Here is some info on one undertaking by Florida Division of Blind Services, but open to anyone. *** *** Willows Program Information January 11, 2006 WILLOW PROJECT UPDATE The objective of associating with Willow is to put DBS clients to work with respect to their needs and issues they consider important. Here are some of factors that current and pending agents have considered in choosing Willow. With Willow training they become CyberCorp; which means they have the benefits of working as independent agents for established companies such as Sears, AAA, Office Depot, Verizon and many more. Commuting time can be as short as 1 to 2 minutes. They can avoid time consuming transportation alternative that turns a 4 hours day into a 10 hours work day. They can choose to work full time or part time which is a major concession. Many of us do not have the flexibility or the privilege of deciding on the number of hours to work. Can you work only 21 hours this week? Our consumers can if they so choose. Many want this convenient setting and opportunity because they can maintain social security benefits. They can work in business attire or in their jammies since they work at home. Willow allows visually impaired agents preferential access to hours and scheduling. This means that they have access to available hours posted by respective companies 2 weeks in advance to establish their schedule (before non-impaired/ physically challenged agents). They have the freedom to choose as they please. Thus far, 4 visually impaired individuals are currently working for Sears. 3 of them are JAWS users and one is Zoomtext user. One gentleman is here to tell you his experience, Leonardo Banes. 2 are going through the admission process meaning assessment of PC skills, dimension evaluation, role play, back ground check and incorporation. 4 are in pending status which means they have completed all the above steps and are ready to take specific application training to begin working. Now please consider the fact that 8 visually impaired individuals from other states are benefiting from our collaboration with Willow. I congratulate those smart people. However, for OUR clients to move forward in this project, they need to know about it and make a commitment. In other words, we need potential candidates to come forward! Last May, I attempted to disseminate the information. Apparently, it did not work. We are somewhat reluctant to continue making JAWS compatible with other applications due to scarcity of potential agents. As of now, SEARS is the only applications that interface well with JAWS. We are looking forward to working with other applications but cannot supply if there is no demand. This program is crying out for PR. We need to tell all districts about the Willow project, PR material or plan to recruit and screen. The candidates need to be Professional Windows or JAWS proficient Self-motivated Disciplined Persistent Organized Able to demonstrate good customer service skills. Each 26 closure will cost DBS about six thousands dollars. Comparing to expenses incurred for attending out of state training such as ANC, it's a pittance. Stael Exantus DBS Senior Rehab Counselor District 10 2000 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd West Palm Beach, FL 33409 *** Changing the way America works. Choose what you do Choose when you do it Choose who you do it for. .all from the comfort and convenience of your home. About WillowCSN Incorporated A well-established Florida company since 1997, WillowCSN has earned the position of innovator and leader in the virtual contact center industry. Servicing leading companies such as Office Depot, Oceania Cruises and many more, WillowCSN has become the #1 choice for business-minded individuals in search of an alternative to corporate employment. Our financially sound company is continuing to grow its 2000+ pool of virtual agents with highly qualified, motivated individuals like you interested in: · working from home · being your own boss · setting your own schedule · balancing business and family If you are a professional with customer service or sales experience and are interested in providing a call-taking service from your home for the world's leading brands, Choose to be a CyberCorp today! It's as Easy as A-B-C Qualifying to become one of Willow's highly sought after service providers can be done in three (3) easy steps. Step A: Admissions Process Step B: Incorporation (establishing your CyberCorp) Step C: Training Step A: Admissions Process The Admissions Process consists of several qualifying assessments that may be completed online within just a few days. For the best results, access these assessments online using Internet Explorer version 5.0 or higher at a minimum screen resolution of 1024 x 768, and a minimum 56K modem. To begin the Admissions Process, a non-refundable $25 application fee is paid online. Assessments must be successfully completed in succession and include: The Computer Competency Assessment simply reviews your ability to navigate through Window 2000 or XP through a series of multiple choice and true/false questions. If not completed successfully the first time, it may be taken a second time. Don't worry - it's easy! The Dimension Evaluation addresses professionally related and