TGP 37 – Elaine Hannon, Irish Genealogy

Featured Guest

Elaine Hannon

Elaine Hannon owns Elaine Hannon Genealogy, a genealogy research business based near Dublin, Ireland that reconnects people to their Irish families.

A search to locate her American grandfather stoked Elaine’s interest in genealogy after her secretarial assistant career ended when her boss, a government official, retired. At the urging of her husband, Elaine sought formal education to fuel her passion. After an intensive three months, she earned a Diploma in Family History – Genealogy from Independent College in Dublin. Elaine then opened Elaine Hannon Genealogy in 2011.

In this episode, Elaine discusses how she started a new genealogy business, to include taking a social media course, attracting clients, and finding a focus. Her guiding motto as she has grown a successful business is “Start small, and work your way big.”

Elaine was born in Dublin, Ireland and now lives in County Meath, within a short train ride to Dublin’s research facilities. Elaine obtained a Diploma in Family History Research (Genealogy), ICM Professional Development Award. This course was run through the Independent College of Dublin in Spring 2011. The Diploma course is delivered in conjunction with the Accredited Genealogists Ireland (AGI). Elaine is a member of the Accredited Genealogists Ireland (Formerly the Association of Professional Genealogists in Ireland), Irish Genealogical Research Society of Ireland (IGRS) and the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG).

Elaine is a listed Researcher with the National Archives of Ireland and the National Library of Ireland.

Contact Links

Facebook Page – Elaine Hannon

Website – Elaine Hannon Genealogy

Other Links

Diploma in Family History – Genealogy from Independent College Dublin

Irish Genealogical Research Society of Ireland (IGRS)

Accredited Genealogists Ireland (AGI)

Association of Professional Genealogists (APG)

Facebook Page – Irish Roots Hunters

One Action Genealogists Can Take Right Now

Seek formal training. It will get you on the right track so you will feel confident in your own research.

Recommended Book

Tracing Your Irish Ancestors  by John Grenham

Productivity Tool

Family Tree Maker – software to simplify clients’ family trees (undergoing change in ownership)

Advice

Do not give up. Try, try again. Once you start, keep at it.  It’s not going to happen overnight.  It will all turn out right in the end, as they say in Ireland.

Action Item

It is interesting to hear how genealogists around the world get their education and how they start their businesses. Elaine used the internet and Facebook to attract new clients. In the past, Elaine Hannon was a Genealogist Adviser for Irish Roots Magazine on their Facebook page where she gave advice and guidance on tracing your Irish ancestors and all aspects of Genealogy/Irish Family History. This was a great step in promoting herself as a professional Genealogist and her genealogy business.

ACTION:

Elaine talked about using Facebook as a form of marketing. While it may not be practical for you to partner with a magazine, you can still make the most of Facebook. First, do some market research. Search Facebook for groups that cover the topic of your niche. For instance, if you do French Canadian genealogy then search for French Canadian groups. Second, join the groups and get involved. Don’t ask people for business. Instead, provide value. Answer questions, be helpful and share your expertise. It will be the first steps in building relationships with your potential target market.

Direct link to this post: http://www.thegenealogyprofessional.com/elaine-hannon

NEWS

2 upcoming, new Mastermind groups:

A Mastermind is a 12-month group coaching session for genealogy professionals to discuss goals, strategize plans, and for members to get support and encouragement for achieving business success. Marian leads two Mastermind groups which are limited to 10 members each. These groups are most ideal for genealogists who have completed either the ProGen course or the BU Certificate program.

Two new Mastermind groups will be starting in March 2016. You can find information about signing up either on The Genealogy Professional website or on the Marian Pierre-Louis Facebook page.  The cost is $99 per person for the year. Sign up quickly because there are limited spots and no extra groups will be added.

* NEW * Facebook group for The Genealogy Professional podcast:

The new Genealogy Professional (TGP) podcast Facebook group is free and a place to talk about the action items from the show and to ask questions. Join the group by signing up for the mailing list on The Genealogy Professional website.  You’ll receive an invitation via email to join the Facebook group.