APG Membership Becomes More Valuable

Membership in the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) has always been valuable for members who attend national conferences. Recent changes have made the membership cost more worthwhile for distance members like myself.

I have felt that membership was worthwhile based on the APG Quarterly magazine alone which is full of relevant business information for both the up-and-coming and seasoned professional genealogist alike. In fact, I've suggested that those who want to transition into becoming a professional genealogist would benefit from reading the magazine before they hang out their shingle.

Recent changes, however, have made APG membership even more worthwhile. Here's a rundown on some of the great changes.

1) APG Webinars

Last week APG offered the first in a series of webinars that provide advice and information relevant to professional genealogists.  Webinars are educational learning opportunities that are available through the internet regardless of your physical location. The first webinar was "Tax Considerations for Your Genealogy Business" by James M. Beidler. The webinar was offered live not only to APG Members but also to the general public. I'm not sure at this point if the webinar was recorded or whether it will available in the members only section of the website in the future. There will be more upcoming webinars so be on the lookout for them.

2) Archived Issues of the APG Quarterly on the website

A tremendous benefit just added this week is member access to archived issues of the APG Quarterly. The issues are found in the members-only area of the website and are available as pdf downloads.  They cover the years 2004-2011.

3) Professional Management Conference (PMC) Videos 

This is not new but it's worth reminding folks of this rich archived resource.  About two years ago APG started filming talks from the PMC and making them available for free from their website. The videos offer a varied assortment of business topics relevant to professional genealogy. If you haven't viewed them yet, be sure to check out this great resource.

4) International Reach and Coverage

This has been a slow going effort that has picked up steam recently.  APG is starting to reach out more and provide more benefits to its non-American members.  APG has been heading to London to participate in the Who Do You Think You Are? Live event in order to get more international exposure as well as to connect with European members. In addition, we are seeing more features and coverage of international membership in the APGQ. This is a good trend and I look forward to seeing
more treatment of international members as full-fledged participants of APG.

Valuable Benefits

The new benefit offerings by APG should make any genealogist consider giving the organization a second look. Current membership costs $65 annually for US members, $70 for those in Canada and $85 for the rest of the world.

New Videos Out by APG

Once again the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG) has videotaped a number of the talks from their recent Professional Management Conference.

I'm really looking forward to watching the new videos from  APG. The inaugural videos from last year by Mary Penner, Heather Henderson and Elissa Scalise Powell were wonderful. I think we are being spoiled by having so many extra to view this year. Thank you APG for posting these online thus making them available publicly.

If you are a professional genealogist, or even just considering taking a step in that direction then you will get a tremendous benefit from watching the videos.  They cover topics that address core business skills which professional genealogists need to know.

This year's lineup includes Leslie Albrecht Huber ("Get Published in Magazines"), Elissa Scalise Powell ("Choosing the Best Continuing Education Opportunities"), Paula Stuart Warren ("Niche Planning and Marketing"), Donna Moughty ("Expand Your Revenue: Produce and Sell Your Lectures in Video Format"), and D. Joshua Taylor ("A Key to Success: Your Online Presence").

The toughest decision is going to be which one to watch first!

Have we met?

Laura Prescott just left me a post on my Facebook wall that said "have I met you?" She was being facetious, of course, but it brings back a memory.

Just a few years ago I was a new member in the New England Chapter of the Association of Professional Genealogists (APG). I didn't know many genealogists yet. I went to a meeting that was held at NARA in Waltham. I took a seat and the room filled up. Arriving late was Laura Prescott. There weren't too many chairs left so she took the seat next to me. I remember thinking to myself "Wow, Laura Prescott is setting next to me!" I'm not trying to be funny. Laura is one of the most well-known genealogists in New England. After she sat down, she pulled out a salad and started eating away. She apologized to me profusely, saying that she was starving. Not only was this amazing genealogist sitting next to me but she was apologizing to me. What a night!

We've talked many times since that night. I'm happy to say that I now count Laura as one of my favorite colleagues and friends.

For those of you thinking about getting involved in professional genealogy consider joining your local chapter of APG. The reward and fun you will have networking and interacting with your colleagues is priceless.