As independent information professionals (IIPs), we help our clients make sense of the information and technology they have – or need – to grow their businesses.
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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.
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Members of the Association of Independent Information Professionals (aiip.org) met for their 31st annual conference May 18-21, 2017 at the Hampton Inn Conference Center in New Orleans, Louisiana. The annual conference provided a unique opportunity for independent informational professionals from around the world to meet, build new relationships and hone their business skills.
This year’s theme of Resilience, Reinvention, Renewal: Pivoting For Success was well represented in program sessions and highlighted with the keynote speech by Jenny Blake, author of Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One.
Independent information professionals (IIPs) go by many names:
- researcher,
- freelancer,
- contractor,
- consultant,
- knowledge manager,
- content developer,
- … and more.
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.
Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP) members are often asked variations of questions such as: What is it like to be in business as an independent information professional?;and How do I go about establishing such a business?
To help answer these, let’s start with …
What does an independent information professional do?
We asked our AIIP Past Presidents to share their tips on building and growing a successful independent information business. Â
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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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.
AIIP Connections Blog
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Copyright © 2025 All Rights Reserved