Schedules of previous PMC's: 2007, 2006, 2005,
2004, 2003, 2002,
2001, 2000, 1999,
1998.
For Speaker Biographies in previous PMC's check the APG directory.
The PMC conference sessions are taped (with the exception of 2006; please check the FGS conference by lecture title) and a special syllabus printed just for this event. The Professional Management Syllabus is a valuable resource for today's genealogist in business (or thinking of taking the plunge). You may order the PMC syllabus online. This syllabus will not be reprinted, so get your copy. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact Donna Moughty, APG Professional Management Conference Chairperson.
Five Fabulous Web Tools. Birdie Monk Holsclaw, CG, FUGA. This lecture will highlight five relatively unknown websites which will be of value to most professional genealogists. Reflecting recent Internet trends they offer a variety of free (upgraded services for a fee) services.
Rev Up Your Writer's Voice: Lively Writing fot the Professional Genealogist. Mary Penner. Don't let your writing send your readers to join their ancestors in an early grave. This lecture will show you how to wake up your writing and your readers by injecting some life into your writer's vein.
Preparing Client Reports: Dos, Don'ts, and Maybes. Thomas W. Jones, Ph.D., CG, CGL. This lecture will illustrate various essentials of preparing genealogical research reports that meet client needs and professional standards. Up-front agreements, efficient and effective research planning, and tips on how to avoid copyright squabbles will be included.
The Magazine Article: What to Write, How to Write It, and How to Get It Published. Loretto Dennis Szucs and Jennifer Utley. Get the latest tips on the kinds of articles that interest magazine editors, guidelines for writing acceptable articles, how to submit articles and the benefits of writing for publication.
Developing the Genealogy of a Communuty: An Extended Research Project. (2 hours) Timothy Pinnick. From his own long-term project the lecturer will illustrate how to use a variety of resources to collect information on groups within a specific community and how he used the material to uncover and document migration trails and write a community history.
If You Think You've Looked Everywhere... It's Time to Think Again. Meldon J. Wolfgang III. Come discover academic and scholarly resources used by non-genealogical researchers and hear how the tools used by historians, social scientists, demographers, and others can resolve genealogical dilemmas.
Stolen Ancestors: How to Identify, Reclaim, and Protect. James K. Jeffrey. Client work presents much pleasure, opportunity for professional growth and development, and—on occasion—reason to pause. Customers call upon our expertise in creating presentation pieces, to sort out confused lineages, and to break through brick walls. Discover how to quickly spot the confusion of persons, fabricated lineages, and fictional ancestors.
Kinship Theory for Genealogists. Carolyn Earle Billingsley, PhD. We as genealogists have long insisted that our field is a legitimate discipline closely akin to scholarly history, but efforts to construct a theory of genealogy have had mixed results. This lecture proffers the following: the central organizing principle in the discipline of genealogy is the reconstruction and analysis of kinship. This theoretical base defines genealogy and places the field at a point midway between, and equal in status, to history and anthropology.
Print on Demand: A Publishing Option for Genealogists. Jake Gehring and Birdie Monk Holsclaw, CG, FUGA. Learn about “print-on-demand,” a recently developed technology which can offer new publishing and marketing options for the professional genealogist. This lecture will present a description of this printing service, uses of the service by professionals, the pros and cons of the service, and vendors.
It’s a Small Biz: Genealogy Is Just the Product You Sell. Beverly Rice, CG. There is much to do and many facets to consider before you leave the world of a regular income, retirement accounts, and health insurance to become a small business owner. You must consider two separate entities that are co-dependent: the product (you and your genealogical skills) and the management of a small business, making a profit or at least not taking a loss. This lecture will focus on the balance between the two.
Pricing Your Services. Kory Meyerink, MLS, AG, FUGA. Pricing services may be the most mysterious aspect of running a business. Setting prices too high may result in not generating enough business to pay the bills and earn a decent living. Setting prices too low devalues the services offered and de-motivates the researcher, clearly an unprofitable way to run a business. Low prices will eventually bankrupt the business, especially when unexpected expenses arise.
The Part-Time Professional Genealogist: A Jekyll and Hyde Existence. Ann Mohr Osisek. This is a primer for those individuals considering careers as professional genealogists. What are the expectations, struggles, disappointments, and triumphs? This lecture will encourage others to forge ahead with their aspirations as professional genealogists and not become discouraged in the process. Balance, fortitude, and focus will be stressed. The importance of support network of family, friends, and the genealogical community will be discussed.
