Building and Running a Successful Research Business: A Guide for the Independent Information Professional (2nd ed.)

Citation

McNicol, S. (2010), "Building and Running a Successful Research Business: A Guide for the Independent Information Professional (2nd ed.)", New Library World, Vol. 111 No. 11/12, pp. 535-536. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074801011094930

The second edition of Building and Running a Successful Research Business updates a handbook first published in 2003 in the light of developments such as social networking and the latest tools and content available online. The guide is intended for anyone considering setting up as, or currently working as, an independent information professional, providing services such as information management, online and telephone research, public records research and competitive intelligence.

The book is divided into four sections. “Getting started” describes what an independent information professional is: what they do, the pros and cons, and the skills required. It also discusses how to structure a business, choose a name, decide what equipment and software to buy, set up a web site and balance work with the rest of your life. The second section, “Running the business” examines the day‐to‐day operation of an independent research business in more detail. It includes chapters on managing clients, accounting and setting fees, subcontracting, ethics and short and long term business planning. This is followed by a section devoted to “Marketing”, something which the author acknowledges many information professionals are not comfortable with. This section covers marketing on the web and in print, networking and public relations. The final section focuses on “Researching”, exploring a range of methods including online research, specialised databases, telephone research, using public records and allied services an information professional could offer such as training, podcasts and consulting.

The book is clearly laid out, divided into short sections and includes a summary of “top tips” at the end of each chapter. The main strength of this book is the way in which the author draws on her own experiences of setting up and running a successful information business for a number of years. She offers practical advice and points out the potential pitfalls. However, although the general principles of running a business apply around the world, the much of the detailed practical guidance given is specific to the USA. My main criticism of Building and Running a Successful Research Business, however, is the amount of repetition; the book would have benefited from significant editing in this respect, and also to eliminate some more mundane details.

Anyone considering setting up an independent research business will be sure to pick up tips from the author of this book, but I feel the useful information could have been condensed into a much shorter and more tightly focused handbook.