All posts by Marian Pierre-Louis

One Tip for Starting Your Genealogy Business

Getting Started Tips

I received an email from Anna with the following question

“Hello, I have been doing research over 20 years, what are some tips would you suggest to start my business? “

I’ve been thinking about this very question recently!

I feel strongly that this is the answer for anyone thinking about becoming a genealogy professional providing client research services.

Put all the business stuff aside. Forget about your business name, marketing, social media, and all that other stuff.

What I want you to do is to write a report.

Of course, it’s not as simple as that.

First, come up with a research question. It can be from your own ancestry or a local historical figure that was a veteran or something similar. This project will take you 4 hours – just as if a client had given you that time limit. Make sure you choose a topic that can be addressed in that time frame. Otherwise you would need to have a little chat with yourself, the same way you would with a client, that you should change the scope to make it more realistic!

Next, do the research. Here’s the most important part.

Write the report as you research!

That means start the report. Before you even start your research.

For examples of professional reports see the BCG Standards Manual or the BCG website. For this particular report I would choose a Limited-project Client Report: Formal Format where you specify the subject, contract details, research problem, etc.

While you are writing the report make sure you are doing your citations for each document or record as you encounter it. Yes, you will probably have to re-organize your report a little bit as you go or at the end. As you’re writing make sure that what you are researching and providing to the client relates specifically to the research question.

Don’t cheat on this step. The point of this exercise is to establish behaviors that will lead to success as a professional. The other important aspect of this exercise is to force you to establish a process that will reinforce your own success.

Choose how you are going to create those citations.

Choose how you are going to store the information you find.

Will you use a genealogy software program? If so, you need to learn how to create citations easily in that program so that they are available for reference as you write the report.

Maybe you will choose to write directly into a word processing file instead and skip the genealogy software. Will you have a crib sheet of templates to refer to for easy access? What will make creating the citations a seamless part of your process?

When the four hours are over – STOP.

That means both the research and the report writing.

How did you do? Did you answer the research question? Or are you hours away from completing the task according to the scope of the question?

We’re not done yet!

Now, repeat this task two more times!

That’s right. Two more times. Two more research questions and two more 4-hour reports written as you go. Hopefully you will see some improvement in your ability to stay on task and an increase the speed at which you create citations and type up your research.

Success depends on your creating a process that supports your business. All businesses, regardless of type, need systems in place to allow them to act in a professional manner and deliver professional quality work.

You can’t start a business until you are sure you can deliver a professional product in a professional manner.

If you struggle with this task then perhaps you might think about holding off starting your business and seeking some further education such as the ProGen Study Group or the BU certificate in genealogy program or perhaps a week-long genealogy institute.

If you complete the three report tasks and you are comfortable with the process then move right ahead into business planning (which can be addressed in another blog post).

If you have questions as you complete this task, leave them in the comments below or use the TGP Facebook page.

After thought:

I think this really applies to all genealogists not just genealogy professionals. Finding a good process to record your sources is critical for your own sake. If you don’t create the citations then you won’t remember where you found the information. Just make sure that you find the right system that will allow you to create them easily and without fear. If your current process is too cumbersome, find another process or program.

AncestryProGenealogists Offers Scholarship Program

Scholarships

Scholarship Opportunity

AncestryProGenealogists is offering a contest to award a scholarship to the genealogy institute of your choice! What a great opportunity to advance your genealogy education!

There will be four prizes awarded – one scholarship to each of the major genealogy institutes in the United States:

  1. Genealogical Institute on Federal Records (Gen-Fed), Washington, D.C., July 10-14, 2017.
  2. Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP), Pittsburgh, Penn., June 25-30, 2017, or July 16-21, 2017.
  3. Institute on Genealogical and Historical Research (IGHR), Athens, Ga., July 23-28, 2017.
  4. Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG), Salt Lake City, Utah, tentatively scheduled for January 21-26, 2018.

Those who enter the contest will be able to rank the institutes in their order of preference.

Please see the AncestryProGenealogists website for details and the fine print!

Deadline: December 31, 2016.

Good luck everyone!

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Call for APG 2017 PMC Presentations

Speaking Opportunities

Call for Presentations
Deadline 23 December 2016

Speaker Opportunities

The Association of Professional Genealogists will hold the 19th annual APG Professional Management Conference on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, 29 September – 1 October 2017, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Washington, D.C. – Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia.

