When it comes to
vibrant cities that are really enjoying a lot of growth and development over
the past couple of decades, Las Vegas has to be on the list. While most people
think of it as a party city, filled with casinos and entertainment, Las Vegas
itself is incredibly robust and is enjoying growth in a number of different
industries outside tourism and entertainment. Starting a business in Las Vegas
will always present challenges, but that’s true of any city.
If you’ve made the
decision that you want to go ahead and open up shop in Las Vegas and you’ve
decided that an electronics business is the way to go, then these tips will
help you get things off the ground.
Research Your Competitors
Before you even think
about opening the doors to your new business, it’s wise to do some research on your competitors. You want to know how many
are out there, what their products/services are, their pricing, and even who
their suppliers are. The more you learn about your competitors, the easier it
will be for you to figure out a way to make your business unique. The last
thing you want is to offer exactly what they feature, and not have anything
that stands out to customers.
Identify Your Target Market
Now it’s time to
identify your target market – your customers. Who are they, what are their
buying habits and trends, what kind of products do they respond well to, and so
forth? Again, the more information you can gather, the more beneficial it will
be to the business. It can also help you to craft your advertising and
marketing campaign since you can create a targeted campaign.
Find Your Niche
Starting an
electronics business is a very vague term. You may want to consider finding a
niche or a few areas that you plan to specialize in. This can help you to
create the image of an expert or authority in the field, which can, of course,
drum up business.
Do You Have an Electronics
Background?
It’s often said that
if you do what you love you’ll excel, so starting an electronics business with
knowledge of the field is typically going to increase the odds of success. Perhaps
you have a degree in electrical engineering, maybe you even worked in the field
before deciding to go out on your own? Being well-versed on the trends and
products of today, such as understanding what Altium Designer is, where to access a free Gerber viewer, and how to fabricate PCB can all help you to
be that much more successful in your business venture.
Be Prepared to Put in Plenty of Work
and Hours
The final tip can
apply to any startup business in any industry, and that is to be prepared to
put in plenty of work and hours. This is your baby, and to get it off the
ground and have a chance of success you’re going to need to make it a priority
for weeks, months, even years to come as you work to build a loyal customer base and brand image.
All of these tips can
help you on your path to opening the doors of your own electronics business in
Las Vegas.
The best jobs in Las
Vegas can vary a great deal depending on your personal likes and dislikes. You
may think that the majority of employment opportunities in Las Vegas are on the
Las Vegas Strip, where entertainment and casinos are common place. However, this
isn’t the only employment opportunity. Las Vegas is just like most other cities
where you can find a job in fields such as finance, government, healthcare,
hospitality and technology.
Casinos
Jobs working in the
Las Vegas casinos are extremely popular and sought after. In order to stand out
from your competition, it’s a good idea to get some casino experience in one of
the smaller hotels or casinos first. Once you’ve got this experience behind
you, you will be more likely to get the job of your dreams working on the strip.
Professional Positions
If you have a degree
and have had some work experience, then you may be able to find a job as a
manager in one of the casinos. If you don’t currently have a degree, then why
not consider looking into an operations
management degree? Institutions like Kettering University provide online degrees, meaning
you can work while you learn.
Management positions
can include anything from swimming pool management to restaurant management. Las
Vegas has a lot of management positions available due to many hotels offering
entertainment packages.
Another professional
position that is popular in Las Vegas is working in accounting and finance. Casino owners rely on accountants and
financial experts to keep on top of their books and make sure that all of their
paperwork is up to date and legit.
Tipped Positions
If you’re still
studying for a degree, or simply don’t have one and you are looking for work
that is different from the 9-5 role, there are a number of options available to
you. You will need to be ready to start at the bottom and work your way up by
starting off with shift patterns you might not enjoy. Working your way to the
top will eventually lead to you working the shifts that will give you the most
tips. To earn more tips, you will need to be efficient and friendly to
your customers. If you struggle keeping your cool with the customers, then your
tips might suffer. These are some of the best tipped positions:
Dealers – Dealers can earn a lot of money through the tips they receive. Dealers are well-trained and licensed in the casino industry. Whether you deal poker, roulette or blackjack, you can expect to be tipped 10-20% from each player. Finding a dealer job in Las Vegas can be hard due to the amount of competition. If you want to work as a dealer, try and get some experience behind you first. Dealers can earn between $40 and $200 in tips during their shift as well as receiving a minimum wage salary.
