Rebecca's Biztalk posts

A documentary on HBO worth seeing

I mentioned this movie many moons ago when it screened in Seattle. And now, ladies and gentlemen, it is on HBO until the end of April!

"Autism: The Musical" is about a woman who has turned her life as a single mom of an autistic son into an inspiration for others. By tapping into the kids' creative spirits, she raises the spirits of all around her. The kids are amazing. And oh yes, this woman is a very dear friend of mine.

Interested in kids, autism, theater, non-verbal communication, indie documentaries?

Check it out: http://www.hbo.com/docs/programs/autism/index.html

HBO Schedule: http://www.hbo.com/apps/schedule/ScheduleServlet?ACTIONDETAIL=DETAIL&FOCUSID=647488

Creating and evolving a brand

Where do you find creative inspiration?

I'm wondering if you have any conferences, books, or gurus you swear by. Bizjam was/will again be great. What else have you attended or read that has given you the insight you've used to come up with a great brand and evolve an existing one?

For example, I embrace the value proposition of a brand, then create concepts and copy from there. I take a fairly instinctive approach, while doing some market research.

Type to you soon... Rebecca

How to manage and inspire with amazing success!

Hey!

I'd love to get your pov on management. We've all heard words like "galvanizing" and "empowering" but what about specific and unique things that someone can do as a manager...

--How do YOU manage others with great success?

--What did a manager of yours do that made you think: This is the coolest boss EVER?

I look forward to hearing your lessons, stories, and insights.

THANKS!

Rebecca

Need to hire a writer!

Hello! PLEASE pass this on to anyone you see fit.

I'm looking for a great WRITER/EDITOR, someone who's creative, flexible, and quick. Web savvy and tech smart. Not a cog in the wheel, but a go getter.

Here's the deal. While I've juggled various clients, I've had a steady gig contracting at a website for a few months and I’ve been inspired by what’s happening here. Now, we need help. The new writer could go contract to hire or get employed right away. It’s flexible.

Heard of Classmates.com? It’s chock full of smart and engaged professionals. A fun-loving culture with diverse employees and work/life balance. It’s been profitable since 1995, has 40 million users, and is the biggest social networking site only behind MySpace and Facebook. Everyone here knows that there’s a revolution in social networking, so the brand is evolving, and it’s very cool to be a part of it.

If this appeals to you, you're seriously interested, and if you can come ONSITE to Renton sooner than later, contact me ASAP below:

rkraus@classmates.com

(I'm actually headed to Hawaii in a few hours, so I'll pass on your info and we can pick this up next week!)

Rebecca

Ideas for volunteering?

Hi there! 'Tis the time of year to be thankful for what we have and giving of what we got (actually it wouldn't hurt to be like that all year). I'm looking for some volunteer opportunities, preferably with kids. I looked into reading to kids with United Way, but scheduling was tough as I'm pretty well-occupied during business hours. I also don't want to be clocking any more time in front of my laptop.

Do you know of organizations that engage volunteers perhaps during the week after 5pm? Maybe weekends?

I've done a ton of volunteering from teaching students how to make games to being a camp counselor overseas. I'm definitely open. BONUS if I get to meet other Bizniks this way!

I look forward to hearing from you.

http://rebeccakraus.com/TEACHING.HTM

Freelance vs. Full-time??

Hey there, I would LOVE to get your pov on this one.

In addition to having done a whole lotta freelance writing and consulting, I've worked for tiny, medium, and huge companies. My most recent contract writing for a social networking website has gone quite well. They've offered me a full-time gig, but I'm not sure I want to give up my indie status. Still seeing what else is out there in Seattle...

Full-time seems to be a better bet for practical reasons: buying property here, socking away in that 401K, and potential career advancement. Freelancing gives me the opportunity to try on new clients, keep the focus on the creative, and earn more $ per day.

What do YOU all think about the pros and cons of being on contract vs. being an employee? What lessons have you learned from being on both sides of that fence? And what points would you recommend for negotiating for the full-time job?

I value your opinion, so I can't wait to read what you think.

Thanks!

www.rebeccakraus.com

Independent documentary screening this Sunday

A dear friend from LA is coming to Seattle this weekend to tout this doc:

http://www.autismthemusical.com/

"Opening to an immediate contrast of hope and despair, AUTISM: THE MUSICAL counters today’s bleak statistics with one woman’s optimistic pledge to lead a group of autistic children in defying diagnosed expectations by writing, rehearsing and performing their own full-length musical."

My friend Elaine is that woman, and her autistic son Neal is one of those kids.

Grande Illusion 9/14/07-9/16/07 1403 NE 50th St (near University)

I'm planning on going to the 7pm screening on Sunday night, including the Q & A. I have yet to see the film, but I hear it's beautiful. I figured this doc. may appeal to Bizniks who are interested in indie films, are in the mental health field, have kids (or a love for them), and everyone in between.

Best, Rebecca

Need a great accountant!

Hey there, I'm swimming through my indie life, looking for a real pro. Here in Seattle would be great. Even better if it's a Biznik. PLEASE PASS THIS ON!

Basically I need someone who can help guide me through my financial past (working at companies in California and Washington) up through the present: Now an indie with various clients and some on-site contract work. I have rental property in LA and deductions a plenty for my home office here. I got some bad advice recently and it cost me. So, please shoot me a note and let's talk. I'd be relieved to have someone I could trust and refer with gusto.

THANK YOU!

Rebecca

rebeccakraus.com

Like jazz and wine?

A good group of us is headed to Chateau St. Michelle next Sunday to hear Diana Krall. We have one (possibly two) extra tickets.

Sunday, August 12, 7:00PM http://www.ste-michelle.com/Sub_Concerts.cfm General Admission / Lawn Seating- $59 a ticket

Personally, I'm hoping for an Elvis Costello sighting.

If you're keen on these tickets, shoot me a note, and we'll work something out.

Rebecca rebecca@rebeccakraus.com

Rent a lovely home in LA!

Hey there, Coming up on my one year anniversary here, I recently decided to stay in Seattle a while... Is it the sunny summer, the wealth of work, or the spirit of the city? Honestly, I think Biznik is partly responsible for my decision, as it's helped me feel like I'm part of a community. I thank YOU (especially Lara and Dan) for that!

So, I'd like to rent out my home in LA. I own a colorful, stylish 1100 square foot 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom condo a couple miles from Venice Beach. I'd LOVE any referral to help me find a great new tenant. It's available in September. Bizniks will get first dibs.

See all details here: http://rebeccakraus.com/CONDO.HTM

If anyone has any ideas on how to get the word out (besides Craigslist), I'd appreciate it! THANKS for passing this url along. If your referral gets me my new tenant(s), lunch is on me!

Rebecca