CALL FOR PRESENTATIONS

APG is now accepting proposals for the following categories of presentations for the 2017 APG Professional Management Conference:

– Classes presented by an individual or panel – one hour in length
– Workshops – two hours in length
– Discussion groups led by one or more individuals
– Poster sessions – informal discussions of a topic during networking time, posters to remain accessible to attendees at other times

PMC presentations should challenge professional genealogists to increase their genealogical research skills, evaluate and improve their current businesses, and meet the demands of the 21st Century client. Prospective speakers are encouraged to consider creative ways to educate and inspire professional genealogists.

TOPICS OF INTEREST
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

– Advanced genealogical research skills or methodology (for example, little-known or little-used records, truly complex case studies demonstrating advanced methods)

– Technology (for example, hardware and software to assist in research, writing, lecturing, and business management; platforms for podcasting or doing ones own webinars or instructional videos; website development; genealogy’s technological future; hands-on workshops are particularly of interest)

– DNA (for example, becoming a genetic genealogist, understanding DNA results, how to educate clients about DNA, when is DNA useful for a client project and when isn’t it)

– Business skills (for example, business organization and management, business plans and goal setting, collaborating with other genealogists on a client project)

– Marketing and branding strategies (for example, marketing with social media, how to establish a brand for ones business, creative marketing strategies that have worked, discussion session in which the group reviews/critiques websites)

– Speaker or lecturer training (for example, writing effective speaker proposals, effective use of visuals, crafting a dynamite presentation, overcoming fear of public speaking)

– Genealogical writing and publishing (for example, report writing, editing one’s own work, writing articles for different publications, self-publishing platforms)

– Client relationships and communication (for example, managing client expectations, communicating unexpected or unwelcome findings, explaining complex research)

– Certification and Accreditation (for example, meeting the GPS, strategies for success, educational preparation)

– Organization and time management (for example, how to organize ones office for efficiency, how to manage client projects, how to manage speaking engagements, planning efficient use of time)

– Career paths for professional genealogists (for example, forensic genealogy, house histories, dual citizenship, conference planning, producing videos for clients, lineage society work, providing archiving services)

– Success stories that inspire (for example, solving a difficult research case, breaking into a new line of genealogical work, taking a risk and how it worked out)

– Washington, D.C. (for example, orientation to the city for first-time visitors, orientation to using a D.C. repository)

Successful proposals will offer innovative, unique, and out-of-the-box approaches to topics and to presentation and teaching methods. Presentations that feature case studies and practical examples, or that offer hands-on learning or discussion, are encouraged as they offer powerful learning opportunities for attendees.

ATTENDEE DEMOGRAPHICS FROM THE 2016 PMC

Half of attendees have been professional genealogists for five years or more and 56% hold a master’s or doctoral degree. 57% are lecturers themselves, and 37% are genealogical authors and writers. Almost all attendees (83%) offer genealogical research services for clients, and many hold or have held leadership positions in local, state, and national genealogical societies.

Successful proposals will recognize the knowledge, professionalism, and accomplishments of attendees and will seek to take their skills to the next level.

SUBMISSION DETAILS

Presentations must be new and original. They should not have been presented prior to the 2017 PMC other than at the local level. Individuals who submit multiple proposals will be considered for multiple presentations. Proposals from non-APG members will also be considered.

Submit proposals via email to admin@apgen.org in PDF format. Proposals are due by Friday, 23 December 2016.

Proposals must include the following:
– Name, address, phone number, and email address of the presenter(s)
– Title of the presentation and category (from the list above)
– Summary of the presentation (not to exceed 100 words)
– Detailed description of the presentation (not to exceed 1,000 words)
– Explanation of how the presentation meets demands faced by professional genealogists (50-75 words)
– Presenter biography highlighting qualifications and expertise in the proposed topic (75-100 words)
– Presenter experience: list of presentations given in the last 18 months, including topic, audience, and location
– Indicate whether or not you are willing to have your presentation recorded and broadcast for the virtual PMC (Granting permission does not guarantee your presentation will be recorded or broadcast.)
– Submit one PDF file per proposal. Name the file with your surname and the presentation title, for example SMITH Running a Genealogical Business.