DNA Testing for the Professional Genealogist. Thomas Shawker, MD. This talk will explain the principles behind Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA tests for genealogy show how to interpret the results, and demonstrate how they can be used for genealogy. There will be a discussion, with examples, of what DNA test professionals should recommend to their clients, how the results should be interpreted, and what reference sources are available that professionals can use to advise their clients.
Role of the 21st Century Genealogist in International Probate Research. Eileen O’Duill, CG, CGL. In recent years, genealogists have become increasingly involved in the legal cases, particularly intestate matters. Identifying the nearest next-of- kin and documenting a relationship to the deceased requires research skills and determination. Rules of evidence as they apply to a genealogist’s work will be examined. Particular emphasis will be placed on ethics involved in locating the nearest next of kin.
Speaking!
George G. Morgan. Breaking into the national genealogical
conference speaking circuit can be frustrating but it can
be done. Program chairs are looking for new ideas and perspectives
about records, methodologies, and helpful electronic products
and services. Learn what they are really seeking and how to
break into the national conference business. This lecture
also will address speaking contracts and the pros and cons
of using transparencies or computer-based visual materials
to excite and educate audiences.
Shades of Gray, Sharon Tate
Moody, CGRS
Most people in our field want to do a good job and truly care
about their reputations. But everyone makes mistakes. What
happens when the mistake is one of ethics? Surprisingly, the
answers to ethical dilemmas aren’t always black and
white. They usually are a shade of gray. Through break-out
work groups, this two-hour interactive session will explore
several ethical dilemmas and their possible resolutions.
Tips, Tricks, and Secrets for
the Professional to Use While Researching at the Family History
Library, Paula Stuart-Warren,
CGRS
How do researchers who don’t have the convenience of
proximity to the FHL plan their research trips to fully utilize
the opportunity for the good of their clients? How do those
who use the FHL daily stay fresh, aware of changes, and comfortable
using the facility? An “outsider’s view”
is often a view to a different world than that of the daily
user.
Making Genealogy Pay Full Time,
Megan Smolenyak Smolenyak and James M. Beidler
Discover how to break through the “I can’t make
a full-time living from genealogy” paradigm using traditional
and unconventional approaches. Smolenyak and Beidler use their
own and others’ experiences to illustrate ways to build
a genealogical business.
Structuring a Successful Genealogical
Research Business,
Paula Stuart-Warren, CGRS
Paula earns her living in the field of genealogy and her lecture
will provide insight to strategies to help you develop and
maintain both the genealogical and the business-related skills
of a successful professional. Business structure, business
plans, fee structures, and advertising your business will
be discussed.
Marketing Techniques to Grow Your Business on a
Tight Budget, Karen Clifford, AG, FUGA
Marketing makes a business grow, but clients and sales are
what make you a success. Learn techniques and tools to bring
you the volume of business you want at a price you can afford.
Legal and Financial Considerations for Your Small
Business, Donna Moughty
Starting your home-based genealogy business may seem like
an easy task, but researching and understanding the legal
and financial obligations are as important as researching
a client’s genealogy. Have you registered your business
name? What are the state and local requirements for licenses
and taxes? How will you manage your accounting to keep your
business and personal finances separate?
Beginning to End, Birdie Monk Holsclaw, CG, FUGA
This lecture will show how one research project can
focus on different genealogical efforts. One project began
as research into over 150 pupils at a state school
for the deaf and blind. From that research one family that
was significant in Colorado history became the
focus of continued research, resulting in a successful certification
project. It also was the winner of the
NGS Family History Writing Contest. Presented in two sections,
the lecture will show professionals how to
approach a genealogical research problem from beginning to
end. The first section will focus on the
beginnings of the project and its evolution. The second section
will discuss more elements of the writing and
certification projects, committing to completion dates, finding
mini-projects, and multiple uses within a
larger project, seeking, and receiving support from mentors
and peers, and choosing the tools for the
projects (including software and office supplies).
Organizing Your Business Digitally, Pamela Boyer
Porter, CGRS, CGL
Would you like to put your hands quickly on a specific tax
receipt, client questionnaire, or the business brochure you
created three years ago? Designed for professional genealogists,
this session presents a plan for scanning and keeping business
files at your fingertips. Emphasis will be on determining
a usable directory structure and then using PaperPort®
or similar software to scan and manage papers. Includes demonstration
of PaperPort® features.
Just a Few Ways to Get the
Ink on the Paper - Craig R. Scott, CGRS
Publishing as a professional can be an interesting experience.
