Building and Running a Successful Research Business : A Guide for the Independent Information Professional

Contents: Foreword/Reva Basch. Acknowledgements. Introduction. I. Getting started: 1. What\'s an independent info pro? 2. A day in the life of an independent info pro. 3. The joys and frustrations of being an independent info pro. 4. Are you a potential independent info pro? 5. Understanding your competition. 6. Structuring your business. 7. Before you launch. 8. Setting up your business. 9. Software for your business. 10. Work and the rest of your life. II. Running the business: 11. Managing your clients. 12. Money, money, money. 13. Setting rates and fees. 14. Subcontracting, or I\'ll scratch your back if you scratch mine. 15. Ethics and legalities. 16. Professional development. 17. Strategic planning. III. Marketing: 18. Marketing do\'s and don\'ts. 19. Your business image. 20. Marketing on the web. 21. Print marketing. 22. Marketing by writing and speaking. 23. Starting the word of mouth. 24. Public relations. IV. Researching: 25. The reference interview. 26. Thinking like a researcher. 27. Approaching online research. 28. Web research 101. 29. Professional online services. 30. Specialized online services. 31. Telephone research. 32. Public records research. 33. Library and other manual research. 34. Deliverables. 35. Other services you can offer. Appendices. About the author, editor. Index.

"Here is the handbook every information entrepreneur needs to launch, manage, and grow an independent research firm. Organized into four sections, "Getting started," "Running the Business," "Marketing," and "Researching," the book walks you through every step of the process. Long time independent info pro Mary Ellen Bates covers everything from "is this right for you?" to closing the sale, managing clients, promoting your business, and tapping into powerful online information sources."