Monday, February 28, 2011

Palm Springs Video

Check out this video from the Palm Springs Promo last week...



***Interested in working as a Brand Ambassador?  Click here for more info***

Tucson Rodeo

Last week finished up with a fantastic Random Day Job.  This past Friday, Saturday and Sunday I had the pleasure to represent Jack Daniels at the Tucson Rodeo!  Did you know Jack was only 5'2?



The Jack Daniels tent was quite an attraction.  There was a free mobile distillery tour packed full of Jack Daniels history, free samples of Jack's Sweet Tea, an opportunity to "Toast a Soldier" and chance to win a Jack Daniels Carhartt vest!  The distillery tour is really something to see, here are a few pictures...






***Interested in working as a Promotional Model?  Click here for more info***

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Best of the Best


For today's Random Day Job, I threw on my cowboy boots and headed down to the Tucson Rodeo Parade.  One might assume that country was on my mind, but actually it was just the opposite!!

My job was to promote a Pre-Spring Break Jam called Best of the Best.  It's a concert that features live performances from Lil Jon, E-40, Too Short, Baby Bash and many more!  Catch the action on Saturday, March 12th, 2011 at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ.  Tickets are already on sale through Ticketmaster, so get one while you still can!

To find out more check out Up Beat Entertainment Productions or facebook!




***Interested in working as a Brand Ambassador?  Click here for more info***

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Day 2 - Palm Springs Dream Vacation!

Today was the second and final day promoting the Palm Springs, CA Bureau of Tourism.  My team encouraged many University of Arizona students to enter the drawing to win a DREAM Vacation - 5 nights at an exclusive resort, airfare, transportation, 3 meals a day and activities!!  Wish I could win!!

Anyway, if you are still thinking about a Spring Break or a vacation destination, check out Palm Springs!!!  Here are a few pictures from today's job (check back in a few days for a video of all the fun!)








***Interested in working as a Brand Ambassador?  Click here for more info***

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Palm Springs Promo

University of Arizona has quickly become one of my favorite places in Tucson.  I was back on campus today to promote Palm Springs, CA!  Spring Break is right around the corner for U of A students and my team did our best to encourage everyone to "Follow me to Palm Springs" (that's what our shirts said anyway)!

My team was fantastic and we'll be out again tomorrow!!  Find us on campus and sign up for the FREE Dream Vacation!  Here are some pictures from today....









***Interested in working as a Brand Ambassador?  Click here for more info***

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Spring Break Already?!

It sure feels like spring here in Arizona!  Next up with Random Day Job?  Promoting a sweet spring break vacation to Palm Springs, CA!  Next week, Tuesday and Wednesday I'll be managing a team on the University of Arizona's campus.  We'll be passing out beach balls and entering students to win a 5 night dream vacation compliments of the Palm Springs Bureau of Tourism.  Image yourself here:



This promotion is powered by Cat N Mouse Promo.  Check back next week for pictures and video from the event!


***Interested in working as a Brand Ambassador?  Click here for more information***

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Always Check your Receipt!

Today, I'm shopping in CVS to pick up some much needed toiletries. I almost always buy whats on sale, items that offer CVS Extra Care Bucks or whatever coupon is the best deal. Coupon shopping gives me such a rush, it's almost a game in my opinion and I thoroughly enjoy the process.

To make sure I don't over spend, I typically take a tally in my head and to ensure it adds up when I check out. For some reason, I didn't tally today, which was my first mistake! Regardless, I remembered buying one item ONLY because it was BOGO (Buy One Get One), otherwise it would have been too pricey.

When the cashier gave me the total, I thought it was high, but didn't do anything about it. About half way home, it occurred to me that maybe I should check my receipt. Sure enough, the cashier had not given me the second item for free, but instead charged me for both!

I could have just let it go, but I watch every dollar I spend. So, I decided to turn back around and ask the cashier to adjust the price. Of course, the cashier fixed problem right away. It felt really good to find the mistake and have my $4 back!

This made me think, how many times has this happened? I MUST check my receipts from now on!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Casting Websites

Many of my Random Day Jobs have involved on-camera work.  If you are looking to get involved with commercials, corporate videos, films, television or acting in general; here are a few legit websites that are worth checking out:
1.       Actors Access – On this website, you can create a profile that includes a resume and headshot for free.  Demo reels can also be downloaded for a fee.  Depending on where you live, you can check out breakdowns in your area.  The regions of interest include: Los Angeles, New York, Vancouver, Toronto, Chicago, Texas, Southeast, Florida, Hawaii, Mountain Region (Mainly CO, UT), Northwest and Mid-Atlantic. 
You can submit for free, but if a follow-up video audition is needed, it will cost a few bucks (tip - save your receipt and use the fee as a tax write off!)
2.       800 CastingThis website is really only good if you have an agent.  They will give you an agent code to sign up.  Most casting directors are taking mainly electronic submissions these days and 800 casting is very popular.  BTW…if your agency doesn’t have a website or use a program like this, you might want to look for new representation!

