Past Professional Management Conferences

Schedules of previous PMC's: 2011,2010, 2009, 2008, 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.

Annual APG Professional Management Conference, September 9-10, 2011 in Springfield, Illinois

The Small Business Administration and the Transitional Genealogist - Mary Clement Douglass
As genealogists, we tend to forget we're also entrepreneurs. The Small Business Planner takes you step by step from determining if you are ready to start your own business, to starting and managing your business, through planning your exit strategy.

Developing Genealogical Skills: Mentoring from Novice to Expert - Melinde Lutz Sanborn, FASG, CG
Mentoring genealogists takes many forms, everything from teaching by example to full-time employment of apprentices. This one-hour presentation will cover the full spectrum and include examples from several well-known genealogists' careers.

Apps Galore for the Professional Genealogist - Pamela Boyer Sayre, CG, CGL and Rick Sayre, CG
In this session, the instructors will discuss and demonstrate applications for the iPhone and iPad, from genealogy to deed-platting to GoogleEarth. These apps can also help a professional genealogist run their business as they can be used for accounting, contact management, and file sharing. Live demonstrations from the iPhone and iPad will be shown on the projector, enabling attendees to see the usefulness of these apps for themselves.

Think Like A Targeted Marketer: One Marketing Plan Does NOT Fit All - Natasha Crain, MBA
In a 2009 PMC presentation, Natasha Crain introduced what may be the first market segmentation of genealogy consumers, based on an analysis of hundreds of people who have contacted or hired professional researchers. The 2009 lecture focused on presenting detailed portraits of the 10 unique segments uncovered by her research, including demographics, motivation for genealogy research, attitudes, and demands on the genealogist.

As a follow up to the 2009 presentation, Crain is now back to lead a hands-on workshop to guide participants in gaining a sophisticated understanding of HOW to effectively market to a chosen target segment. The four largest segments from her research - Casual Seekers, Targeted Seekers, Affluently Curious, and Avid Hobbyists will be used as case studies in how different consumer groups require vastly different marketing plans. Emphasis will be placed on discussion of the key tactical marketing questions of product/service development, pricing, and promotion/advertising.

In the first hour of this two-hour workshop, participants will break into four groups, with each group being assigned one segment of focus. Groups will be asked to discuss and brainstorm answers to given marketing questions for their segment. Focus will be on encouraging participants to learn to think from their segment's perspective what would and would NOT appeal to that consumer group.

In the second hour, each group will be asked to present their thoughts on each question, in order to compare and contrast the necessary marketing approaches by segment. In this way, groups will have the opportunity to quickly see how different segments require different thinking.

The objective for the workshop is that participants will come away with a powerful understanding of HOW to tailor their marketing tactics for their own target segment(s).

Annual APG Professional Management Conference, August 17, 2010 in Knoxville, Tennessee

From the Trenches: How We Manage Clients, Time, and Projects - Laura Prescott
We'll explore the working world of our colleagues, review some of their best habits, and learn how they improved upon the not-so-good ones. Get a sneak peek into the offices of professional genealogists who have learned "in the trenches" how to efficiently manage their time, customers, and projects.

A Key to Success: Your Online Presence - D. Joshua Taylor
In the 21st century, the online presence of any professional is essential to their success. This lecture will challenge professionals to think "outside the box" of a standard website, focusing on multiple online tools that can be used for their business. Specific topics will include Facebook, eBay, wiki technology, GoogleDocs, blogs, twitter, and other tools to market themselves and their businesses. Discussions of online security and privacy concerns will also be included, as well as techniques to use an online presence to communicate, share documents, and connect with a client.

Overcoming Obstacles that Interfere with Genealogical Research - Anne J. Miller, Ph.D.
This presentation helps genealogical professionals understand how various psychological characteristics can either be an asset that leads to more successful research outcomes or an obstacle that interferes with the research process. Our problem-solving styles as well as our assumptions, thoughts, and beliefs can make it more difficult for us to be successful in genealogy. The presenter, a psychologist, discusses how these various characteristics affect genealogical research. Divergent and convergent problem-solving styles are explained, with an emphasis on how these relate to "thinking outside the box." Assumptions, thoughts, and beliefs that impact our approach to research will also be covered. In addition to being useful for the professional genealogist, understanding these characteristics can be helpful in working with clients and training new genealogists. This presentation includes ways to recognize these various characteristics in ourselves and others as well as what we can do to compensate for those characteristics that might be having a negative effect on our research

Expand Your Revenue: Produce and Sell Your Lectures in Video Format - Donna M. Moughty
This presentation will look at the use of alternative media...how to take your recorded lecture, add your slides, edit out any extraneous material, and create a DVD or downloadable audio or video podcast that you can sell. These skills not only enhance the experience for the viewer but can also provide an additional revenue stream for genealogists.

