Enrollment options
Note: This course requires compulsory materials to be ordered. The book is available at GenealogyStore.com
- Mills, Elizabeth Shown, Professional Genealogy: A manual for researchers, writers, editors, lecturers and librarians (2001; reprint, Baltimore, Maryland: Genealogical Publishing Company, Inc., 2012).
Optional Print Course Materials:Business Skills: Career Development: Choosing a Niche - Part 1
*Course material will only be sent to students who are registered in the course.
Creating a genealogical business requires many steps. First, there is self-analysis to determine who you are, what you want, how to achieve balance in work and personal life, and what kind of business you wish to start. Next comes the business planning, market analysis, marketing planning and overall business structure to establish. Finally, considerations of things you need for the business from supplies, income, marketing opportunities, and a productivity tool chest will help round out your plans and get you off on the right footing. In Creating a Business, you will learn the skills you need to accomplish all these things and spend a lot of time thinking about the ins and outs of business.
Course Length: 7 weeks
MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION
Board for Certification of Genealogists Code of Ethics
Introduction to Choosing a Niche
Self-Analysis: Are you Ready to Add Income Streams?
What Do You Want and Why Do You Want It?
How to Get From Here to There
Enrich Your Current Focus
Accreditation and Certification Options
MODULE 2
WRITING AND PUBLISHING
Introduction
Self-Analysis: Do You Have the Characteristics of a Writer?
Education
Self-Study
Collaborative Study or Writing Groups
Professional Writing Organizations
Writing Options
Writing for Pay vs. Non-Pay - Pros and Cons
Publishing Options
Writing and Publishing Business Components
MODULE 3
FORENSIC GENEALOGIST
Self-Analysis: Are You Ready to Become a Forensic Genealogist
What Is Forensic Genealogy?
Education
Credentials
Going to Court
Standards of Practice
Professional Organizations
Mentors
Setting Your Fees and Writing Contracts
Marketing
MODULE 4
FAMILY ARCHIVIST
Introduction to Family Archivist
Self-Analysis: Are you Ready to Become a Family Archivist?
Who Uses Archives?
Archives as an Additional Income Stream
Education
Standards of Practice
Professional Organizations
Getting Down To Business
MODULE 5
CONFERENCE ORGANIZER OR SPECIAL EVENT PLANNER
Introduction to Event Planning
Self-Analysis: Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Conference Organizer or Special Events Planner?
Who Needs this Service?
Tips for Getting Started
The Process of Planning an Event
Professional Organizations
Education
Getting Down to Business
Planning a One Day Conference - Example
MODULE 6
HOUSE HISTORIAN
Introduction to House Histories
Who Needs This Service?
House History Research Process
Writing the History of a Home
Historic Registration Programs
Preserving the Home for the Future
Education
Setting Your Fees
House Historian Business Plan and Marketing Plan
Conclusion
Additional Resources