The site does have a yearly fee of $29.95 (which you can also use as a tax write off), but allows you to post a resume, photos and reels to the site.  Even living out of town, I have booked jobs through my agency from this site.  I didn’t even need to audition and the rate was high enough that it was worth flying home!

3.       Now Casting – This website is free to download a headshot and resume.   The database and electronic submission service is FREE.  There is no fee, ever.  You can search the database for upcoming jobs in your area and submit yourself for the job.
Obviously, big city people will benefit more from these websites more than small town folks, but that’s just the TV Biz!  Since my current location is Tucson, I’m pretty limited with the sites, but still check them out on a regular basis!
And one more thing…if you have any special skills, make sure to list them on your resume!  This will dramatically increase your ability to book certain roles.  If you play the guitar and the casting director must have someone who plays the guitar, they will pass you up unless guitar is clearly listed as one of your skills!
Do you have a casting website you really like?  If so, share the love!  If it’s legit, I will happily add it to my list.


***Want a talent agent, but not sure how to find one?  Click here***
***Want more acting websites?  Click here***

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Spring Break Promo

Calling all Random Day Job ladies in Tucson!  Want to work a sweet promotion for Spring Breakers on the University of Arizona's Campus in Tucson?

DATE:
2/22
2/23

Hours:
10-2pm OR 10-3pm (TBA)

Rate:
17/Hour

If your interested in joining the team, shoot me a comment with your email and I'll get you the details!!

***Interested in working as a Brand Ambassador?  Click here for more information***

Random Day Job Near You!!

Looking for a Random Day Job in your area? 

Just received some information about a 3 week chocolate promotion in the following cities:

Atlanta, GA
Boston, MA
Charlotte, NC
Miami, FL
Minneapolis, MN
New York, NY
Philadelphia, PA
Washington, DC

DATES:

Wednesday, March 2 - Sunday, March 6
Wednesday, March 9 - Sunday, March 13
Wednesday, March 16 - Sunday, March 20
**specific schedule TBD - approx. 9 hours per day

DUTIES:

Sampling well known chocolate brand!

RATE:
Lead: $16/Hour + daily gas stipend
Brand Ambassador: $15/Hour

If you're interesting in applying for the job in your city, apply with Attack Marketing!

***Interested in working as a Brand Ambassador?  Click here for more info***

Tuesday, February 8, 2011

You CAN Be Selective

Just because I pick up Random Day Jobs doesn't mean I say yes to every job that comes my way.  I had a great meeting with Temp Connection and really like the staff, what a quality place! 

Actually, there was an opportunity to pick up a 5-6 six week job right away, but the office was pretty far from our house, the pay was low and the job was calling people all day long.  Obviously, I want to work and make a good impression with Temp Connection.  On the other hand, I already have a few jobs in the mix over the next few weeks and I hated to forfeit them for one that didn't pay well or sound very interesting.

So, I passed on the job and it felt great.  What a valuable lesson.  I don't need to always say yes to everything that comes along.  Remember, if I keep networking and looking for new jobs.  Then, I have options and don't have to jump at every offer that comes my way!

Monday, February 7, 2011

Book Review - Multiple Streams of Income

Multiple Streams of Income: How to Generate a Lifetime of Unlimited Wealth!

I love the idea of Multiple Streams of Income, by Robert Allen.  Income that is both passive and residual is very interesting and I was curious where Allen would take his readers.  Though Allen gives some great money making advice, I would pick and choose what to believe.  Here are some of Allen's money making ideas I found intriguing:
  • Tax Lien Certificate's
  • Life Story through Book
  • Turn Expertise into Book, Seminars, Consulting, etc. 
  • Licensing
  • Internet Ideas
  • Basic Saving Ideas
But, I also had some problems with the book. 

First of all, it's outdated.  The last version was released in 2005, before the crash of our economy in 2008.  And because of this, there are areas where I strongly DISAGREE with Allen:

  • Savings Accounts that acquire 20% Interest Rates
  • Buying Investment Property with NO Money Down
  • Flipping Property
In today's world, lenders can only support 75% of an investors loan.  So, in order to buy an investment property, one must fork up at least 25% (Not 0%!!).  This exact idea is one of the major reasons our real estate market tanked!  People were given loans for properties they could not afford in hopes that real estate value would continue to climb.  When the economy went south, people lost their jobs and homes lost value. 

