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Getting Starting as an Independent Information Professional

"What should I consider before starting my own business?"

AIIP can help with that!

There are lots of great resources out there on starting a small business. But AIIP knows that information entrepreneurs are a bit different. So we created a unique guide with insights from successful independent info pros (IIPs).

Download the AIIP Guide to Starting Your Own Information Business

2023 Revised Edition

You'll learn:

What it means to be an IIP
How to decide whether being an IIP is a good fit for you
Business models adopted by IIPs
Steps to take when setting up your business
Branding, marketing, and sales strategies for info pros

"Are there more ways the Association of Independent Information Professionals (AIIP)
can help me launch my business?"

Absolutely!

1) Knowing that you're not alone is a big asset

New members can attend our Welcome meet-ups, held quarterly.

AIIP also offers new members a video library of conversations on your first year in business. These Q&A sessions cover topics ranging from getting clients to finding a niche and setting prices.

Feedback via our private discussion list is another way to get collegial advice.

2) Peer mentoring is invaluable in the early stages

Volunteers in the AIIP Peer to Peer Support Program offer support and guidance for colleagues who are building an IIP business.
Connect with a mentor to help assess your strengths and weaknesses or get input on networking and marketing strategies.

3) You don't need to be in business to join AIIP

A Student or Associate membership will give you a close-up view of starting and succeeding as an IIP.
Learn more about what you gain from an AIIP membership—and how AIIP can help you reach your goals.

4) AIIP's annual conference is your info pro boot camp!

AIIP's conference is a symposium-style event that informs, connects, and inspires all our members. We cover topics relevant for people at all stages of an information business.

Experience the collegiality of the AIIP community first-hand while investing in your own professional development and future success.

"I joined AIIP before I had even started my business... one of the best investments I have made. The lively discussion list, the collegial tone of AIIP members, great discounts from our industry partners and affiliates, lots of professional development through webinars and our annual conference. I can't imagine being an info-entrepreneur without belonging to AIIP."

Mary Ellen Bates, Bates Information Services

Start Creating Your Future!

In this video, hear how first-time attendee Eddie Ajaeb made a successful foray into content marketing, inspired by the 2017 AIIP Annual Conference and his first year of membership in AIIP.