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From: <>
Subject: Re: [TGF] options after closing a business
Date: Mon, 9 Apr 2012 14:41:06 -0500
References: <mailman.243.1333986702.9012.transitional-genealogists-forum@rootsweb.com> <1333988584.38177.YahooMailNeo@web120402.mail.ne1.yahoo.com><6FF4AF8E145347C9A17E4C160B16B703@AmyComputer>
In-Reply-To: <6FF4AF8E145347C9A17E4C160B16B703@AmyComputer>
Amy asked:
> Why would the local societies hire a 30 something year old instead of one
of those who [has] done it for years?
Amy, I was in my mid-20s when I offered my first article to a genealogical
magazine and offered to do my first lecture for a local society. That's been
a while ago <g>; but I do still remember what it's like to be that young and
to feel intimidated by those with more age and experience. What I
discovered, once I stuck my neck out, is that many of those with all that
"age and experience" are delighted to find "Young Turks" who are actively
learning and willing to share their learning. Many of those with "age and
experience," especially at the local level, are actually weary of trying to
provide all the teaching, writing, and administrative needs for their
societies and their area's genealogical public.
> is the exact reason why I do not put my photograph on my website or
anywhere else that is associated with my business. Very few takes young
professional genealogists in my area.
At your website, do you post samples of the work you have done? A picture is
NOT always "worth more than a thousand words." I would argue that when
people need help, few care what we look like. The overriding criteria is,
"Can this person do what I need done?" We can answer that question
positively (i.e., we can establish our credibility) if we do three things:
1. Adhere to genealogical standards--which you've already said that you do;
2. Present our work in a positive manner, in clear sentences that are
reasonably clear of grammatical problems; and
3. Publish samples of our work at our website and in the local genealogical
society magazines.
Best wishes,
Elizabeth
--------------------------------
Elizabeth Shown Mills, CG, CG, FASG
The Evidence Series www.EvidenceExplained.com
& www.HistoricPathways.com
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