Presented by Cynthia Patton on 7 May 2024.

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Should I advertise? Where would I advertise? Should I use Facebook or LinkedIn? I have services to offer, but how do I build my client base? Use your daily interactions and memberships in volunteer organizations to grow your list of paying clients. Consider such things as: • Word of mouth advertising • Starting conversations and probing for problems to solve • Active listening to key in on potential work • Repeat business with current clients • Show and tell by presenting to genealogy, historical, and lineage societies Learn how to “lean in” to word of mouth advertising and use everyday conversations to discover how you can offer clients solutions to their genealogy projects.

Cynthia K. Patton is a retired Army Lieutenant Colonel residing in Leavenworth, Kansas. For 12 years she owned Patton Leadership Consulting, providing support to the US Army and helping businesses with time management, organization, and leadership skills. She is a part-time professional genealogist. She holds a certificate in genealogical research from Boston University. Cynthia serves as the Registrar of a local DAR chapter and is a member of numerous local historical and genealogical societies.

Presented by David Ryan on 4 Jun 2024.

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The continued growth of sources available to genealogists has changed the nature of our research. We are no longer simply concerned with where and when our ancestors lived but who they were. However, details on their day to day lives aren’t always contained in the written sources and we need to search for alternatives. Many of us will likely have conducted some form of family history interview with our relatives, but they can also be a useful source for client research. But is oral memory reliable and what effective strategies are there for making the most out of it as a source? The purpose of this presentation is to examine just how oral history can best be used by genealogists. As professionals, what is the best way to use oral histories, and what particular considerations should we be aware of?

David Ryan (MA DIPGEN) is a genealogist and oral historian based in Cork. He has a diploma in genealogy and a master’s degree in Medieval History from University College Cork. He is currently studying for a master’s in Public History and Cultural Heritage with the University of Limerick.

Presented by Jon Marie Pearson on 2 Jul 2024.

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This webinar is tailored for genealogists who wish to master social media without letting it dominate their time. Learn how to effectively schedule content, engage with your community, and leverage the latest online tools to share your family history with the world and brand your business so you stand out on social media.

With two decades in genealogy, Jon Marie has been a pivotal force in historical and genealogical societies, serving as President, 2nd Vice President, and Trustee. A dedicated family historian and savvy social media manager, she passionately fuses the legacy of the past with today's digital narratives. Jon Marie excels in empowering the genealogy community to cultivate a strong social media presence, share ancestral stories, and preserve the journey of family discovery. Her expertise not only connects societies to wider audiences but also educates individuals on effective digital engagement, ensuring that the echoes of history resonate in a modern world.

Presented by Dr. Penny Walters on 6 Aug 2024.

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Many people have fascinating stories in their family tree and have successfully used invaluable records to break down their brick walls. But they often don’t use these to create a talk, saying, ‘’I wouldn’t know where to begin’’ or ‘’I don’t think I’m good enough’’ or ‘’I’m not a professional.’’ Everyone has to start somewhere, and having that fascinating family tree and the invaluable methodology already done is a great start. This class will look at collating the information you have already compiled, topping up the content with additional research, devising the abstract, and some do’s and don’ts for presentations, slides, and compiling a handout. We will also review presentation skills for in-person speaking, webinars, and conferences, as well as how to market yourself and set fees.

Dr. Penny Walters has been a university lecturer for 35 years, currently teaching in Bath Spa University Business School, England. Penny's interest in genealogy started after having her first baby and then wondering about her biological parents, as she was adopted. Penny has six mixed race children, who have all enjoyed discovering their roots through DNA ethnicity results. Penny lectures internationally in-person, including throughout America, Australia, Ireland, and the UK. Penny is sought after for a wide range of conference and webinar topics. Penny has authored the books: 'Ethical Dilemmas in Genealogy' (2019) and ‘The Psychology of Searching’ (2020), available on Amazon in paperback or on kindle.

Presented by Annette Burke Lyttle on 3 Sep 2024.

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Coordinating a course for a genealogical institute can be a rewarding experience, but how do we break into that world? This presentation looks at the many institutes operating today and what’s required to put together a successful proposal to bring your idea for a course to reality.

Annette Burke Lyttle owns Heritage Detective, LLC, providing professional genealogical services in research, education, and writing. She speaks on a variety of genealogical topics from the international to the local level and loves helping people uncover and share their family stories. Annette leads Best Practices Study Groups for a number of organizations, providing in-depth education on the genealogical research process in an interactive setting. She is coordinator of the Fall Virtual Intermediate Foundations course for the Salt Lake Institute of Genealogy (SLIG) and has been an instructor in other institute courses on migration, Quaker research, and federal records for SLIG and the Genealogical Research Institute of Pittsburgh (GRIP). Her articles have been published in NGS Magazine, FGS Forum, and the APG Quarterly, among others. Annette is president of the Association of Professional Genealogists and editor of The Florida Genealogist.