Tuesday 26 June 2012

A never ending quest

You know, I thought that after 30 years of doing genealogy research I knew a lot. Turns out....I don't!
I have almost completed my PLCGS (Professional Learning Certificate in Genealogical Studies) from the National Institute for Genealogical Studies. When I signed up for the courses, I was so sure that I would find the curriculum pretty easy. Ummmmmm- NO!
The basic courses were pretty easy but I still learned so much. The intermediate courses were challenging and time consumming but really made me think about the whole process of the research. How to make a plan. How to document your findings. What questions are needed to be asked to get the best results..etc. Now that I'm almost through the advanced courses, I can say without a shadow of a doubt that it's hard! I am humbled.

The best thing from all these courses is getting to know other students and fellow genealogists. I also got to meet a wonderful mentor/business coach called Beverly Rice. She is very experienced and has asked me to be a model (guinea pig) student for her mentoring program. When she asked, I was so honoured and now that we've had some sessions, I realize I know even LESS than I thought!! Especially when it comes to running a business.

I have a website, a blog, a facebook page for my business, a Tumblr account, a Pinterest account, I'm a member of at least 8 organizations and yet I have not begun to 'put myself out there' in order to see some positive results when it comes to running a genealogical business.

One of my fortes is that I can read, speak and translate English, Italian and French. I know now that I have an avenue to persue in that I am able to transcribe or translate documents from French or Italian into English. It's not my main goal in this line of work but it's a plus and a strength that not many have.

I am so excited about getting some new clients that I have not taken the time to take a step back and look at what I can offer that is different, special and needed. Thanks Bev for pointing this out to me!

Sunday 3 June 2012

Social Media burnout

I'm sorry it's taken awhile to post something new. I have had a very busy week with my new website up and running and continuing my courses. I never knew how exhausting it could be keeping up with all the social media everyone is into these days!

I'm no spring chicken, but I thought I knew all about all the avenues out there that you could "market" yourself with.  Was I wrong! I have a website, a blog, a Pinterest account, facebook, business facebook, linkedin and gave a pass to Twitter. Now I find that there is Tumblr and imgfave and who knows what else!! I can't keep up and they keep making new ones.

My whole intention in getting involved with these sites is to market my business but guess what? I'm getting so hooked on posting my 'pins' or my thoughts that I find precious little time to do what I should be doing. I think I may have to ignore these other social sites for awhile,  and re-channel my energies into my true love...genealogy.

Found this on one of the sites:
I must admit though, I do find very inspirational quotes and images that make my day.

via Pinterest from the net


The above is a beautiful example of how you can make your family history come alive and display it in a wonderful way.  It's like writing a book about your family and you already have all the information ready to include..and you know what I say.....every family has a story!!!!


I also say a quote that says,  Genealogy 
   " Preserving your past, Inspiring the future"


This is how I feel. I hope that someone in my future family is inspired by the history of their past family. That I record....correctly...how they came to be, where they came from, how they lived and what interesting stories they gave us. I hope I put human faces and feelings on all the people who's blood runs in my veins and I want to do that for anyone else who asks me for help with THEIR histories.