Presenter Compensation
Presenters giving lectures or workshops will receive:

– Complimentary PMC registration and digital syllabus
– Lunch for the day of the presentation
– Reimbursement for flight or mileage at the current government rate up to $700

– All-inclusive honorarium per presentation:
$400 for a one-hour presentation by an individual or panel
$650 for a two-hour workshop
$550 for a one-hour keynote presentation

Presenters leading discussion groups will receive
$50 for a one-hour discussion group led by one or more individuals

Presenters providing poster sessions will receive
Complimentary PMC registration for a poster session

All one-hour presentation proposals will be considered for keynote spots.
Royalty payments for syllabus sales and recording of the live-streamed session following the conclusion of the PMC will be detailed in the speaker contract.

APG does not pay separate hotel costs.

Annette Lyttle
2017 PMC Coordinator

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APG PMC 2016 Recordings Now Available

Blog Post, Educational Opportunities,

If you weren’t able to attend the APG Professional Management Conference (PMC), you have a second chance to enjoy the classes!

*** Please note: the recordings are only available to APG members. If you wish to purchase them you will have to become a member. ***

Thirteen sessions were recorded and are available along with the handouts.  You can purchase all 13 For $160 or you can purchase individual recordings for $20 each. The syllabus can also be purchased separately for $13. Click here for more details.

Creating a Social Media Marketing Strategy with Marian Pierre-Louis

Creating a Social Media Marketing Strategy

One of my three sessions was recorded and is included in both the full download and individually.  Here are the details:

Title: Creating a Social Media Marketing Strategy
Speaker: Marian Pierre-Louis

Description: You may have a good handle on social media but are you really maximizing the benefit to your business? Every business-from solo practitioner to small firm to non-profit organization-should have a social media strategy. You should have specific goals and a plan so that your social media efforts will be targeted and help you see results that will reinforce your business. We’ll walk you through the steps to get you there.

More details here.

Here’s the official press release:

PMC Syllabus & Recordings for Sale

Did you miss the 2016 Professional Management Conference in Fort Wayne? Thirteen presentations were recorded and are now available, plus a PDF download of the full conference syllabus. Go to https://www.apgen.org/members/2016pmcrecordings.html to access the order form. The video recordings are $20 each, or you can order all 13 recordings for $160. The syllabus can be purchased for $13.

Recordings will be available online October 3 and will remain available for 90 days. A link to each recording will be sent to you via a separate email after purchase.

The following presentations are available:

* Ancestral Social Network Analysis – Michael Hait, CG

* Creating a Social Media Marketing Strategy – Marian Pierre-Louis

* Designing Effective Websites: Connecting with Your Intended Audience – Carla S. Cegielski

* Genealogy for Love and Money – Mary Tedesco

* Getting the Most Out of Y-DNA – Blaine T. Bettinger, J.D., Ph.D.

* Goal Setting for Genealogists – Janice Lovelace, Ph.D.

* Setting Rates as a Professional Genealogist – Billie Stone Fogarty, MEd

* State of the Profession [Opening Session]- Thomas W. Jones, PhD, CG, CGL

* Succession Planning for Your Genealogical Business – Kellie Jo Bergheimer, M.Ed., MSM

* Traveling for Clients: Unique Challenges and Opportunities – Mary Penner

* Working With a Client’s DNA – Blaine T. Bettinger, J.D., Ph.D.

* Working With an Editor: Get Published! – Christy Fillerup

* Writing About and Citing DNA Test Results – Thomas W. Jones, PhD, CG, CGL

 

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Post APG PMC Participation Wanted for Podcast

Accreditation, Blog Post, Uncategorized

The APG PMC 2016

I’m just back from the APG Professional Management Conference (PMC) and what a great time it was!

As the only conference specifically geared toward genealogy professionals I would like to do a post-PMC episode that focuses on the benefit people got out of specific sessions or just the conference in general.

I would love to hear from attendees, speakers, committee members and board members. This would involve a (up to) 15 minute recording of you for the episode.

If you have time to record on Tuesday or Friday and you’re willing to share your thoughts, please send me an email at contact@thegenealogyprofessional.com and please include your preference for day (Tuesday or Friday) and time of day.