Waiting Staff – Friendly and efficient waiting on staff are highly sought after on the Las Vegas strip. Waiting staff can make a reasonable amount of tips during their shift due to the number of visitors and customers they get.
Spa job – Most casinos in Las Vegas also provide spa services like facials, massage and hair care. Not only are spa positions well paid, you can also expect to get a 15 to 20% tip from each of your clients on top.
General Roles
Working on the strip can
be a great deal of fun and you can earn a lot of money, but it isn’t for
everyone. If you’re looking for something a bit different from this, then there
are plenty of opportunities available to you in law enforcement, healthcare and
security. And for all the drunken marriages and late-night mishaps, legal
assistants and attorneys are also in high demand.
Careers without a Degree
Even without a degree,
most of the top paying jobs for non-degreed people require some type of
training or certification. The training for these positions varies in the
requirements and the length of time they take to complete. The following jobs
have a brilliant annual wage and require applicants to have a high school
diploma in order to be considered:
Manager – This includes all managerial positions. These positions may have their own set of requirements and expectations. Titles can include supply chain manager, security manager and wind energy project manager. A manager’s annual income is approximately $96,540.
Transportation Managers – These managers are in charge of specialized freight trucks, railroads, shipping facilities and storage facilities. They are in charge of implementing policies and overseeing budgets. Most of these jobs involve working for the government. Your annual salary will be approximately $80,210.
Police/Detective Supervisor (first-line) – These supervisors oversee police operations tasks and are responsible for training staff. They also help guide criminal investigations. Individuals wanting to become a supervisor need to have trained in a police academy, trained in the use of crowd-control techniques and trained in force policies. On average you could earn $78,260 a year.
Administrative Services Managers – These managers coordinate departments in order to support services. They could have a specific role such as being responsible for records and information management. These roles are found in a variety of industries, especially healthcare and construction. On average you could earn $77,890 a year.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operator – Nuclear power reactor operators are expected to monitor the plant systems. They have to adhere to strict guidelines. Their main role is to check for problems or issues and then make any alterations if necessary. This job role involves handling dangerous materials such as nuclear fuel elements. In order to work in this role, you need to have had 3 years of experience of working in a nuclear power station. You will also need to undertake an additional year of training followed by a written test and operating exam. You could earn approximately $75,650 per year.
Working in Las Vegas
can be extremely exciting. Whether you have a degree, are currently studying or
are looking for a role where you can work your way up, there’s something for you.
You could apply for a job working on the strip, or consider working for law
enforcement. It’s definitely worth spending time looking at what roles are
available.
When people think
about Las Vegas, they tend to think about those quick weekend getaways with
friends, an entertainment-packed weeklong trip with your spouse, or even a
honeymoon destination. However, Las Vegas is much more than a city for tourists
and is home to more than 644,000 residents in the city proper, which makes it the most
populous city in the whole state of Nevada. In terms of the country, it is
ranked as the 31st most populous city. If you were to take a look at the Las
Vegas metropolitan area, then it’s got a population of more than two million.
The city has been
working really hard at updating its image and proving to people that it’s about
so much more than just gambling, dining, and shopping and that it’s even a
great place to settle down. There’s been a real push to create a more
family-friendly and inclusive environment, so it’s no longer just about those looking
for a party weekend.
Perhaps you’ve been
following the growth and trends in Las Vegas, and you’ve made the decision that
it’s the right place for you to move to in order to study. There’s no doubt
you’re very excited about the decision you’ve made, but before you get too
ahead of yourself, here are some tips that can come in extremely handy as you
make this transition.
No Need to Attend a Campus In-Person
Just because you’re moving
to Las Vegas to study and further your education, it doesn’t mean you have to
actually attend one of the area’s schools. There is no reason to choose the
path of on-campus student life if that’s not what you’re after. Today, there
are so many well-known and highly respected online universities that provide
you with some of the most sought after and in-demand degrees out there.
While these online
options are great for those who don’t want to have to commit to attending
school in-person, they are also idea for those who are already working in their
field and looking to advance their career. Let’s say, for example, you are
currently a practicing registered nurse who has just moved to Las Vegas, but
you’re really hoping to take your career to that next level. The nursing leadership courses from Baylor University Online, such as the Doctor
of Nursing Practice (DNP) Executive Nurse Leadership program, can help you
advance your career. You can keep working in Las Vegas while doing all your
studies online as there is never a need to attend campus in-person.
Suddenly, that need to
choose accommodation close to school no longer exist, which means you can focus
on living close to work or any other preferences you have, such as residing in
the entertainment capital of the world.