Do you self-publish? Do you need a publisher? How should you
price it? Can you really make a living doing this? What will
the reviews say?
Effective Communications in
the Age of Technology - Michael J. Leclerc
Communication is essential for professional genealogists.
Discover new ways of using technology to assist with information
management and communicating with clients, fellow researchers,
and others. In these fast-moving, information overload days
it is more vital than ever to maintain your contacts. Learn
how to use computers, cell phones, and other twenty-first
century tools to keep up-to-date with friends, coworkers,
and the latest news in the genealogical community.
Quality, Time, and Completion:
Developing a Research Plan (Part One) - J. Mark Lowe, CG
Our clients expect a quality research product focused on their
specific questions and completed in a reasonable time. The
probability of creating a successful research project is greatly
enhanced when the project begins with a precise statement
of research goals and reasoning for the process. This workshop
will focus on the professional’s effort to balance time,
quality and completion of a research project. The first segment
will look at the process from research concept to logistics
including the conflicting issues between the researcher and
the client. This will include the movement from basic data
collection, evaluation and analysis to the development of
a direction and specific actions.
Quality,
Time, and Completion: Developing a Research Plan (Part Two)
- J. Mark Lowe, CG
This section will take a closer look at the focus of research
plans used by professionals. Practical examples will be shared
and a step-by-step process will be included. We will continue
the development of a research plan using these guidelines.
Using real-life examples and patterns from busy professionals,
learn how to make plans that work for you. Acceptable professional
standards, resources and examples will be emphasized.
College
and Adult Education Level Teaching
- John W. Konvalinka, CGRS, CGL
A college/adult level teaching experience can:
1. Help build your genealogical practice through direct requests
for genealogical services and referrals by your students,
2. increase your stature and credentialing in your community
which can lead to additional opportunities to address groups
and participate in programs,
3. keep your research skills and genealogical knowledge up
to date by responding to questions of mature students who
have done genealogical research for years.
Come and participate in the discussion (which was begun at
the APG Roundtable in Sacramento) of how to develop curricula
which are responsive to the needs of beginning as well as
experienced genealogists, and to share our teaching experiences
- including how we are dealing with the changes and new challenges
of teaching genealogy in the world of computers and online
services.
Applying
the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS) in Difficult Situations:
Client Research with Unexpected Results
- Helen F. M. Leary, CG
The Genealogical Proof Standard, as it applies
to client research, requires that (1) reasonably exhaustive
research be done in appropriate records; (2) all sources for
the facts offered in evidence be cited; (3) analysis of each
evidence item recognize relevant background data about the
particular family’s life patterns and the era’s
legal, societal, and religious habits and restrictions; (4)
the evidence be correlated and conclusions be based on its
sum, rather than on selected bits and pieces; (5) conclusions
be logical and impartial; and (6) the explanation of those
conclusions be coherent and faithful to findings and analyses.
The lecture will illustrate how applying this standard allows
the professional researcher to answer a client’s question
with assurance. Two case studies will be presented. The first
(a three-hour commission) relates to the ancestor’s
military service during the Revolution; the second (an open-ended
commission) relates to tracking the paternal lines from a
known ancestor to the American immigrant. In both cases, the
GPS kept the research on-target and directed it to records
and analyses that answered the clients’ original questions.
Word Processing Tricks for Professional Genealogists -
Pamela Boyer Porter, CGRS, CGL
Make your word processor work for you! Learn to customize
quickly with templates, styles, and graphics. Use your word
processor's automatic features to produce faster, more efficient
work results. You may be surprised how easy it is to learn
a new word processing trick and how much it helps in your
work. It takes time to learn new features of your program,
but the investment pays off in time saved when you have practiced
and memorized the new trick. Learn to customize your word
processing documents with templates and style sheets to make
later work or changes much easier. See a hands-on demonstration
of how easy it is to use advanced features that many users
never explore: inserting graphic images and wrapping text
around them; copying a graphic from a Web site; sorting a
list; automatically generating a list of figures, table of
contents, or index; and setting up headers and footers for
double-sided printing. Hosts of other practical word processing
tricks are presented to help genealogists organize their research
and have time for more!
But I'm Ethical! What good is the Professional Review
Committee to me? - Elissa Scalise Powell
Whether you need its service or not, the Professional Review
Committee still works for you by contributing to the greater
good of high standards and protecting the public interest,
which enhances the value of an APG membership. Understanding
the Code of Ethics that every APG member signs is just the
first step in raising awareness of ethical standards. Every
professional also has a part to play in maintaining these
standards and uplifting public awareness for the greater good
of genealogy as a profession. Protecting the public from those
who do not abide by the standards is a job for every professional
with the help of the Professional Review Committee. The PRC
hears up to a dozen cases per year and takes appropriate actions.