With no job and no cash, many of these people defaulted on their mortgages.  Others who kept their job are stuck with an "underwater home," which means the home is valued for far less than the owners mortgage amount. 

On the other hand, I like Allen's ideas of what to look for in an investment property - foreclosure, short sale and estate sale are on the top of his list.  Investment properties are a fantastic idea IF you have the cash to back it up.

Also, flipping is no longer possible.  In the past, many "flipping" transactions turned out to be fraudulent.  Now, if you own a home for less than 2 years, the owner will be slapped with a capitol gains tax for any profit on the home.  So, the idea of "flipping" no longer really exists.  So, plan on owning the home for at least two years before selling.

I think the book has some really good ideas and it certainly gets you thinking.  I just wish Allen would update his information and make it more applicable to today.  It's still worth a read, but double check the information before seriously preceding with any of his income stream ideas.

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Planting the Seeds

In the life of a Random Day Job, everyday is not a pay day.  But everyday does require putting in effort to finding the next gig.  The more potential outlets to make money, the better chance you have to book a job.

Yesterday, I went to a local Extras Casting for a movie Called Desert Son that will be shooting in Tucson the month of Feburary.  Extra work doesn't take any special experience, just a willingness to work long hours on a movie set with little hope of being recongized once the movie premieres. 

I've also spent the past several days appling for nationwide promotional companies and local temp agencies.

Tomorrow, I'll be attendng an audition for a SAG Low Budget short film shooting here in AZ and Monday, I'll be interviewing at the Temp Agency.  Each interview or audition gives me a better chance to work in the near future.

Plant the seeds and you will reap a harvest!

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

25 Everyday Ways to Save

1. Compare Prices. Most companies will price match competitors to gain business.

2. Set a Budget and review it every month.

3. Buy a reusable water bottle and fill up at home.

4. Pack your lunch.

5. Subscribe coupons sites like: http://www.groupon.com/, http://www.coupons.com/ , http://www.retailmenot.com/, http://www.scoutmob.com/, http://www.couponcabin.com/ and http://www.livingsocial.com/.

6. Wash full loads in both the dishwasher and washing machine.

7. When not in use, turn off lights.

8. Shop with a list.

9. Make coffee at home.

10. Rent DVD’s and watch movies from home. If you like the theater, then go to the matinee.

11. Use the library.

12. Drop the gym membership. Instead, workout outside & buy workout DVD’s for your home.

13. Sign up for customer rewards cards at your favorite places to shop. Personally, I like the loyalty programs at CVS, World Market, Bed Bath & Beyond, Ulta, Sephora, Pet Supermaket and Dick’s Sporting Goods.

14. Refuse to pay ATM fees. Think ahead and withdrawal cash when it doesn’t cost you.

15. Pay off your credit card.

16. Ask for generic drugs at the pharmacy.

17. Never pay rental car insurance. Most likely, you are already covered by your car insurance.

18. Skip extended warranties.

19. Never pay checking fees. Another bank will be happy to serve you at no charge!

20. Have dinner at home – often!

21. Think Craigslist, Ebay, Amazon, Goodwill and even garage sales before purchasing a new item that might be just fine used.

22. Grow your own herbs.

23. Refuse to pay annual credit card fees.

24. Save off the top of your paycheck, not what’s left over.

25. Pack snacks. That way, when you get the munchies, you won’t have pay for one!

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Test America

Well, the ZizZazz promotional job finished up on Sunday.  I met some really nice people and tried many delicious Sam's Club samples, thanks to my new friends at Crossmark!  I didn't even need to pack a lunch :)

There was a sweet older man that stopped by almost everyday (he liked the samples too).  I mentioned the Veteran in a previous post.  Anyway, this man is always looking for extra ways to make money and mentioned a place called Test America.  It was located in a Mall close by.  The company conducts various consumer tests that people can take to earn cash.  In the past, I had a bad experience with online surveys, but the in person idea perked my interest!

Today, I took a trip to Test America to find out more.  Almost everyday, the company administers a new consumer test.  As long as you fit the profile, you can take the test and earn some cash. 

Today, the test was on laundry detergent fragrances and only females were eligible.  Lucky me, right?  Well, not exactly.  I was given a few questions to answer before the actual test and I didn't pass!!  I said that we used unscented laundry detergent and apparently that eliminates me from the study.  Shoot!  To be honest, I can't remember if our laundry detergent is scented or not!!  Oh well.

You can make extra cash with Test America, but not very much.  The rates range from $5-15 per study.  Most likely, I won't be making any special trips to take a test, but if I'm already in the mall or close by with time to kill, I might call or stop by to find out what they are testing and if I'm eligible!!