Educate Yourself About the Climate
Another tip is to
familiarize yourself with the Las Vegas climate so you know what to expect. Las
Vegas is a subtropical, hot, desert climate that is very dry and gets lots of
sunshine. On average, it enjoys more than 300 days’ worth of sunshine a year,
so this is the opposite of a rainy city. For those who love heat, expect the
temperature to rise up to 120 degrees in the summer, with average winter highs
of the low 60s.
Despite those lovely,
hot days, what comes as a surprise to many is how cool it can get at night.
Because it is a desert climate, it can get down to around the freezing mark in
the evenings, but don’t expect to see any snow here.
People often talk
about the fact it is a “dry heat” in Las Vegas, which is also true. There is no
humidity, which makes those hot days much more tolerable and enjoyable for many
people.
Enjoy Reasonably Priced Accommodation
Considering Las Vegas
is a city and a popular one at that, rent comes in at a very affordable price in
relation to other big cities across the country. On average, it is about
$960/month to rent a one-bedroom apartment. There’s also a good selection of
townhouses, condos, and houses to choose from, so variety isn’t a problem here.
And it’s not just
housing that is affordable in Las Vegas – even things such as utilities and
groceries are all very reasonably priced.
What About Employment Opportunities?
Of course, a big
factor to consider when you relocate to a new city is what kind of job you will
be able to find. If you’re just looking for a job to keep the bills paid while
you’re working on your studies, then the tourism industry is likely your best
bet. Much of the jobs in the city are either in the tourism industry or support
the tourism industry in some way.
The national hourly
wage here is $20.33, which is lower than the national average of $23.23, but
don’t forget the cost of living is quite reasonable. The fact that the state of
Nevada doesn’t collect any state tax also helps to make things more affordable
even with a lower hourly wage.
Public Transportation is Less than
Ideal
If your plan had been
to rely on public transportation to get you around all of Las Vegas, including
the suburban regions, you’re going to want to think again. Las Vegas isn’t
exactly known for having a spectacular public transport system. Most prefer to
get around by car as it is easier and faster.
If you do plan on
using a car to get around, it will probably give you some relief to know that
traffic here isn’t anything like big cities like Boston, Atlanta, or Los
Angeles. Sure, there is a “rush-hour,” but it’s very manageable and
isn’t a true gridlock situation. The only place that traffic comes to an
absolute standstill on a regular basis is on The Strip.
The Strip isn’t Where It’s at for
Locals
If you figure you’ll
be able to meet locals by hanging out on the Strip, you’ll likely be very
disappointed. The Strip is typically seen as a place just for tourists. It’s
busy, loud, extremely expensive, and just very touristy in general. Locals much
prefer to frequent the areas of Town Square, Downtown Vegas, and Downtown
Summerlin. Each of these areas offers dining, shopping, and entertainment
without that tourist vibe.
So, while there is
nothing wrong with exploring the Strip and seeing what it’s all about, if
you’re looking to meet others who live and work in Las Vegas, it just isn’t the
place to do so.
Get Out and Enjoy the Natural Beauty
Moving to Las Vegas to
study also means you’ll be surrounded by some of the most natural beauty in all
of the country. You’d be remiss to stay indoors and not explore. As for the
most noteworthy places to visit, they would include Red Rock Canyon National
Conservation Area, Lake Mead National Recreational Area, the Hoover Dam, and
Lee Canyon. Each of these areas are also known for a variety of activities such
as biking trails, hiking, camping, boating, fishing, jet skiing, skiing (at Mt.
Charleston), and more.
It’s a great way to
connect with nature and get out of the hustle bustle of city life without
having to travel far.
What About Local Attractions?
Perhaps you’re more
about local attractions and activities in your free time. If that’s the case,
Las Vegas certainly won’t disappoint. Visit such attractions as the Springs
Preserve, the Smith Center for the Performing Arts, a Cirque Du Soleil show, or
sporting events. Right now, the city is home to the NHL team, the Las Vegas
Golden Knights, and soon it will also be home to the NFL Oakland Raiders, who
will be relocating to Las Vegas.
If you’re up for a
driving trip, there are plenty of short day trips all within reach of Las
Vegas. These include: San Francisco (eight hours), Reno (seven hours), Yosemite
National Park (seven hours), Tijuana, Mexico (five hours), Phoenix (five
hours), Los Angeles (four hours), Grand Canyon National Park (four hours), and Death Valley National Park (two hours).
