UpTo.it Home > Coaching for New Infobrokers

Coaching for Independent Information Professionals

The figure of the independent information professional (IIP), informally called infobroker, is not well known in Europe, especially in southern European countries like Italy. In fact, few IIPs have successfully developed and grown businesses in southern Europe, as shown by the membership list of AIIP, the leading international professional association for this field.

The market challenge

What has hindered the growth of this sector in southern Europe, where help in finding and accessing authoritative, reliable and easy-to-understand information is even more needed than elsewhere? One issue is the particular type of information-seeking behavior in Mediterranean countries, where documentation often takes second place to word-of-mouth recommendations. But, with the increasing competitiveness of foreign companies in this era of globalization, a better approach to information is essential. Another issue is the difficulty in acquiring all the skills necessary to operate successfully as an IIP. There are a few excellent books on the subject (written, however, from an AngloSaxon viewpoint), but specific training opportunities, like degree programs and post-graduate courses, are scarce. This lack of professional training, especially in Italy, may explain why many new IIP activities fail after only a few years.

I am regularly approached by persons interested in becoming an IIP, who ask for information and hope for an opportunity to collaborate with me so that they can gain first-hand experience. I gladly share information about the profession, but I will not subcontract an important job to an inexperienced operator: to my clients, I must guarantee quality work, short turn-around times and, above all, confidentiality.

As I know from personal experience, starting an independent information business is hard work. In Italy, in 1998, there were no role models to follow and much of the advice from US sources didn't apply. Now, after 10 years, I have begun to understand the roles and challenges of being a Mediterranean IIP. In fact, I spoke on this topic at the 2008 annual conference of AIIP.

Coaching for the startup IIP

This is a unique training offer for persons determined to become an independent information professional (IIP) - infobroker - in Italy. The coaching is done by email, VOIP and telephone. It begins with a 6-month structured program on the fundamentals of working and thinking like an IIP. This is followed by optional 6-month periods of continued, but more informal, expert guidance, as needed.

A 6-month personalized starter course. The IIP-in-training will be led in discussions and will perform practical activities regarding:

Business focus: IIP attitudes and professionalism; what services you will offer and to which market sector; which skills and tools you will need
Marketing plan: definition of your client base; strategies for contacting and attracting potential clients; developing your professional image; maintaining and building upon your client base
Developing research proposals to meet clients' requests: conducting the research interview; devising the research strategy; estimating costs and time for delivery; writing estimates
Research and delivery: choosing reliable sources; converting research results into useful deliverables

Follow-up coaching. During the first 6-month period, the IIP-in-training will work on practice exercises and on his or her own clients' requests, if these have started to arrive. In successive 6-month periods, the IIP-in-training will receive support in all phases of research and delivery, as well as in all aspects of business development, as desired.

For further information and pricing, info@uptoit.org or:

Valerie Matarese, Ph.D.
UpTo infotechnologies
Via Roma 10, I-31020 Vidor (TV), Italy
Tel./fax +39-0423-985191

Top