The lecture will explain the process, present samples cases,
and discuss some of the ways to educate the public.
Conversations with Old Houses: What They Can Tell Us and
How to Ask - Helen F. M. Leary, CG, CGL, FASG
The two case studies presented here demonstrate how house-history
techniques and methods can enrich our genealogical research
and reporting and can expand our array of client offerings.
In these days of a "soft" economy, professionals whocan no
longer depend on a few affluent clients must attract new clients
by (1) lowering rates or (2) expanding the range oflient services.
Because the second alternative is certainly more appetizing
than the first, this lecture explores possibilities for historic-house
research in two case studies that demonstrate how genealogical
techniques (and records)can be used to good effect.
Genealogy ... Where's the Money? Making this career work
for you! - Louise St. Denis
A career in genealogy! Challenging issues for genealogists:
business plan, accounting, credibility, management and marketing
strategies. Evaluating business type: employment vs entrepreneurship.
You made a decision, a career in genealogy! You've been working
in this field for a while now but `Where's the money'? This
lecture will discuss the many challenging issues of earning
a living as a self-employed genealogist. We will discuss earning
credibility and respect not only from the public but also
from your peers; upgrading your skills to take advantage of
new resources and tools; preparing a business plan, reviewing
this plan and making it work for you; accounting requirements
and procedures to help you review where you're going and highlighting
potential areas needing improvement; marketing strategies,
it's easier to keep a client than to find a new client; increasing
your activity levels by expanding your services; hiring employees
or sub-contracts; and various management styles. Evaluating
your aptitude will also determine if you should seek employment
versus entrepreneurship. Various employment opportunities
in your chosen field will also be discussed.
Privacy: What it is, who it belongs to, why it matters
- Donn Devine
What can you say, write or publish about other people without
infringing their right of privacy? Find who it protects, what
it includes, how far it extends, and the consequences for
violating it. What can you say, write or publish about other
people without infringing their privacy rights? Privacy as
a legal issue includes concepts from different branches of
law--property, tort or injury, contract, criminal, and civil
rights. Who it protects, what it includes, how far it extends,
and the consequences for violating itžespecially by a professional
who might be presumed to know betteržare among the topics
that this presentation will cover, using an interactive conference
approach with those attending encouraged to ask questions
and offer comments as topics are developed.
APG and Genealogy Education - Tony Burroughs
Many of us take genealogy classes, others teach genealogy.
Join a discussion on improving genealogy education; getting
it taught in schools, and institutionalizing genealogical
education within APG. Many of us have taken classes in genealogy,
and many of us teach genealogy. I've been teaching genealogy
for twelve years and realized teaching is different than lecturing.
I have often wondered what my students are actually learning.
I then realized genealogy teachers need to discuss methods
of teaching, sources, curriculum, ideas, problems and concerns.
In addition, we all believe that genealogy should be taught
in elementary and secondary schools and colleges. We complain
about students being able to get degrees in history, but not
in genealogy. However, have we answered the questions, how
is that accomplished, and what are we doing about it? Join
a discussion, brainstorming, and networking session to share
ideas to improve genealogical education; get genealogy into
the classrooms; and institutionalize genealogical education
within APG. This is not a session just for teachers.
Some questions to consider:
What is the difference between teaching and lecturing?
What should be included in elementary, secondary and higher
education genealogy curriculums?
How should genealogy education differ from the elementary
school, to the middle school, to the high school, to the college
level?
How can genealogy become a college degree program?
How can genealogy be required in elementary and secondary
schools?
How can APG be a catalyst to meet these ends?
The Discipline of Writing: Teach yourself to express yourself
- Sherry Irvine, B.A., CGRS, FSA Scot
Report, syllabus, article, book - every genealogist writes.
Good expression means linking thought to language that is
intelligible, interesting and definitely yours. This lecture
is one author's view of learning to write. Writing is an important
part of the work of every professional. In any facet of genealogy,
writing must have clarity and coherence; it must be interesting
and unambiguous. Language provides the tools for good expression
but technical skill alone is not enough. Discipline produces
good writing but has little to do with countless hours at
a desk. In this lecture a full-time writer and teacher looks
at the attributes, abilities and habits that generate good
writing. This is not a discussion of form and style but ten
straightforward `rules' for successful writing.
