solopreneur – AIIP Connections Blog

AIIP Blog – Retirement Series

By Jan Knight

Editor’s note: This is part of our “Retirement” series to address challenges and opportunities many of our members facing retirement are experiencing.

Off-ramp to Where Exactly?

A couple of years ago, I mentioned to a client that I was starting to think about retirement, but I wasn’t sure how to approach it as an independent consultant. What were the pros and cons of ‘going cold turkey’ versus just slowing down? Would my personality allow me to “just slow down”? She coined the phrase “off-ramp” that day at breakfast, and I’ve been using it ever since.

You Just Retired: There’s Just One Last project … For YOU

Editors note: This is part of our “Retirement” series to address challenges and opportunities many of our members facing retirement are experiencing.

By Ulla de Stricker

Chances are, the last several decades of your life were whirlwinds of client work, volunteer work, family activities, and much more. There would have been no chance whatsoever for you to deal with all the personal projects you kept meaning to do. But you did have one consolation: “Oh, once I retire or at least reduce my client work significantly, I’ll have lots of time!”.

Working as an Infopreneur

AIIP BLOG LEGACY CONTENT from September 2022

Editor’s note: occasionally we post legacy content that is still relevant today. Enjoy this piece by Denise Carter.

As I approach the 10-year anniversary of starting my information business, I have been reflecting on some of the things I learned about my business and my work processes. These five things help keep my business working:

From Lawn Care to National Impact: How AIIP Shaped My Success Story

By June M. Boyle

The Unexpected Opportunity

Sometimes the most meaningful professional opportunities emerge from unexpected places. For me, it started with an interest in native plants and a spot on a mailing list. As an independent information professional typically serving corporate clients and management consultancies, I never imagined that reducing my lawn and adding native plants would lead to one of my most fulfilling projects – or that my AIIP volunteer experience would prove so invaluable.

We are AIIP: Richard P. Hulser

Richard P. Hulser Consulting – Richard P. Hulser, President

In your bio, you describe yourself as an archives consultant. In two sentences, what specifically do you do?

As an independent archives consultant, I help clients identify, organize, protect, and promote their history through artifacts and materials. Often, I help clients assess what is historical for them or their organization and, therefore, worthy of being preserved and made available to interested parties.

We are AIIP Technical Writer and Editor

By Sherri Leah Henkin

In your bio, you describe yourself as a Technical Writer and Editor. In two sentences, what is it that technical writers and editors do?

Technical writers and editors, also called technical communicators, translate complex technical concepts by developing materials that are user friendly and apply to a variety of audiences. Materials vary depending on the audience and range from procedures, how-to tips, and instruction manuals to articles, training guides, and white papers.

Proving, Not Talking About, Your Value

By Mary Ellen Bates

One mistake made by many infopreneurs when they start their businesses is thinking that we need to sell ourselves, our capabilities, and our services to prospective clients. We assume that, when a prospect calls us to discuss a project, our job is to convince the caller that we are the best person for the job and that we are worth what we are charging for our services. When I was first introducing myself to the market, I would emphasize my years as a library manager, my graduate degree, and membership in AIIP as being indicators of my value.

Mastering Independent Info Pro Life: AIIP’s Updated Getting Started Guide

By AIIP Outreach Committee

AIIP’s invaluable guide on how to start an independent information business has been refreshed! The updated edition of “The AIIP Guide to Starting Your Own Information Business” is now available on the AIIP website. The companion launch webinar on October 12^thwill feature a panel of new and seasoned AIIP members sharing their experiences and wisdom from getting their own businesses up and running (see registration info further below).