Association of Independent Information Professionals

Another look: Stay focused with long-term planning

This is an updated version of a post that was originally published in 2017.

At meetings of the I-25ers, a group of independent information professionals located in and around Colorado, we often discuss how to stay focused. It’s getting harder and harder, with the many hats we wear and the ever-increasing rate of change in our lives and work, to make decisions about our businesses and carry them out.

Setting goals for the next 5 or 10 years provides focus in our lives and milestones for success.

It will also keep you sane.

Running a Successful Private Investigations Business: Webinar Recap

By Edward J. Ajaeb

AIIP hosted a free webinar featuring three renowned private investigators who spoke about their journeys in building and running successful private investigations businesses. The panel consisted of Marcy Phelps of Marcy Phelps & Associates, Michael Donaldson of Vindicatus, and Timothy Hardiman of Viceroy Investigation & Consulting.

How to Answer “So, what do you do?”

Mary Ellen Bates

One of the most memorable traditions of AIIP’s annual conference is the chance for all attendees to stand up in the front of the room and introduce themselves and their business in 30 seconds. As I prepare my own virtual introduction for #AIIP21, I am asking myself several questions to ensure my introduction will be heard and remembered—that it will convey an effective message of my value. And yes, I ask myself the same questions whenever I anticipate being asked that dreaded question, “So, what do you do?”

Join Us as AIIP Recognizes Exceptional Members

By Phyllis Smith

Each year at our conference, AIIP recognizes members’ and other thought leaders’ contributions to the industry, the association, and individuals. Join us at #AIIP21, The Virtual Conference for Independent Info Pros, as we honor this year’s award recipients on April 14th at 4:30 pm EDT. Visit https://virtual21.aiip.org/ to register for the virtual conference and reserve your spot at the Awards Ceremony.

Engineering Your Networking Experiences

By Kelly Schrank

As a business owner, networking is essential to making your business thrive, but if you’re an introvert, networking may not be something you enjoy. In today’s environment, virtual networking is our only option and, luckily for introverts, it can be easier than networking in person. Try a structured approach to these virtual events and you may find you have better networking experiences.

AIIP: Agile Independent Information Professionals Weather the Storms

By Jennifer Pflaumer

Wow – what a year we just had. Like many others, as we begin 2021, I am wondering when we will get back to normal—and what exactly normal will look like!

Meet us at AIIP21

By Jan Sykes

The 2021 AIIP Annual Conference Committee invites members and non-members to become part of something new to AIIP—a virtual conference held over two and a half days in April. We have an amazing line up of speakers focusing on themes that are highly relevant to independent information professionals. While we will miss the vibe and energy of meeting in person, we are grateful that technology allows us to put safety first. We are confident that we are creating an equally engaging online conference experience.

Using Checklists in your Business

By Kelly Schrank

Before I get started, I want to offer this disclaimer: I know that lots of people like checklists! People have TO-DO lists for daily tasks, they have packing lists for travel, they use grocery lists. But Atul Gawande, a well-known staff writer for The New Yorker and author of four bestsellers, wrote a whole book, The Checklist Manifesto, on how checklists are used by people in a variety of industries to save lives, fly planes, and manage large-scale construction projects. His book covers checklists as people use them in the workplace, and much of the motivation behind how I approach checklists comes from his discussion of why and how professionals use checklists in their work lives.