Comments on: How Do You Make Money In Genealogy?

By: George Geder

George Geder — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 02:06:22 +0000

Thomas,

Thank you for being so open and honest. Your examples point to the things I’m doing right and the things I’m doing wrong.

It takes courage for you to divulge your income as you did. As one who purchased your e-book, I feel that my few ducats definitely went to the right, deserving person.

Peace & Blessings,
“Guided by the Ancestors”

By: Dee Dee King

Dee Dee King — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 14:11:22 +0000

Interesting post advising heir searching for those new to professional genealogy. IMHO, forensic genealogy definitely requires more skills and experience than most newcomers to the field possess. It’s a big leap for someone who has only completed a few client assignments to doing work that involves laws, lawyers, and courts.

By: Ian Hadden

Ian Hadden — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 04:23:17 +0000

Thomas, Once again a great post filled with the honesty and transparency you are known for. It certainly helps me understand why I love my ‘day job.’

By: Yvonne

Yvonne — Sat, 23 Apr 2011 00:18:42 +0000

Thomas, you’re my hero! I’ve NEVER seen ANYONE lay out their income, especially on the net, like you have! BRAVO!

It proves how passionate you are about what you do and your willingness to help others.

By: Sherry Kline

Sherry Kline — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 19:39:50 +0000

Awesome food for thought, Thomas! You are definitely worth more than you are making!

Love the comments “I make no small plans.” Wise, very wise. Most of us make our plans too small, and throw too small a loop at our hopes and dreams!

By: daggerdan22

daggerdan22 — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 18:06:09 +0000

How Do You Make Money In Genealogy? | GeneaBloggers http://bit.ly/edvsAo

By: LucieLeBlancConsenti

LucieLeBlancConsenti — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 09:19:49 +0000

Thanks for sharing Thomas. This is an interesting series! Fortunately you have the background that allows you to be versatile in what you are able to do in an effort to increase your income. That is good! Some of what you say confirms what I have told my own family; that you cannot make a living hiring out to do genealogy. As you know doing genealogy for others who want to hire us requires a good deal of our time to do the research, etc. My experience is that most people who contacted me do not want to pay what it takes to get the job done even when all I was asking was $15 an hour plus photocopying and travel. I gave that up as it was not worth the agita with the expectations of people way beyond reasonable, way beyond what the documents often tell and who didn’t really want to pay for the work anyhow. Now I just do it for free if I have the resources to help.. I love speaking so I count on that to supplement our income but you likely know that can be feast or famine. Now I hope to try get into webinars to see how that goes. It is time to incorporate some technology into what I do.

By: Kenneth W. Spangler

Kenneth W. Spangler — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 05:16:01 +0000

Thomas,
Thanks for sharing this with us! It helps me to see what is available and what I would have to do if I did decide to try to do this for money!
Every little bit of wisdom helps!

By: BDM

BDM — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 05:01:16 +0000

A few more specialties or supplements? Not necessarily for you, but in general. Heir searching (forensic genealogy). Travel arranger and tour guide to ancestral locations. Photographs of ancestral homes, communities, cemeteries, etc. Analysis of old photographs. Production of family history books for clients.

By: Kathryn Creeden

Kathryn Creeden — Fri, 22 Apr 2011 03:02:34 +0000

Thomas, thanks so much for sharing this! The amount of time you’re investing is a revelation in itself. Can’t wait to see what those future projects bring!