ThinkGenealogy

This month the ProGen study groups studied a single topic: Time Management

You can find this in Professional Genealogy in:

• Chapter 13 - Time Management by Patricia Law Hatcher, CG, FASG

A key paragraph at the beginning of the chapter states:

“Dozens of times each day we make decisions - consciously or unconsciously - to begin, continue, or terminate various activities. Many of the time management problems genealogists face do not have solutions, but if we recognize the problems, we can make more informed decisions.”

The rest of the chapter identifies and discusses 10 problems that genealogists face:

1. Creating boundaries
2. Identifying clients
3. Organizing time
4. Planning for unbillable time
5. Cutting time waste
6. Identifying procrastination
7. Making time for growth
8. Saying “no”
9. Giving away time
10. Controlling the inquiring mind

As an additional resource, we were encouraged to watch a time management lecture given by Professor Randy Pausch and review the accompanying PowerPoint slides (11 MB).  This lecture was given in 2007 after Randy knew he was dying of cancer. 

Also provided was a link to an article titled, “The Pickle Jar Theory.”   This reminded me a lot of the “big rocks” story from Stephen R. Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.

Practical Assignment

Our assignment this month was pretty straight forward 1) keep a time journal for a week, 2) identify time “thieves”, and 3) begin eliminating wasted time.

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It is hard to believe that we have finished our fifth and now sixth month of the study group.  I am a little behind in reporting month five. Here is a link back to ProGen Study Group #4.

Our reading assignment from Professional Genealogy was:

• Chapter 6 - Executing Contracts by Patricia Gilliam Hastings J.D.
• Chapter 10 - Setting Realistic Fees by Sandra Hargreaves Luebking

In chapter 6, the author discusses the need for a contract and breaks it down into its essential elements.  The chapter gives two sample formal contracts for genealogical lecturing and research services.  As a less formal alternative, there is a sample agreement for genealogical research services in letter form.

In chapter 10 we read about the process of setting realistic fees:

1. Identify annual salary needs
2. Calculate annual expenses
3. Set a profit margin over and above salary
4. Determine billable hours
5. Calculate hourly fee
6. Evaluate and adjust

Practical Assignment

This month the assignment came in two parts:

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I have been posting for the last 6 months about the ProGen study group and my experiences.  It has been a wonderful experience.  The content is great but what is even better is getting to know the members of your group.  We have formed friendships over these months. 

Well, today my group did something wonderful for me and I truly appreciate it.  I won’t go into the details but I did want to publically tell them “Thank you!”  If we weren’t spread out across the nation, I would bake you a yummy batch of brownies.  Thank you Sheri, Elissa, Randy, Tina, and Jeff.