Tips, articles, resources for building and growing your info-centric business
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.
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.
Continue reading How to use your writing skills to build your info professional business
As independent information professionals (IIPs), we help our clients make sense of the information and technology they have – or need – to grow their businesses.
Continue reading How to build a business as an expert knowledge manager
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
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.
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.
Continue reading Do I Hear Opportunity Knocking?
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
We asked our AIIP Past Presidents to share their tips on building and growing a successful independent information business.
Crystal Sharp (AIIP President, 2006) shares her ideas on finding a balance that works.
In the usual course of play, study, or work, individuals — consciously or not — take steps to exert some control over their immediate short-term or long-term future. What is unsettling about Facebook, Linked In, Snapchat and the churn and flux of new social communication channels is the rapid pace at which our world is being stretched, flattened and flexed. As the familiar and predictable structures of social, professional and personal relationships are shifted, we are left less in control.
