, including making your own job more enjoyable, identifying new career paths within and outside your company, or starting your own business. Your teacher understands your frustration because she was in a similar situation and left a successful career with IBM to start a new business in a totally new field. Learn how the Birkman Assessment and other tools can help you identify your values, interests, needs, strengths, and potential career opportunities. Dare to take the first step in your search for a new beginning.

If you are you frustrated in your job search, you are not alone. JS101 is a free community outreach program that offers job search training to anyone looking for a job or looking to change jobs. The course is a 4-week program that repeats each month with four modules. Module 1: Laying the Foundation–Overview of the Job Search Process, Skills Assessment, Career Objective, 30 Second Commercial, Developing a Job Search Plan Module 2: Developing the Tools–Resume, Cover Letter, References, Target Markets, Productivity Tools Module 3: Marketing Yourself–Where to find jobs, Researching Opportunities, Networking, Informational Interviewing, Presenting Yourself Module 4: Getting the Offer–Interviewing, Follow Up, Analyzing the Offer, Overcoming Obstacles, Plan Evaluation If you miss a module, you are welcome to make it up.

This course will provide information on getting you prepared for your new job search and provides the assistance you need. Bring your resume for a free evaluation and learn a quick process to sell yourself in a powerful resume. Review innovative marketing tools to promote your credentials through business cards, websites, PowerPoint presentations or even billboards. In class, write your credentials so they sell you! Take the time to also view the job boards, company websites and bring job ads you are interested in applying to. And most importantly, get ready to roll your sleeves up to find that new job.

Are you tired of your financial security being under the control of someone else? Escape corporate bondage and make a living on your own terms. Discover exciting, creative ways to make money doing what you love to do and never fear a layoff. You will learn how to establish multiple sources of income, make money when you're not working, and more. Great for moms, the soon-to-retire and anyone looking for ways to have fun and make money.

No money? No website? No problem! You can start selling your ebooks today. Ebooks are more popular than ever—Amazon reports they now sell more ebooks than print books, and they are only one of the places you can publish your ebooks for free. You will learn how to sell ebooks from a website of your own, and discover how to get others to sell your ebooks for you. Don't wait–other people are making big money with ebooks. Why not you?

Thousands of businesses hire mystery shoppers as “undercover customers” to tell them how they are seen by customers. Mystery shoppers are needed for restaurants, stores, hotels, banks, and more. Get insider secrets from an experienced shopper and find out how you can get paid to shop, eat, and more in your spare time. It's flexible and fun. All you need to get started is Internet access. The text includes more than 100 legitimate and free companies hiring shoppers! Avoid scams and learn the truth about becoming a successful, professional shopper.

It's possible to support your family with 50 goats on five acres. There have been a number of fads in the livestock farming industry. A few have worked but only for a short period of time. Eighty percent of Texas' cattle ranchers either break even or report a loss. Goats, the world's most popular red meat, reproduce twice as fast, forage on the same land, and earn 25 percent more than cattle. Learn how to care, feed and produce goats. This class also addresses developing a plan for earning a living from your goats (meat, dairy, brush, show and breeding types) and the number crunching required to make it work. NOTE: A field trip to the instructor's farm in Alvin is included.

Free-range eggs are good for your heart. Explore the pleasure/challenges of raising chickens in and out of Houston. Learn which breeds are better eggers, which are fun to look at and which are the best chickens to have around children. Receive answers to such questions as: should you hatch from eggs or buy chicks, and are roosters optional. Housing, feed, water, basic care and aspects of keeping hens happy, healthy and laying will be covered. This lively class will feature the instructors' personal chicken experiences. NOTE: On the weekend, tour the instructor's chicken farm near Manvel.

Receive an overview of the major legal issues involved with starting a business in Houston. Topics include 1) choosing the right entity for your business; 2) partnership agreements, operating agreements and corporate bylaws, and why they are absolutely essential; 3) easy ways to help insulate yourself from law suits; and 4) an overview of the taxes, licensing, and permitting specific to Houston, TX.

If you are retired or planning for retirement, learn everything from current savings and accumulation techniques to proper retirement income planning. Determine how much you will need to retire. Will you outlive your money? Discover techniques for maximizing Social Security benefits. Your retirement plan shouldn't be guess work; it should be a carefully designed road map to retirements. Use the techniques from this class to plan for the worst case while looking forward to the best.