Researching On-site for Clients - James W. Warren
This session offers tips and tools for the unique challenges
of on-site client research. Suggestions for on-site methods
are supplemented by ideas for preparation, travel, reporting,
and follow up. This session offers options, tools, and tips
for conducting "field research" for clients. Whether across
the state or across the country, how can your client research
trips be as productive and enjoyable as possible? A handful
of the realities common to almost any genealogical research
trip will be mentioned. But this session focuses on the unique
challenges and opportunities for professionals conducting
on-site client research. What's different, and what's not?
Should you travel? What do you need to learn, evaluate, and
do in advance? When is a trip worthwhile? How do you educate
your clients and justify travel and expenses? What works regarding
your time, fees, expenses, transportation, accommodations,
food, communicating, colleagues, repositories, computers,
accounting, copies, and client reports? How do other professionals
accomplish the most, suffer the least, and accommodate the
unforeseen? Practical suggestions throughout will help you
answer those questions for yourself when making decisions
regarding on-site trips.
Branch Out: Expanding Your Business Beyond Client Research
- Paula Stuart Warren
Do you need more income or a career change? Learn about other
options and ways to find and prepare for them. What can you
do if you need a resume and portfolio of your work in the
genealogical field? Have you reached the point in your research
business where you need more income or variety in your work?
You may simply need to level out the income gaps between client
projects. Perhaps, like professionals in many other occupations,
you may be seeking a career change. This session covers a
variety of opportunities and ways for you to make your own.
What can you do with the education and skills you have now
to find challenging projects to produce both added income
and satisfaction, or that will eventually lead to a change?
Hear a bakeržs dozen of other options, along with ways to
prepare for them. Learn what to do with resumes, letters of
recommendation, and a portfolio of your work. Over many years
the presenter has worked in a wide variety of areas related
to genealogy. Top
The Alien Adventures: Working with Non-genealogical and
Community Organizations - Sandra MacLean Clunies, CG
Challenges and rewards for a professional genealogist's outreach
into new galaxies.
Have you ever felt like a visitor from another planet when
invited to be "the" genealogist for a project? No one else
speaks your language and there are no interpreters to assist!
How do you impact and interact with the project planners and
producers? What concessions and changes will need to be made
in order to make the experience a positive one for everyone?
This presenter recently spent over a year on just such a project,
which produced a huge "family reunion" of over 1200 participants,
and a commemorative book which sold out a first edition of
5,000 copies within a month of publication. Most of the preparation
work was done long-distance through e-mail and fax.
What to Charge for Genealogy Products and Services - Linda
Brinkerhoff
Do you want to make a profit? Profit is a matter of cost-effective
prices. Examine key factors to consider.
The purpose of marketing is to make enough money to stay in
business. Do you want to make a profit? Profit is a matter
of cost-effective prices. This session will examine the key
factors considered in the pricing of each product and service
you offer, whether you are selling research, how-to books,
lectures, etc. Each aspect will be taken into account: time
outlay, copy fees, travel expenses, books ordered, films ordered,
photos developed, replacement costs, and others. Marketing
concerns will also be addressed. There is enough work for
each genealogist to stay busy and profitable.
Genealogy Marketing & Advertising - A Matter of Presentation
- Arlene Eakle
How presentation and unique selling positions attract clients.
Presentation is a major factor in SUCCESS. The way in which
you speak, write, teach, quote, sound on the phone; the testimonials
you collect: this is all strategic, deliberate presentation.
This session will address creative and profitable ways of
marketing and advertising your products and services to the
public. Information on marketing tips and etiquette will be
covered. Also included are ways to determine your "unique
selling points" and how best to use these hidden assets in
your advertising. These assets are a powerful tool in attracting
clients, students, or speaking engagements. Genealogy is genealogy.
How you present yourself and your work is marketing.
Project Management and Professional Genealogy: The Perfect
Marriage - Roger Miller and Julie Miller
How to use basic project management concepts to help enhance
your genealogy business.
Could you be managing your projects better? Genealogy projects
come in all different sizes and complexity. A project is a
sequence of tasks with a beginning and end that creates a
unique product or service such as a research report, a book
or article, a lecture or classroom lesson and a society seminar.
Project management provides structure and coordinates activities
that need to be done to complete a project successfully. In
this lecture, you will learn to use knowledge, skills, tools
and techniques to ensure that your project goals are met.
