My wife is an avid amateur genealogist. She spends at least a couple of hours a day on her hobby. Personally, I find the whole thing to be about as fascinating as watching paint dry, but she thrives on it. Now she wants to go professional and make a living at it. How does a person go about doing this? Is the pay good? She doesn’t have a bachelor’s degree—only a two-year degree from a community college. Will that hinder her chances of being taken seriously by her clients? I’m at a total loss here—she always looks to me for advice, and in this instance I have none to offer. How do you get your foot in the door in this field?
From what I know, it is like becoming certain types of financial planners. When you think you are good enough and want to dive in, you make up portfolios and hang up a shingle. That is to say, it is your standard, professional, freelancing type gig.
Here are some tips:
Trade associations are your best friend: