Free Webinars from APG on Story-writing and Project Management

The Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) is offering free webinars that will be of interest to all genealogists, not just those who offer professional services. Whether we do our own research or do research for others we need to know how to manage our projects efficiently; the more efficient we are, the more research we can accomplish. And don't we all need to get better at story-telling so we can entice our families with something beyond the begats?

Anyone can register for the live webinars offered by APG. The recorded versions of the webinars will be placed on the Members Only area of the APG website. This works out well for me as I have meeting commitments during both of the live presentations. This is the announcement from APG:

Don’t Neglect the Stories: Add Story-writing to Your Professional Services
Saturday, March 3, 2012 — 2:00p.m. Eastern
Presented by Mary Penner

You’ve finished the client’s research and written a concise, fact-based report. Case closed, right? Not so fast. What about the stories you uncovered? What about those tantalizing tidbits that point to colorful characters and unusual events? Your clients may not ask for a written story, but, often, that’s what they really want from your diligent research efforts. They want to embrace the stories that their ancestors neglected to pass down to them. Join APG member Mary Penner as she offers tips on developing a writer’s instinct for story. She’ll address the differences between a genealogical narrative and a genealogical story, how to spot story-worthy events and characters, how to research a story, how to write a lively story, and how to earn additional income from story-writing.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/313600945


Juggling Complex Projects While Staying on Track
Tuesday, March 27, 2012 — 8:30p.m. Eastern
Presented by J. Mark Lowe, CG

Learn to manage multiple projects without derailing the research in this engaging presentation by professional genealogist J. Mark Lowe. Discover the techniques & skills needed by every professional to keep your clients on board. This will include time planning, scheduling, and decision-making tools.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/699959320

System Requirements:
PC-based attendees
Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server

Macintosh®-based attendees:
Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer

© 2012, Debbie Parker Wayne, CG, All Rights Reserved

Lone Star Chapter of APG Meeting, May 6

We have an active chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists here in Texas—named the Lone Star Chapter for reasons obvious to any Texan. Despite the name, our membership includes those in surrounding states where there is no local chapter.

We have several exciting events planned for 2011. Most of our events and meetings are open to guests and visitors. (One event is for chapter members only. Members should get some benefit not available to guests, right?) Our meeting topics and speakers are usually aimed at those who have genealogical businesses or wish to transition to doing research as a professional. Some topics may be of interest to advanced level researchers who aren't interested in starting a business.

Our first public event this year presents Paula Stuart-Warren, CG, and Pat Oxley, President of the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS), discussing "Writing a Winning National Conference Speaker Proposal." This topic is interesting to anyone who might wish to speak at the national level. See our chapter events page for details on this event and other upcoming events.

We encourage everyone who enjoys this presentation, or has an interest in American history, to contribute to a project that is near and dear to the hearts of Paula and Pat. The National Archives and FGS have teamed up on a project to "Preserve the Pensions, War of 1812." Check out the sample pension files on the FGS site. The bicentennial of this war is quickly approaching. With your help the goal of digitizing all the pension files by 1815 can be achieved.

© 2011, Debbie Parker Wayne, All Rights Reserved

FGS Conference in Knoxville is a Great Educational Opportunity

Continuing education is important in the genealogical discipline as it is in other fields. A conference combines education, networking, hands-on shopping, product demonstrations, and fellowship in one big event.

The Federation of Genealogical Societies Conference (FGS) and the Association of Professional Genealogists Professional Management Conference (APG PMC) are only days away now. Important conference details are being added constantly to the FGS Conference Blog so check it often. The blog offers many articles giving details of speakers and sessions, exhibitors, optional events, and area attractions to help you plan your trip. Online registration at the FGS site ends at midnight August 8th. You can still register at the door, but some events may have reached capacity.

Information on the APG PMC is available at http://www.apgen.org/conferences/index.html. PMC sessions offer information on managing your business as well as topics of interest to advanced researchers and those who want to get published.

In addition to all of the wonderful official events on the schedule there are always many unofficial events, too. Members of the ProGen Study Group will meet for dinner on Wednesday night. If you might be interested in joining a ProGen Study Group but have questions, join the ProGen topic table at the APG PMC on Tuesday, August 14th, or ask anyone you see wearing a burgundy color ribbon with "ProGen Study Group" printed on it.

Most attendees learn so much at a conference they feel their head may explode by the end of the week. But you go home enthused and energized and ready to use all of that new knowledge.

© 2010, Debbie Parker Wayne, All Rights Reserved