This presentation will discuss the four phases of a project-initiation,
planning, execution, and closeout. After attending this presentation,
you will understand the importance of managing every project's
scope, time, cost, quality, human resources, risk, procurement,
and communications. Also, you will find out that the integration
of these knowledge areas is required to have a successful
project. Everyone can save time and money by using these simple
techniques. A genealogy case study using project management
concepts will be presented.
Get Published! From Proposal to Publication - Sharon DeBartolo
Carmack, CGRS
There's no better time to be a genealogical writer. Scholarly
journals, popular magazines, online sites, and book publishers
are looking for material. All reach a different audience,
all of them need writers, and almost all of them pay you for
your submission. After defining each type of market, learn
how to identify the right publisher for your article or book
idea, then how to pitch your idea to an editor. Should you
send the completed manuscript or a query or proposal? Can
you send your idea to more than one editor at a time? How
do you write a query or book proposal? What are the going
rates for genealogical writers? This presentation will answer
all of these questions, plus provide you with an overview
of publishing contracts, and what to expect during every phase
when working with an editor or publisher.
Structuring a Successful Genealogical Research Business
- Paula Stuart Warren, CGRS
As someone who actually earns her living in the field of genealogy,
I am often approached for tips on the successful operation
of a research business. This lecture provides insight to strategies
that may help to develop and maintain both the genealogical
and the business related skills of a successful professional.
The necessary combination of research skills and developed
business acumen is often overlooked, but is quite necessary
to make your living doing the research and related activities
you enjoy.
This lecture will discuss tips on business structure, following
a business plan, setting fees, and advertising your business.
Developing your genealogical expertise, establishing a positive
reputation, networking, and keeping abreast of the rapid changes
in the field can be a full-time job in itself. This lecture
will provide suggestions on how to balance these many components
of your business. Many research businesses have become stagnant
and need to change to assure themselves a viable living.
The Final Product for Your Client - Kathleen W. Hinckley,
CGRS
Explore the variety of methods to present results: report,
compiled genealogy, charts - or maybe something more innovative!
People Handling: Clients, Suppliers and Peers - Gary Mokotoff
Discussion of such aspects as the art of negotiating, M-projects,
the pregnancy rule and other considerations of dealing with
people (if you don't know what an "M-project" is then you
need to be here!).
Interaction with people is an essential part of professional
genealogy. You will never be a successful professional unless
you know how to motivate suppliers, gain the respect of your
peers, convert prospects into clients, and keep customers
happy. This lecture will discuss various ways to achieve these
goals. Using actual case studies it will cover such concepts
as the importance of putting agreements in writing; how to
negotiate, not bargain; what to do when the problem is your
fault; name dropping; how not to turn down business because
you are too busy; breaking the client/vendor barrier; M-projects;
the Pregnancy Rule; and other factors.
Doing It All: Juggling Multiple Genealogy Projects Without
a Clone - Sharon DeBartolo Carmack
How to organize and manage your many projects. You don't have
to be a workaholic to be successful.
Show me a professional genealogist who isn't juggling multiple
projects, and I'll show you someone who isn't making a living
at professional genealogy. When we hung out our shingle, little
did we realize that we would have to be a combination researcher,
writer, lecturer, instructor, business entrepreneur, and more
to make a decent living from genealogy. Add to these hats
all the volunteer projects we either manage or are part of.
Is there a way to accomplish all these tasks and stay sane
without needing a clone of yourself? Learn how to organize
and manage your many projects while working only a five- or
six-day week, allowing time each evening to spend with family,
watch TV, or read a novel, and get a full night's sleep. You
don't have to be a workaholic to be a successful professional
genealogist!
Personal History is not Genealogy - Elizabeth A. Wright
Elizabeth Wright's presentation will demonstrate how genealogists
and personal historians can work together in perfect partnership.
She will address, among other things: How both genealogists
and personal historians strive to save us all from what Isabel
Allende describes as, "the terrible curse of oblivion"; The
similarities and differences in the work of these practitioners;
Why the work of both is essential to creating the family portraits
which will be the legacy for future generations; The need
for high performance standards in the work we do; How working
together benefits both genealogists and personal historians
by providing greater business opportunities for both Top
Advanced Methodology - Jeff Haines
Dealt with the paradox that the methodologies required to
solve difficult problems are often too time-consuming for
the client's pocketbook. This lecture discussed the use of
advanced methods and genealogical problem solving in a professional
setting. There is a paradox that the methodologies required
to solve difficult problems are often too time-consuming for
many clients to pay for. This talk examined research efficiency,
reporting styles, and client education as ways to more successfully
incorporate advanced methods into a thriving genealogical
practice.
