RootsChat.Com
General => The Common Room => Topic started by: WilliamVincent on Tuesday 06 August 13 01:58 BST (UK)
-
Greetings to you all,
I feel a little bit nervous writing about this sort of topic in the correct way, but I'm going to give it a crack nevertheless.
I couldn't find an appropriate sub-forum for this message, although the description for the common room seems to indicate that practically anything inappropriate to all the others can go in here. I've recently graduated from university and I would like to continue my studies by applying for an M.A. in Classics or History. But, at present, I don't have a sufficient amount of money to apply, and I'm also feeling uncomfortable about taking the risk of applying for a scholarship. So I've decided to try and make a business out of genealogical research: a field of study I've been deeply involved for almost 8 years (since I was 15). I appreciate that, not being a certified genealogist or a chap with praeternatural business acumen, that this is also a risky enterprise; however, I have (possibly) worked as extensively as an amateur can in the field and I've been successful with making discoveries, and thorough research, in my own, my family's and a few of my friends' personal family histories - I am determined to prove myself and I know that I can work hard and judiciously in this field. I do need a little bit of guidance, a bit of assistance with the programming, and maybe a bit of direction to the right clients, which is why I've come here in the hope that somebody can help.
I'm also going to create a video channel dedicated to historical and genealogical subjects; this will share the same name as my website. I hope to complete the website by the end of the month, at the latest, yet I'm itching to start helping other people who are outside my immediate social circle. I'm primarily London-based, and it's easiest for me to travel around England at the moment - when I earn more money, I'll be able to travel abroad and access hard-to-access repositories. If anyone here is tackling a problem or desiring an exhaustive study into their family history then I will be very happy to lend my services to you.
I would like to know, amongst other things, if anyone here has started their own genealogical business. What did you charge for services at the beginning? I've browsed through various genealogical agencies and I appreciate why prospective clients, who might not be aware of the expense involved "for all concerned" in genealogy, might baulk in the face of them. Also, what would you say is good genealogical practice? What would be your ideal report and what would be included within it? I attend a very informative lecture by Eileen O'Duill on these matters but I would like to receive some other opinions for consideration.
-
I hope I have not come across in a strange way. Maybe it will be useful to mention that I have autism and I find tailoring my language to achieve particular aims, mainly persuasive ones, difficult. I will probably learn to get used to it.
-
Hello William and welcome to RootsChat :)
You will find this a difficult field to crack into, I think.
Many (?most) people doing their FH / genealogy are doing it as a hobby and resist paying for anything, especially if they don't know someone who has already used a professional's services.
Have you looked at this site? http://www.agra.org.uk/
Mostly, people look for those with accreditation there, or its equivalent in other countries.
Dawn M
-
I have to agree with Dawn.
Many researchers work for or alongside Records Offices & Archives others specialise in areas such as the military, industry, workhouses etc. which they've studied over many years.
General research is very time consuming & will involve travelling & not only around the UK either.
If one's paying for general research they are not going to settle for a few generations on a family tree like friends & family would.
In addition with genealogy being so popular almost everyone knows someone who's doing it & tends to ask them & this is what's occurred in your case.
I wouldn't like to put a dampener on anyone starting their own business but it's difficult to see how you can make any real money at it other than on an occasional basis.
jim
-
Hi William
Have you thought about applying to some of the many probate genealogical firms in and around London (I looked at your profile) and using your skills that way?
These companies limit their research back to a deceased persons grandparents or go sideways so the research required may not involve travelling to archives but is limited to birth, marriage and death index work supplemented by census research and looking for wills at the Probate Registry in Holborn. Of course there are cases where extended research is required and you could always use your personal research skills if required.
Just something to think about.
Setting up on your own isn't easy, you don't have the life and work experience yet, that people willing to pay are looking for.
There are several topics here about starting your own business, (use the search function to find them). You obviously need to work out an hourly rate or project fee, be aware of travelling expenses and the fees that archives charge, such as photographic day passes and reproduction costs, which you have to pass on. You'll need to be able to explain why you've charged someone for 2 hours work but not managed to find anything. You need to be registered as 'self employed' for tax and national insurance purposes. You should check out what insurance is required for you to be working from home.
Your customers may have high expectations as to what they will receive from you at the end of your research so you must think about writing and producing professional looking reports and generating family trees. You'll need a decent computer printer and a good standard of paper for this. If trees are involved, you should investigate the companies that produce family trees so that you don't have to stick a4 sheets of paper together.
I do wish you well in your endeavours.
Dawn (another one)
-
Following on from Dawn's post re applying to a probate genealogical firm , this thread might be of interest to you
http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php?topic=655772.0