Niche Planning and Marketing - Paula Stuart Warren
Have you heard about the strategy to develop and market your specialty, your niche? What is or will be your niche? Decisions, decisions, decisions. Often the niche finds you in a form of genealogical serendipity. This lecture covers ways to help determine your niche, craft it to your liking, and figure out ways to let others know about your area or areas of expertise. Evaluating your own expertise can be painful but fulfilling and will let you know where you need to focus your educational efforts. We will discuss techniques for utilizing colleagues and clients to help in the evaluation process.

Choosing the Best Continuing Education Opportunities - Elissa Scalise Powell, CG
This lecture will present various options for continuing genealogical education and will show examples from each program. University courses, conferences, institutes, self-guided study, virtual peer group study, and on-line offerings will be highlighted. The pros and cons of learning styles, price, availability, time commitment and guidance discussed and compared. Attendees will achieve a better understanding of each type of study and will be able to evaluate which they want to pursue further in creating their own continuing education plan.

Get Published in Magazines! - Leslie Albrecht Huber
Many people dream of seeing their words in print but don't know how to go about getting them there. Others write occasionally for small-scale publications for free - but aren't sure how to take the next step to better paying and more widely circulated publications. This lecture will provide the information necessary to be more successful as a freelance writer. The focus will be on genealogy publications but will also cover history magazines and other general-interest magazines.

Annual APG Professional Management Conference, September 2, 2009 in Little Rock, Arkansas

Solving Mysteries for Money: the Forensic Genealogist and Private Investigator - Mary Ann Boyle, Ph.D., CG
This lecture will identify target markets for forensic genealogical investigations such as attorneys, bank trust officers, and the general public. Several types of forensic genealogical investigations will be reviewed including searching for beneficiaries, identifying heirs-at-law and tracking real property owners. Specific research techniques used by the forensic genealogist and private investigator will be described. Information on how to structure a forensic genealogy business will be discussed including business plans, marketing, advertising, personnel, equipment, accreditation, and compensation.

The Bachelor: Reconstructing a Solitary Life Using Obscure & Far-Flung Records - Mary Penner
Where do you turn when your research subject left no will, never married, and had no children?  Discover how turning over every dusty rock along an ancestral trail can produce effective research results for clients.  Lecture attendees will learn about obscure and elusive resources and how casting a wide net across the span of his acquaintances and his time in history revealed the bachelor’s nineteenth story – a life full of adventure, peril, scandal, and a murder or two.  (PMC Webcast of this presentation)

Talking to the World - Sherry Irvine, CG
It can be an end in itself or a means to an end, but there is no doubt that having a reputation for quality presentations that stretches well beyond your home turf is an asset. To attract international business you need an international profile. There is more to building that profile than genealogical knowledge. Drawing from lessons learned in 25 years of lecturing and teaching, this session offers practical advice on how to be heard around the world.

Elements of a Good Client Agreement - Richard Camaur, JD, CG
The professional genealogist who undertakes client work enters into a contract to perform services. Contracts include both oral and written agreements. Does an exchange of emails produce contractual obligations? The genealogist is also faced with intellectual property issues in contracting with the client and must make provisions for the use of his/her research in other forums. Learn the preparation of a thorough genealogical services contract that adequately addresses compensation, work product ownership, and liabilities.

The Genealogy Consumer: Who Pays for Professional Research? - Natasha Crain, MBA
In what may be the first genealogy industry analysis of its kind, Natasha Crain has created a market segmentation of today’s genealogy consumers based on an analysis of hundreds of people who have contacted or hired professional researchers. She will systematically discuss each of the 10 consumer segments that make up the genealogy industry: Dabblers, Casual Seekers, Affluently Curious, Targeted Seekers, Avid Hobbyists, Professional Genealogists, Family Connectors, History Preservers, Attorneys, and Gift Givers. Each segment will be discussed in terms of demographics, attitudes, key motivations for hiring a professional, and demands on the genealogist. The findings will be applied to answer the questions: Who are your customers now and who do you want them to be in the future?

Writing Professionally [Two-Hour Workshop] - Thomas W. Jones, Ph.D., CG, CGL, FASG
Participants will learn technical-writing skills for professionally crafted written products. Genealogical articles, reports, compilations, presentation and workshop proposals and handouts, and other materials will receive emphasis. Through hands-on activities, participants will learn how to structure, phrase, and document their writing to engage readers, communicate clearly, and meet their products’ goals.