Thanks!

Marian

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Ontario Genealogical Society accepting speaking proposals

Speaking Opportunities

Speaking Opportunity from the Ontario Genealogical Society

The Ontario Genealogical Society (OGS) is now accepting proposals from speakers for their monthly webinar series in 2017.

They  are looking for a wide range of one-hour webinar presentations.

TOPICS OF INTEREST

OGS  invites proposals on a wide range of topics, in particular:

  • Ontario-specific topics (laws, records, land, history, etc.)
  • Ethnic research (Scottish, Irish, English, African-Canadian, German, etc.)
  • Canadian military research
  • Loyalist research
  • Ontario land research
  • DNA/genetic genealogy
  • Methodology and skill-building
  • Technology and trends in genealogy
  • Interesting case studies (Ontario specific)
  • Organization and project/time management

COMPENSATION

Selected speakers receive an honorarium for each webinar presentation.

Speakers may submit up to three proposals for consideration. All submissions will be reviewed and only those who are selected will be contacted by October 10, 2016.

SUBMISSION

Learn more and submit a proposal.

DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS: October 2, 2016 – Noon (12:00 PM ET) If you have any questions please contact: webinar@ogs.on.ca

 

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New Mastermind Groups Starting Soon!

Mastermind Groups

New Mastermind Groups Starting Soon

Do you want some accountability to help push your genealogy business forward? Tired of working in isolation? How about joining a group of peers that will support, encourage, challenge and push you forward? A Mastermind Group will do all that!

Last year I started two Mastermind Groups. It was a year of adventure and experimentation. I’m pleased to be able to say that both groups have decided to continue for a second year. The participants of each group have bonded into a tight network, enjoying the support and camaraderie.

With the success of these groups, I’ve decided to start a few new groups.

What are Mastermind Groups?

Mastermind groups are small – limited to 10 people – and meet monthly. They are an opportunity for you to network and build relationships with genealogy professional colleagues while challenging you to grow your business. Each month you will share your successes and challenges and receive feedback, encouragement and constructive suggestions.

The meetings feature a main discussion topic, sometimes including an instructional video, that provides direction in using tools such as social media, direct mail, graphics and creating a successful online bio. Other times we discuss issues of ethics within our industry or share best practices for getting your daily job done.

You will be encouraged to be the best that you can be based on what you define as your goals and your personal business success. The key is having the information and know-how you need so that when you’re ready to implement new aspects of your business you have the background knowledge to make wise decisions.

Classes Start in March

Several new Mastermind Groups will be starting in March 2016.

You can find all the details here on The Genealogy Professional podcast Mastermind Page.

Any questions at all, please contact Marian Pierre-Louis.

The Secret of Success

Blog Post

The Lightbulb of Inspiration and Success by Ramunas Geciauskas
photo by Ramunas Geciauskas

The Secret of Success is in how you learn.

It’s the ability to take something seemingly unrelated to you and then turn it around into a benefit for your genealogy research or your business.

How many times have you attended a conference methodology talk? The speaker uses examples from one state, let’s say Texas. While exiting you hear one of the attendees say, “I didn’t get anything out of that talk. All the examples were from Texas and I don’t have any Texas ancestors!”

I can learn from absolutely every speaker. Sometimes I learn methodology tricks, sometimes I learn about new record groups and sometimes I learn how to become a better speaker. On occasion I learn what not to do while speaking. For me, every talk is a learning opportunity.

Yesterday I presented a webinar on using Facebook Pages for small business. In the webinar I very briefly mentioned a podcast episode that I listened to that really changed the way I approach Facebook Pages. It was an interview on the Social Media Marketing podcast where the host, Michael Stelzner, interviewed two women who run the Facebook page Quirky Momma.

The Quirky Momma page provides tips and inspiration to Moms in regards to kids activities. While it’s a nice page, it’s not really my thing and I don’t follow it.  The Quirky Momma ladies, however, have built their following to 1.5 million people on Facebook. The interview discusses their strategies for taking their page from less than 13,000 to over 50,000. As you can see they’ve gone way beyond that!

Many of the strategies in the interview don’t necessarily apply to me. I’m not willing to post to my page 200 or more times per week. Nor can I write multiple blog posts in one day. It worked for them but it won’t work for my lifestyle or work obligations. However, I still got lots out of the interview. I adapted many of their tricks by scaling them down. Or I just used the tricks that applied to me.

