Nested symbol syntax question

I am dynamically loading 'slides' onto the stage. Within the symbol that is loaded, on its timeline, I have the following:

var icon = sym.$("honIcon");

icon.hide();

That works as expected. However, the following does not:

var icon = sym.$("honIcon");

icon.css('cursor', 'pointer');

nor does binding any triggers such as

var icon = sym.$("honIcon");

icon.bind("click",showToolTip);

function showToolTip(){

     alert("got message");

}

Suggestions?