behavioral based questions, which assess critical occupation requirements. The Role Play consists of a telephone dialogue through which your sales and customer service skills and your ability to communicate effectively in the English language are evaluated. The three (3) assessments above can be completed in less than 2 hours. You would then submit your request to complete the Criminal Background Check to Willow's third-party vendor via a web link. Payment is submitted at the time of application. Willow will receive your background check results in approximately 2 business days. Step B: Incorporation You have several choices in establishing your CyberCorp (Virtual Corporation). · Incorporate on your own by: § Using "How to" books and guides found at a library or book store § Visiting your states local incorporation website · Visiting an online incorporation service provider such as: § www.bizfilings.com § www.legalzoom.com · Visit a Certified Public Accountant Once you have established your corporation and submitted the Willow required paperwork, you are ready for the final step -- Step C, Training! Step C: Training You are now ready to enroll in CA101 - an entirely virtual course taken online in the comfort and convenience of your home office (CyberOffice). This course consists of about 20 hours of online self-paced coursework that may be completed in as little as three days or as many as 15 days from the day you pay for your course. Congratulations - You are a CyberCorp! Upon completion of the Admissions Process, you are ready to enroll in a Client Training Program. Remember, you: Choose what you do.inbound sales or customer service, or outbound calls Choose when you do it.flexible scheduling Choose whom you do it for.select your client and begin making money! Choose Your Future, Your Way! Investing in your CyberCorp Every business requires an initial investment. The rewards of making your own choices, having a flexible schedule and working for yourself far outweigh the small investment you will make in establishing your CyberCorp. How would your life change if you worked from home? Make your list: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Aren't You Worth It? Step 1: Admissions Process Application Fee $ 25.00 Background Check (paid to US Information Search) $ 20.00 Step A Total: $ 45.00 Step 2: Incorporation Varies depending on service used and location $100.00+ Step B Total: $100.00 Step 3: Training CA101 $ 75.00 High Speed Internet Access $150.00 Dedicated Phone Line $ 45.00 Telephone & Headsets (Call-taking and VoIP) $140.00 Step C Total: $410.00 Client Training (varies) $125.00+ Choose your future, Your Way! CyberCorp Workstation Requirements Computer Equipment Restrictions Processor: 700 MHZ or better - If upgrading from a slower processor, consider purchasing a new system, it is usually more cost effective Operating Systems: Windows ME, Windows 98, MacOS RAM: 512 MB for Windows XP - 256 MB for Windows 2000 Hard Drive: 20 GB with at least 10GB of free space Modem: 56K bps Internal or External modem CD-ROM & Floppy Drive: 32X Speed CD-ROM and a 3 1/2 Floppy Sound Card & Speakers: 32 bit sound card and a pair of desktop speakers Monitor: 17" Color Monitor Additional Hardware Restrictions DSL or Cable Modem: Back up ISP: DSL or Cable fast access Internet Service with Modem (this will be your primary ISP) Can be a dial up as long as it is not the same provider as your primary ISP. Internet Service Providers (ISP): AOL, Prodigy, MSN, CompuServe, NetZero, Juno, BlueLight E-Mail Services: All ISP's from above, HotMail, Yahoo, IncrediMail, and Email Spam Blockers (unless configured to allow all Willow and your Client emails through) Printer: Color Printer is better but not required UPS Battery Back-up w/ Surge Protection: Telephone Line: Used to safely shutdown your PC during a power outage Regular phone line dedicated to your business w/ no special features (this is in addition to the fast access line) Telephone: Hold, Flash and Headset functionality 2 Headsets w/ Microphone: Telephone Headset and VOIP Headset (Voice Over Internet Protocol: connects to your computer) NO WIRELESS PHONES or WIRELESS HEADSETS Installed Software Restrictions Operating System: Windows 2000 or Windows XP w/ latest service packs and security patches installed Applications: Any Games, Pop-up Blockers, Norton SystemWorks (Use only the anti-virus portion) Any Firewall Programs, WebHot Bars, WebSearch Bars, Go Back, Netscape (Browser), LimeWire, Gator, Morpheus, DC++, BearShare, Kazaa, Bonzai, Buddy, Grokster Anti-Virus Software: Latest edition of Symantec's Norton Anti-Virus, McAfee or other reputable software w/ latest virus updates E-Mail Viewer: Microsoft Outlook or Outlook Express (Outlook Express is free and is included with all the Windows OS's) Web Browser: Internet Explorer 6.0 w/ latest patches and updates Office Suite Applications: Microsoft Office 2000 or Microsoft Office XP (Must be able to view Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint files) PDF File Viewer: Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or above (This is free software) Zipping & Unzipping: WinZip WinZip: For viewing Zipped files (free download) Paul L. Mimms West Palm Beach FL Smiling is a great way to kill time between laughs.