Insights from the AIIP webinar Learn the Secrets to Becoming a Successful Infopreneur

by Alyria Salazar

Spooky season is officially upon us, and even though AIIP’s webinar, Learn the Secrets to Becoming a Successful Infopreneur, took place last month on Friday the 13th, there was nothing scary about this information-packed session. It was all treats and no tricks for aspiring infopreneurs. Below are some not-so-frightening business insights our expert panel shared.

Attendees participated in a lively chat about the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur in the information and research world. Eric McGill from EDM Info Pro led the discussion, and Annie McMillian and Elizabeth Hutchinson shared their experiences.

Our panelists agreed that there is no one-size-fits-all path to success as independent information professionals. To begin, Elizabeth and Annie shared the invaluable perks of joining AIIP. Annie found the resources and support at AIIP instrumental in launching her business, describing it as “finding her tribe.” That sentiment resonated with many.

A key topic was the hurdles they faced while creating their businesses. Elizabeth experienced several ups and downs throughout her journey and learned some valuable lessons in going with the flow. On the other hand, Annie took the time to plan everything to a T but still got some unexpected curveballs. Eric prioritized nurturing his professional relationships because of the benefits of those connections in growing his business. Annie shared her experiences about the challenges of starting up in a rural area and her need to think outside the box. Elizabeth emphasized the importance of being willing to learn and adapt. Eric accentuated persistence and flexibility and urged everyone to always appreciate the power of a strong network.

When speaking about the ever-changing world of technology, Elizabeth and Annie agreed that staying abreast of the latest developments is fundamental. It requires constant learning and adaptability. They stressed the importance of staying updated on industry trends and not being afraid to try new things.

Our panelists felt that while AI may be a valuable tool for generating ideas and brainstorming, it’s not a substitute for the human touch, especially when researching and fact-checking. The use of AI is still finding its place in the industry.

At the end of the session, our panelists shared some top advice for aspiring infopreneurs. They recommended diving into AIIP’s Getting Started guide, exploring Mary Ellen Bates’ book The Reluctant Entrepreneur: Making a Living Doing What You Love (2014), taking a business course, and creating a comprehensive business plan to serve as a roadmap for the entrepreneurial journey.

This webinar contained great advice for new independent information professionals and candid descriptions of actual experiences. It showed that anyone can make a mark as an infopreneur with the right mindset, support, and willingness to learn.

Alyria Salazar is a marketing intern at AIIP and a recent summa cum laude graduate in information and library science from the University of Maine at Augusta. Alyria, aka Aly, brings her academic excellence and passion for digital content to the role, assisting the AIIP marketing team in creating engaging copy for social media and supporting various marketing initiatives.