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Archiver > APG > 2006-04 > 1144168030


From: "Natalie Cottrill, ProGenealogists, Inc." <>
Subject: RE: [APG] How to handle a situation
Date: Tue, 4 Apr 2006 10:27:10 -0600
In-Reply-To: <10633472.10681144163744124.JavaMail.servlet@perfora>


Erin,

Showing time spent on a research endeavor is easier than showing expertise.
But the key to success is illustrating both time and expertise in such a way
that the client sees value in what you accomplished for him/her.

May I suggest that you provide a list of sources you studied for the client
(a bibliography or research calendar of sorts)? Then, in a separate report,
explain the reason why those sources were studied. Also, explain why
negative findings can often lead to positive findings. Then at the summary
of the report, outline a methodology for continued research. This will a)
show where the research time went b) show your expertise in thinking through
a problem c) help the client consider what to do next. Please bill for your
time, however, for this is what clients are purchasing - your time and
expertise.

There are many similar occupations, where the work that is done for a client
is a "process" that may be short and sweet, or long and developmental ... or
where the end result may or may not be predictable (lawyers come to mind).
The more client work you do, and the more challenging client work you do,
you'll come to realize that research is a process, and it often doesn't have
positive results in the first x hours. (Just wait until you work on a Greene
County, North Carolina problem set before 1860!!) But, as a professional you
need to bill for your time in trying to get to the answers. There are at
least two things that clients expect you to do - work like the blazes to
find the answers they seek, and then bill them. Not billing for your time
and expertise gives the client the impression that you are not professional
and/or you do not feel confident about your abilities.

If confidence is an issue, then perhaps you'd feel better about your
methodology and results, if you would consult with a colleague you respect
(a mentor). Ask the mentor or colleague, to review your work to see if
he/she concurs that you've taken a logical methodology and worked on it as
best as possible in the time allotted.

PS. If you go back through the APG-L archives and search for billing and/or
time you will find MANY discussions on billing for time. Also, try to find
and then participate in one of the professional business-oriented classes at
one of the genealogical conferences or institutes.

Good luck and congratulations on your first client!!

Natalie Cottrill
ProGenealogists, Inc.
PO Box 900188
Sandy, UT 84090-0188
(801) 596-3230 - office
(801) 699-9470 - mobile
(801) 596-3380 - fax 24 hours
http://www.progenealogists.com

ProGenealogists, Inc., 2006


-----Original Message-----
From: [mailto:]
Sent: Tuesday, April 04, 2006 9:16 AM
To:


Hi all. I have my first client and have done 6 hours of research, but not a
single document came up, just a few clues. How do I handle this? ... I
feel bad about charging her without having found anything.

Thanks and I appreciate any advice

--
Erin Bradford
Sankofa Ancestry




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