Developing Genealogy Courses for the Adult Learner - Beverly
Rice
This lecture focused on the varying aspects of structuring
a program for the adult learner. It described "a class", ranging
from the original proposal and class plan to the follow up
student critique forms. The lecture addressed the rewards
and problems associated with implementing and maintaining
a genealogy program for the adult learner.
Internet Teaching: Great Opportunities, Great Differences
- Sherry Irvine
From concept, to design, to presentation - step-by-step story
of a course. This followed a journey from the initial thrill
of the possibilities down the twisty road of challenges faced
by a teacher without a classroom.
Power to the People via PowerPoint 2000 - Louise St. Denis
Make great multimedia slide shows for lectures, family reunions,
and give visual impact to clients reports. Add voice overs
and video files. Not just for lectures anymore, the versatility
of PowerPoint 2000 makes great multimedia slide shows for
family reunions and gives visual impact to client reports.
Professional Agreements - Donn Devine
Contracts with clients, lecture sponsors, publishers, copyright
assignments and privacy agreements.
Professional Word-processing Tips - Pat Hatcher
Improve product presentation, efficiency, and research skills
maximizing word processing software.
How to Really Make a Living at Genealogy - Craig Scott
Research, authoring, lecturing, publishing, and selling; short
term revenue vs. long term revenue. Top
Standards for Professional Genealogists - Thomas W. Jones,
CG
Clients, consumers, and colleagues expect the work of professional
genealogists to conform to a range of professional, ethical,
and research standards regardless of whether the professional
is a researcher, author, editor, teacher, or publisher. This
presentation will describe those standards and their importance
to individual professionals, their clients, and the profession
as a whole. In any field, conformity to standards distinguishes
professionals from others. This is especially true in the
genealogy field with its large number of novices, limited
involvement in academic systems, and historical taint of charlatanism.
This presentation will describe the standards that distinguish
genealogists whose work can be considered professional whether
that work is client or personal research, writing, editing,
teaching, or producing genealogical materials. Examples will
illustrate four broad categories of standards:
1. ethical standards, which include standards of behavior
and professional practice;
2. information-collection standards, which describe how professionals
do genealogical research;
3. evidence-analysis standards, which describe how genealogical
professionals arrive at credible conclusions; and
4. compilation standards, which address how professionals
present their products for use by clients and consumers.
Emphasis will be on how adherence to standards enables the
achievement of professionalism, provides status and protection
for professionals, and fosters confidence in consumers. The
presentation concluded with an explanation of how credentialing
makes adherence to standards explicit and public, and how
such public recognition of standards-attainment benefits individual
professionals, clients, consumers, and the profession as a
whole.
Internet, Copyright and the Professional Genealogist -
Cyndi Howells
Our obligation, as professionals, is to be prepared to teach
and/or disseminate information to all genealogists.
Practical Time Management for the Genealogical Professional
- Charles Healy, PhD.
This session will present principles of time management and
will describe how to manage work projects, business concerns,
and continuing educational opportunities in concert with the
context of an overall life balance. Following the lecture
on time management we'll then provide an opportunity for inter-active
and immediate, practical application of the concepts taught
earlier. This "hands-on" session will provide an opportunity
for interactive and immediate, practical application of the
concepts taught in the previous session (Part I). Attendance
in the Part I session, while not required, would optimize
the experience of the Part II session.
Producing Quality Reports - Jeffrey Haines, CG
A discussion of standards good client reports should meet.
Different types of reports will be explored, and examples
of sound practice will be demonstrated. The client report
is the basic product of most genealogical research practices.
It is essential that this product meet generally accepted
standards of quality for such a business to be successful.
This lecture will discuss these standards and apply them to
reports resulting from different kinds of research projects
(e.g., record searches, lineage construction, problem solving).
The talk will also include a number of tips and practical
ideas for those extra touches that can turn a solid report
into a real client pleaser. The session will conclude with
coverage of techniques to assist with the actual writing of
the report and with a discussion of billing issues.
Communicating With & Educating Clients - panel (Sheila
Benedict, Gary Mokotoff, George Ott, Gordon Remington)
Successful methods so both parties understand the objectives.
How much educating does a professional need to do? The goal
of this panel is to relate to those considering professional
genealogy the need for communicating and educating clients.
A successful working relationship between client and professional
researcher requires open communication from the beginning
to the conclusion of a project. Each panel members will cover
those aspects unique to their business that have worked for
them and Sheila Benedict will use her portion of the panel
discussion to cover schooling, certification, and professional
standards that have worked for her.