For those looking to
travel further to either other towns and cities in the United States or
internationally, McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas just so happens to
be the 8th more popular airport in all of the country. It’s not uncommon to
find some great rates on airfare out of McCarran, so you’ve got plenty of
options before you.
Las Vegas – An Incredible City to
Call Home
Choosing to pack up your
belongings and relocate to a whole other city, and potentially a whole other
state, while you study and further your education is bound to be exciting and even
a little bit scary. There are plenty of unknowns, and at the end of the day,
all you can do is cross your fingers and hope you’ve made the right decision. When
it comes to moving to Las Vegas to study, the good news is that there are so
many pros, including a reasonable cost of living, plenty to do and see, and
friendly and welcoming locals.
When you are moving out of state, it can be difficult to find the right property to invest in remotely, without visiting or staying for a prolonged period in the state which you are intending to move to. Then, it is vital that you are willing to research and invest in a reliable realtor or estate agent based in the state within which you are intending to move. Trusted estate agents will be able to help you find a property to buy or rent that suits your budget and individual needs, as well as determining the best option for you against the fluctuating house prices in the state. Realtors such as First Star Reality will also be able to take you through the home loan process when renting properties inter-state.
Hire an Inter-State Moving Company
When you decide to move between states, it
is also important that you are able to find a reliable interstate moving
company that can allow you to ship your property to your new home hassle-free.
Finding a reliable company is paramount for long-distance moves, as this
specialism relies on keeping your possessions protected, and able to reach
their final destination, for a longer period of time. You should also consider
other options to inter-state moving companies, such as using temporary
storage or renting your own moving van to drive across states.
Research Your New State
Before you move, it is important that you
conduct diligent research about your new state. Not only is this vital to
making the decision on aspects such as location and facilities such as schools,
but you will also need to research factors such as personal tax documentation and
living costs, which may affect your livelihoods, and the official forms which
you must fill out when you arrive.
Organize Your Packing
Packing for a long-haul move is completely
different than moving a few blocks down the road, and you need to ensure that
your home is packed efficiently in order to protect your property. Organize
your packing effectively by noting the items in each box and creating a
database for this information. This will help you to prevent loss throughout
the move.
Budget Your Move
Budgeting your state move is important to
ensure that you have an idea of the amount of money that will be needed to make
the investment. To do this, you should make a budget sheet that includes all
the fixed rates that you know about, such as packing costs and solicitors, as
well as all of the variables that may occur, such as extra shipping costs or
move day travel and hotels.
On November 22, 2011, in downtown Las Vegas, the Union Pacific Steam Locomotive No. 844 made a brief stop in Las Vegas on its return trip home back to Cheyenne, Wyoming as visiting Arizona and New Mexico to help both states celebrate their centennials.
Steam Locomotive No. 844 is the last steam locomotive built for Union Pacific Railroad. It was delivered in 1944. A high-speed passenger engine, it pulled such widely known trains as the Overland Limited, Los Angeles Limited, Portland Rose and Challenger.
Many people know the engine as the No. 8444, since an extra ‘4’ was added to its number in 1962 to distinguish it from a diesel numbered in the 800 series. The steam engine regained its rightful number in June 1989, after the diesel was retired.
Union Pacific Steam Engine 844 makes a Whistle Stop in Las Vegas in front of the old Union Plaza Hotel
Las Vegas has a long history with the railroad. In 1890 railroad developers had determined the water-rich Las Vegas Valley would be a prime location for a stop facility and town. More than a quarter century earlier, Nevada, known as the Battle Born State, had been admitted to the Union in 1864 during the Civil War.
Work on the first railroad grade into Las Vegas began the summer of 1904. The tent town called Las Vegas sprouted saloons, stores and boarding houses. Rails were connected with the eastern segment of track in October 1904. The San Pedro, Los Angeles and Salt Lake Railroad, later absorbed by its parent the Union Pacific, made its inaugural run from California to points east on Jan. 20, 1905.
Steam driven locomotives like No. 844 have been crossing the desert for over a hundred years stopping in Las Vegas. The power of the steam engine still impressed folks with its brief stop in downtown Las Vegas. Stopping in front of the original train depot, the Union Plaza now know as the “Plaza”. It remained idle for about 10 minutes pulsing steam. When it roared to life with the awesome power of steal and steam. The engine was alive with power, blaring its distinct whistle, it sounded just like the Mark Twain Steamboat at Disneyland, and sprinted down the tracks effortlessly on it way home in Cheyenne.
Steam Engine 844 was the last built Steam Engine for the Union Pacific Railroad
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