July: Starting and Growing a Research Business

Location: Online
$250 (Simmons GSLIS Alumni Price $200)
July 1 - July 31, 2013 - PDPs: 15

Description

Workforce reductions, downsizing, and layoffs are terms librarians and information professionals are all too familiar with today. For those considering a career change, it’s important to realize that your knowledge base is transferrable. Developing a research business, also known as information brokering, is an exciting avenue to pursue and makes use of your existing research, writing, and communication skills. While challenging, it’s never dull. Owning a research business is one way to generate income creatively, puts you in charge of your life, makes it possible to work from home, and is intellectually stimulating. You have an opportunity to meet new people across the globe and work on interesting projects that contribute to the success of your clients.
Those who operate research businesses are part of a cadre of independent information professionals (IIPs) who conduct online, telephone or library research. More specifically, you can conduct secondary and primary research or focus on competitive and market intelligence and analysis, or company and industry research. Some IIPs offer other services such as consulting, publishing, editing, or database and taxonomy development depending on interests and background. You can work as a generalist or specialize because of many target markets, industry sectors, and niches; or, you can focus on small and large companies – or both – in the public or private sector. This workshop focuses on all the basics needed to get started and answers questions such as:

• What skills are required to operate a research business?
• What personality traits do I need?
• How do I market a research business and to who?
• What kinds of deliverables are expected?
• How do I establish budgets and fees?
• What are the tools of the trade and best sources for research?
• How can I gain access cost-effectively?
• What are some tips and tricks for making me a top-notch researcher?
• Where can I get more training?

Expectations

Participants will be given weekly assignments to submit for class discussion. Regular participation in class discussion is requested for best results in creating a high-quality synergistic learning environment for all participants.
Amelia Kassel: Amelia Kassel is President and owner of MarketingBase, a firm specializing in industry, company, and competitive and market intelligence research since 1982. Amelia taught at the graduate level for 15 years at the University of California, Berkeley Extension, four years as adjunct faculty at San Jose State University School of Library and Information Science, and now teaches distance education for San Jose SLIS with courses in Online Searching, Advanced Online Searching, and Competitive Intelligence Research. She also conducts workshops and gives presentations for associations and teaches in other academic settings. Amelia is author of The Super Searchers on Wall Street, contributes articles and columns to information industry publications, and operates a successful one-on-one email-based training program, The Mentor Program, for new searchers in corporations and for information professionals starting or expanding a research business.
Please note: While we try to be as accurate as we can be with our workshop descriptions, please contact GSLIS CE or the workshop instructor to ensure that the class meets your expectations for content, format, rigor, etc.

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Questions? Email us at gslisce@simmons.edu or call (617) 521-2803