Category: Growing Your Business

Tips, articles, resources for building and growing your info-centric business

Follow the money – how to start out as a prospect researcher

You may not have heard of prospect research.  This field of research is devoted to assisting organizations with donor identification and donor relations management for fund raising, and is one of the many specialized research services AIIP members offer clients.

This field of research often combines Prospect Research, Prospect Management, Grantwriting and Fundraising.

We asked Marge King, President of InfoRich Group for some tips on how to get started as a prospect researcher.

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How to consult to libraries

What exactly do info pros do that consult to libraries?

Today’s info pros that consult to library services are specialists in strategic marketing for libraries.

We asked Jennifer Burke, President, Intellicraft Research, for some tips on how to mix marketing and information skills to consult to library services.

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How to use your writing skills to build your info professional business

Independent information professionals go by many names: researcher, freelancer, contractor, consultant, knowledge manager, content developer, and more.

Many of our members are also Writing & Editing Specialists.

As independent information professionals (IIPs), we tell our clients’ stories. From ideation to creation, editing, and publishing, we create engaging content that promotes our clients’ businesses.

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How to make it in primary research

As Independent Information Professionals (IIPs), we’re researchers, analysts, designers, and consultants serving clients across business, education, government, and non-profit sectors. We’re good at what we do – and we don’t miss the daily 9-5 routine!

Many of our members excel at primary research and love conducting interviews and focus groups to get at the heart of clients’ needs.
Continue reading How to make it in primary research

Help at hand for finding clients

One of the most common questions AIIP volunteers hear when talking with new info-entrepreneurs and those considering the leap to self-employment is whether AIIP can help them get clients.

They wonder if there is a job referral board, programs to promote members’ businesses, or tools for getting subcontracting work from other members.

The answer is that yes, AIIP offers the tools and resources for each member to attract the kinds of clients that are just right for that person’s skills and expertise, but these tools don’t take the form of a referral program or direct client outreach.

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Do I Hear Opportunity Knocking?

We asked our AIIP Past Presidents to share their tips on building and growing a successful independent information business.  

Cindy Shamel, AIIP President (2003-2004) shares some tips on looking for new markets.

My livelihood depends upon successfully engaging a target market willing to pay cash money for my products and services.  Today I have an established client base, but sustainability requires strategic and ongoing monitoring looking for gaps and opportunities.
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Describe your business – how to be the one that stands out

One of the key benefits of belonging to AIIP – or any professional association – is having a listing in the membership directory: a post from Mary Ellen Bates

Independent info pros often need to bring colleagues in for a large project or subcontract out a job that exceeds their ability or timeframe, and there is no better way to find a good partner than through the AIIP Business Directory.

Many new business owners get tongue-tied when it comes to describing their business and, as a result, they miss a great opportunity to expand their business through subcontracting and referrals.

Continue reading Describe your business – how to be the one that stands out