Publish! And Supplement Your Income - Desmond Walls Allen
Professional genealogists can supplement their income by publishing in print and electronic formats. They can sell their expertise in print, reprint genealogy books, produce new compilations, and resurrect relevant public-domain materials.

Bull’s Eye! Planning and Delivering a Winning Marketing Campaign - Heather Henderson
In this hand-on lecture attendees will learn six essential marketing skills to craft attention-getting messages, cost effectively deliver them via print, web, and other outlets, and measure the return. Attendees will learn how to identify the target audience, craft a multimedia message, deliver that message, make the message viral, measure the return on investment and reward the customer. Lecture attendees will receive a supplemental workbook guiding them through the six essential skills. (PMC Webcast of this presentation)

Get Paid For Your Passion: Becoming a Professional Genealogist - Elissa Scalise Powell, CG
Many genealogists, hooked on the thrill of the chase, would like to know more about what it takes to become a professional and get paid for their passion. This lecture explores psychological, educational, and physical requirements for achieving that goal. Since many businesses fail within one to three years, tips are provided to help the attendee evaluate whether this is for him/her and what it takes to be successful. Topics covered include: defining professionalism; adjusting mental attitudes and doing a self-assessment; tips for success; learning progression; continuing education; finding a mentor; specializing; hanging out your shingle. (PMC Webcast of this presentation)

Annual APG Professional Management Conference, September 3, 2008 in Philadelphia, PA

The "Art" of Source Citation: A Hands-On Workshop - Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CGL, FASG
Source citation is an art, not a science; but "artistic license" must be knowledgeably applied if our documentation is to stand the test of time. As in art, where students master principles of color, form, shape, and texture will then improvise to capture the uniqueness of each subject, genealogists who are well-grounded in the principles of citation can confidently capture all essential details for the uniquely different records and artifacts they use. In this two-hour, hands-on workshop, Ms. Mills guides us through basic and not-so-basic principles that underpin the art of source citation.

Branch Out: Expand Your Business Beyond Client Research - Paula Stuart-Warren, CG. Do you need more income or variety in your research business, or need to level out the income gaps between client projects? Do you live in an area where there are not enough client research requests and hope to develop additional income avenues? This session covers a variety of ways for you to make your own change.

What's in a Name? - Patricia Walls Stamm, CG, CGL. Teacher, instructor, lecturer - these titles are associated with education. But education is more than just a title. Learn how to expand your business repertoire by adding genealogical instruction to your résumé.

Attic Treasures: Clients and Their Collections - Maureen A. Taylor. Learn to use non-traditional sources - manuscripts, pictures and artifacts - to solve genealogical problems. You can prevent another family collection from destruction by helping clients preserve them.

Identify, Adapt and Move Ahead - Beverly Rice, CG. With the small margin between income and expenses a wise business person keeps a close eye on the bottom line. This presentation will focus on the use of the balance sheet as a tool for the projection of income and expense (budgeting), and comparing the anticipated to the actual. The use of computer programs such as QuickBooks^® and Excel^® as a tool for managing your business decisions will be included.

Marketing and Advertising Strategies for the Professional Genealogist - Kory Meyerink, AG. Without advertising, a terrible thing happens...nothing! To be a professional genealogist, it is necessary to design a market strategy and implement appropriate advertising. Understanding various marketing strategies will make the difference between a successful and unsuccessful professional. The success of fellow genealogists suggests that the supply of genealogists has not exceeded the demand and demonstrates that there is indeed a market out there to tap.

QuickBooks^® for Professional Genealogists - Cat Nielsen. This session will present highlights of QuickBooks^® that will aid professional genealogists in getting the most from this software program. Topics will include: setting up customers and fees, including discount rates, adapting invoices and statements to existing letterhead, as well as standard and custom business reporting.

Annual APG Professional Management Conference, August 15, 2007 in Ft. Wayne, IN

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.

 

Annual APG Professional Management Conference, August 30, 2006 in Boston, MA

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.

Annual APG Professional Management Conference, September 7, 2005 in SLC, Utah

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.

Annual APG Professional Management Conference, September 8, 2004 in Austin, Texas

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.

Annual APG Professional Management Conference, September 3, 2003 in Orlando, Florida

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 itespecially by a professional who might be presumed to know betterare 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 bakers 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

Annual APG Professional Management Conference, August 7, 2002 in Ontario, California

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

Annual APG Professional Management Conference, September 11-12, 2001, Davenport, Iowa

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

Annual APG Professional Management Conference, September 6, 2000, Salt Lake City, Utah

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

Annual APG Professional Management Conference, August 11, 1999, St. Louis, Missouri

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

Annual APG Professional Management Conference, August 19, 1998, Cincinnati, Ohio

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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