Success, inspiration and opportunity are right there in front of you every day. You just need change how you look at them.

Grab the ideas and make them work for you!

If you’ve adapted something you’ve seen or heard with success let us know in the comments. We could all use a little inspiration!

Replay: Starting from Scratch – Twitter for Small Businesses

Webinar

The replay of Tuesday’s webinar – Starting from Scratch – Twitter for Small Businesses is now available.

I’ve put it on YouTube (you can watch it below). It will be there for at least two weeks. I’m not sure yet if I’ll keep it up longer than that.

This is in HD so you can watch it full screen. Enjoy and let me know if you have any questions.

I’ll be doing a follow-up more advanced Twitter webinar after this initial 3-part series is over.

There are still two more free webinars in the series that you can sign up for!

Tuesday, October 20, 2015
Time zones: 12PM Eastern, 11AM Central, 10AM Mountain, 9AM Pacific, 4PM GMT.

“Starting from Scratch: Facebook Pages for Small Businesses”

Are you wondering if Facebook Pages are worth the time and effort? Have you heard that you have to pay for ads to get seen? Not sure what to post and when?

In this webinar Marian Pierre-Louis will introduce you to the world of Facebook Pages starting from scratch!  We will begin with creating an account then move on to what to post, how to attract new followers and a frank discussion about whether it’s worth it.

Register for the Webinar

Tuesday, October 27, 2015
Time zones: 12PM Eastern, 11AM Central, 10AM Mountain, 9AM Pacific, 4PM GMT.

“Starting from Scratch: Google+ for Small Businesses”

Not sure what Google+ is? Have you heard that no one is on
the site? Afraid of yet one more social media platform to take up your time?

In this webinar Marian Pierre-Louis will introduce you to the world of Google+ starting from scratch!  We will begin with creating an account then move on to how to post, why you used use collections and why Google+ is worth the effort.

Register for the Webinar

And here’s another opportunity:

Education – Webinar Practicum

TGP Webinar Practicum

Want to add webinars to your speaking repertoire? In part one of this webinar practicum you will learn best practices for conducting webinars. In part two you will work one-on-one with Marian Pierre-Louis to record your very own webinar!

More details here.

** NEW Workshop ** – Webinar Practicum

Workshops

TGP Workshop - Webinar PracticumHave you ever wanted to try presenting a webinar but were too scared? Do you want to add webinars to your list of services? Or perhaps you’d like to have a video recording of a webinar that you can share to demonstrate your speaking skills and experience?

Then this Webinar Practicum is for you!!

The Webinar Practicum consists of two parts:

Part 1 – Live webinar group training and Q&A

The first part is a live webinar that will teach you everything you need to know about preparing for and delivering webinars. We will discuss equipment, how to prepare your slides, how broadband impacts your presentation, best practices during the live webinar and much more! The one hour lecture will be followed by a question and answer session to address of your specific questions.

The live event will be Friday, October 23, 2015 at 12 noon EDT (New York time). If you’re not available for the live event you can still participate. A video recording will be made available to you and you will have the chance to ask any further questions via email.

Part 2 – One-on-One private recording session

The second part of Webinar Practicum includes a one-on-one recording session with Marian Pierre-Louis to be scheduled at your convenience (and hers). You will experience using the GoToWebinar interface firsthand and will record a presentation. You’ll be given a copy of the video for your own use so that you can share it with conference organizers to demonstrate your skills.

The purpose of the workshop will be to:

  • help you become comfortable with the GoToWebinar interface
  • teach you how to best prepare your presentation for broadband delivery
  • identify the right equipment to make you sound your best for presentations
  • devise strategies to overcome online live mistakes or mishaps
  • provide you with your own video copy of you presenting a webinar

Details

Please note: One-on-one recording sessions must be completed within four months of the live webinar presentation.

Price: US $49

Date:

Part 1 – Friday, 23 October 2015, 12pm EDT (New York time) /  9am PDT (California time)

Part 2 – scheduled at your convenience (60 minutes in length total)

Format: GoToMeeting

No refunds or cancellations after the live event.

Register for the Workshop