Association of Independent Information Professionals

We are AIIP: I’m a Competitive Intelligence Consultant

In your bio, you describe yourself as a Competitive Intelligence Consultant. Briefly, what is competitive intelligence (CI), and what does a CI consultant do?

CI involves gathering and analyzing information about a company’s industry, business environment, competitors, and products, with the goal of having the findings direct its future strategy. A CI consultant supports clients with CI research and advisory services. I answer questions about a company’s external environment and likely future actions; typical examples include:

All Eyes on Milwaukee for #AIIP23

By the AIIP External Communications Committee

“Invest in yourself and your business.”

Those are the encouraging words from AIIP president Denise Carter for anyone looking to start or grow an independent information business. One way to make that investment is to attend AIIP’s annual conference in April. We’re meeting in person for the first time since 2019, and Milwaukee will be our host for networking, learning sessions, great speakers, and most of all, you.

Becoming Frictionless

By Mary Ellen Bates

Why do our repeat clients come back to us? While we would like to believe it’s because of our breathtaking analysis, our brilliant marketing campaign, or our unique training program, it’s often something simpler – we’re easy to work with. We make it easier for our clients to come back to us than to find an alternative.

We Are AIIP: I’m a KOS Navigation Guide

By Eric Ziecker

You describe yourself as a Knowledge Organization System (KOS) navigation guide. Briefly, what does a KOS navigation guide do?

A KOS navigator applies information structure and classification to the data in a database so that clients spend less time looking for information and more time using it.

Marketing 101: Tips from a First-Time Conference Exhibitor

By Roger Magnus

As business owners, we frequently strive to put ourselves in our clients’ shoes. This is a good thing because we learn more about how we are perceived. The process of self-discovery can help us come up with new and innovative solutions for our clients.

Why I Attend the AIIP Annual Conference – Two Perspectives

AIIP members share their insights and experiences from attending AIIP’s Annual Conference. Our next conference is April 27-30, 2023, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Virtual attendance options are also available. Conference registration is now open.

AIIP – The “Secret Sauce” for Global Infopreneurs

By the AIIP External Communications Committee

This week marks the 15^th anniversary of Global Entrepreneurship Week, celebrated around the world each November. We take this opportunity to review benefits of membership in AIIP.

The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines an entrepreneur as “one who organizes, manages, and assumes the risks of a business or enterprise.” At AIIP we know all about the work that entrepreneurs take on and about the thrill and satisfaction that is derived from owning and managing your own business.

Having Difficult Conversations with Clients

By Mary Ellen Bates

In Colorado, where I live, we sometimes experience a weather phenomenon called virga. It is precipitation that falls from a cloud but evaporates before it hits the ground. It’s quite a sight. Infopreneurs often encounter the business equivalent of virga when we see ahead of us a stormy and contentious conversation with a client. But we can help evaporate it before we get drenched.