People Handling: Clients, Suppliers and Peers - Gary Mokotoff
Interaction with people is an essential part of professional
genealogy. You will never be a successful professional unless
you know how to motivate suppliers, gain the respect of your
peers and keep customers happy. This lecture will focus on
proven methods of accomplishing these goals. Situations to
be discussed include (1) the difference between negotiating
and bargaining; (2) how to respond to potential customers
who say "do good by me and I will bring you a lot of business"
(Answer: the M-project response), (3) clients who want their
work completed in an unreasonable amount of time (Answer:
the pregnancy effect response) and many others.
Adoption & Missing Heir Research - Kathleen W. Hinckley,
CGRS
The pros and cons of specializing in adoption, missing heir
and unclaimed property research. Presentation will include
marketing, client expectations, fee structures, types of competition
and networking.
Writing for Scholarly Journals - Patricia Law Hatcher,
CG
Who, What, When, Where, Why, How, and Which of writing articles
- a candid discussion full of practical advice, discussing
questions ranging from Who should write articles? [the answer
is "not everyone"] to Which journal should I write for? [the
answer is "depends"]. Both professionals and family historians
will learn the secrets of getting articles into print.
WHY write for a scholarly journal? (Hint: money is not the
answer) WHO should write for a scholarly journal? WHO should
NOT write for a scholarly journal? WHAT should you write?
WHEN should you write/submit? HOW to submit successfully WHERE
should you submit?
Serious Marketing for the Serious Businessperson - Elizabeth
Kerstens, CGRS
One of the most crucial elements of running an effective business
is marketing. Most businesses need new clients in order to
survive. This lecture will discuss the elements of writing
an effective marketing plan, determining hot to set prices,
packaging and labeling your services, and reaching out to
atypical markets. While word-of-mouth advertising works for
many genealogists, relying on only that can be the downfall
of any business. Advanced marketing lecture--not the basics.
Top
Preparing to Become a Professional: Goals and Options
- Helen F. M. Leary, CG
As you prepare to become a professional you will need to take
an inventory of your skills, define your goals, establish
priorities, and adjust attitudes.
The Nuts and Bolts of Genealogical Teaching and Lecturing
- Paula Stuart Warren
Sharing your genealogical expertise through lectures and classes
can be rewarding and also add to your genealogical income
and client base. Topics to be covered include: "Are You Ready?";
broadening your expertise; getting hired; making arrangements
and handling fees, expenses, and contracts.
More Financial Issues for the Professional - Nancy Emmert
Incorporation pros and cons for genealogical businesses; preparing
and using a business plan; using accounting software for your
business.
"How to Get Famous" - Tony Burroughs
Publicity is fun and easy and it enhances your reputation
and enables you to charge higher fees. This presentation will
include proven techniques of starting from nothing and getting
on radio, tv, magazines and newspapers; creating inexpensive,
dynamic flyers, brochures and press kits; and building your
portfolio.
Selling, Authoring, Publishing: Building Success on a
Shoestring - Sherry Irvine
Once a genealogist, always a genealogist, which is why mixing
selling, authoring and publishing isn't a crazy thing to do.
In fact, drawing upon all your skills gives you confidence,
and broadens your base. This is not about making a million
in retail but it is about success. The lecture helps you:
ask yourself the right questions; learn the rules for building
retail trade; make the mixture fit; and recognize some common
mistakes.
Professional Growth Through Mentoring - Kathleen W. Hinckley
and Sharon Boatwright
Mentors can teach, advise, open doors, provide exposure and
give encouragement. Each step of the process from finding
a mentor, defining types of mentors, and specific examples
of mentoring situations will be presented. Top
Professional Genealogy as a Business: Genealogical compensation, setting fees, calculating overhead, etc. - Gary Mokotoff
Financial Management for your Genealogy Business: accounting, taxes, record keeping - Nancy Emmert
The Professional Office. Equipment and shortcuts - Eileen Polakoff
Written Agreements with Clients & Others. Agreements with clients including fees, terms, understanding of undertaking, confidentiality, and publication. Agreements with others: sub-contracts, copyright, writing for publication. - Donn Devine, Paula Warren, Lou Sczucs
Managing Multiple Clients and Large Research Projects - James Warren
Branch Out: Don't just do genealogy client research. Writing newspaper columns, magazine articles and books, doing historial research, and self-publishing can generate a healthy income. This lecture will include tips on how to step out of the hourly billing mindset. - Dawn Slater-Putt and Paula Warren Top
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