Association of Independent Information Professionals

Hot Topic: Cybersecurity solutions

AIIP-L, AIIP’s active, private discussion list, is one of AIIP’s premier benefits and ways of connecting member-to-member. In this forum, we share tips for working on and in our businesses, including marketing, product development, technology, and much more. This new quarterly series, compiled by Carrie Hunsucker, summarizes the latest hot topics.

When working remotely, cybersecurity is always a paramount concern. Back-up storage, virus protection, and other strategies have to be employed in order to ensure vital information is not lost to technological glitches or malicious actors. In a recent AIIP-L thread, there was a lively discussion about these issues, and readers could learn about the myriad of ways members protect themselves and their livelihood from harm.

Coach’s Corner: How to be a GREAT contractor or subcontractor

by Mary Ellen Bates, Bates Information Service

We may be one-person businesses, but that doesn’t mean we’re alone. In fact, one of the most rewarding aspects of being a one-person business is that we benefit from the cross-fertilization that comes from contracting and subcontracting with fellow AIIP members. I subcontract out specialized work I can’t do myself, and I work as a subcontractor for a number of businesses that bring me in for my specialized skills. Over the years, I have learned a lot about what is involved in being a good contractor and subcontractor. Here are my rules for successful contracting and subcontracting.

AIIP: Making a difference to independent business owners … like you

by Judith Binder, AIIP President

The Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) differentiates itself from other associations by delivering value through benefits that uniquely serve the independent business owner. Founded more than three decades ago, the association has embraced change, never more than today. AIIP is the place to learn how to articulate and sell a professional offering in a changing world.

Mentoring and accountability have merged – welcome to the new Peer Support Program!

Research shows that peer assistance is becoming less a luxury and more a necessity in the current business climate. From top business magazines like Wired, Forbes, and Inc. to our 2019 keynote conference speaker, Dr. Liz Bywater, peer assistance receives top priority treatment.

AIIP recognizes the momentum in members requesting support in a variety of different, often more personalized, ways.

Tap into peer power

By Linda Rink

Every time I attend the AIIP annual conference, I’m struck by the power of peers. The conference means connecting with like-minded small business owners and receiving support (not competition) from colleagues who generously share tips on marketing, running their business, and of course, conducting research or other areas of specialty.

The ability to share and communicate with people who “get” you is invaluable.

“Happy layoffiversary to me”

By Kirsten Smith

A little over five years ago, on the Tuesday after my beloved Seattle Seahawks won the Superbowl, I was laid off. Along with my excellent colleagues Rhonda, Andrea, Tobi, and Mike, I was led into a meeting room and given the unsurprising news by our then boss and the HR woman who flew in from head office that morning. When she showed up, I even joked “is it my turn yet?” Turns out, yes, it was.

Coach’s corner: Getting to ‘yes’

by Mary Ellen Bates, Bates Information Services

One of the most common traps I see new infopreneurs fall into – and I’ve done this myself, too! – is equating a prospect with an actual, paying client. We meet someone at a networking event or have a phone call with someone we met through social media. The person sounds interested in what we do, accepts our business card, and maybe even says “Yeah, we could have used someone like you that one time.” They may attend a webinar we give or download a white paper we wrote. We end the encounter confident that the person will be calling us shortly with an assignment, but then never hear from them again.

When a project diverges from plan: Lessons learned and recovery strategies

Cindy Romaine reports on a some practical tactics and strategies shared by three experienced AIIP members – Jennifer Pflaumer, Paroo, Loretta Shaw, LMRS Information Services, LLC and Jan Sykes, Information Management Services, Inc at AIIP 2019’s panel session – when a project diverges from plan.

Raise your hand if you’ve had a project that went perfectly according to plan. Not! It rarely happens. So how do you fine-tune and adjust your timeline, alter your communication strategy, and avoid scope creep so the project stays on track and the client stays in the “Win” column?