I need some guidence as the next best step

[upon]

     Hi all , could someone please tell me how i can get a a start with someone out there as i have now been trying for twelve months , i have no experience as i have spent most of my life in sales work, i have been certified for twelve months and have just renewed my licence, but what good is it to me if no-one is willing to give me some traing. Do you think it is because i am of a mature age and would it be any more of an advantage if i had a few more higher certificates under my belt.
I live near Ulladulla on the south coast which does seem to be a dissadvantage although i have a very reliable car to travel in .I would like some advice from anyone how to make this dream happen as i am at my wits end.

[BigGeorge]

Upon,

Saw your other similar post of today about difficulties finding work. I am rather bewildered that you should be despairing, after all ten emails in 12 months is not really the actions of a man desperately trying to get work.

As in any competitive industry, you don't get a job merely because you have a certificate and a licence. Having more certificates "under your belt" is likewise not going to get you a job.

When I made a start I approached EVERY insurance company in Australia and several overseas. I canvassed major companies endlessly and knocked on any door I could see. I phoned them and wrote letters (no email back then). In a while I got more work that I could poke a stick at and this kept up until the end.

I ran a PI business more than 30 years and had many sub-contractors. I didn't care too much what wonderful pieces of paper they had when they came to me and if they emailed, I deleted their emails. If they bothered to call me I'd tell them to put it in writing (great way to see if they know grammar and how to capitalise words) on paper. And if they pestered me with calls after a letter, then I'd ask them to come and see me.

Those I got to interview made an impression on me by their keenness, by how well they could speak and how switched on they were. So called credentials meant little for me and tough-guy PI dudes didn't make it. I liked "nice" people and found those with a sales background had a head start.

Upon, I too have a sales background and it taught me some basic truths - make ten calls, get a lead. Follow up ten leads, get a sale. At least so it was in the car business. It taught me to be persistent, positive and above all, to be a nice guy able to win people over. This all worked for me in the PI business and I think any PI wanting to get ahead in this business will have to have such attributes. Mediocrity gets nowhere. Excel and you will fly.

I am sure if I got an email from you I'd have deleted it.

Good luck

BG

[upon]

Thankyou George, i will keep on pushing and yes i did send you an email.no i did not get a reply, thankyou for the advise.

[BigGeorge]

upon,

If you emailed me recently and I didn't reply, then it was a rude failure on my part! I try to always reply to everyone. My comments about deleting emails relate to the time I was in business. I am no longer in the investigation business.

Please feel free to email me again and I will do what I can to assist you. I assume you know my real name and my email address. If not, just PM me here.



BG

[kalbitzer66]

I am new to this industry like 'many', I am still slowly working through the course, and am also of a sightly more mature age. However I would think that this would be of an advantage in this industry, common sense, intuition, experience, people skills, communication skills, all an advantage and should be further advanced in the more mature investigator. Also, lets face it, how many posts have you seen from the young hopeful who has the impression that they will be undertaking countless dangerous undercover operations and think that an investigator is a mirror of Magnum PI. Also the multitude who think, "I will pay $700 and then have a carer" that's not reality. As far as I can tell, good people skills, firm grasp on English and comprehension, effective networking, some self promotion, patience, persistence, common sense, sound analytical skills, self discipline, a reasonable amount of intelligence are all required to find your way in this industry.   
I suppose that realistically your geographical location may put you at a slight disadvantage. My advice is, if you are able, move to an area that is slightly more populated with a lower concentration of Investigators (the info is on the net). Work at a job other than PI and save some money, create a decent web site and advertise yourself. Get a few good contacts and sub-contract.
I see my position as more mature as an advantage, I also have a good profession that pays well, spending some cash on self promotion/advertising is essential as far as I can tell, get yourself out there. Having a few solid contacts to assist is also a huge bonus. I actually have emailed several investigators to assist with course questions, from that I have one in particular who is absolutely brilliant and has helped me no end with resources and advice, some networking contacts are priceless. How you present and represent yourself is important. Don't be afraid of self promotion I say, as long as you have the confidence in your ability to back it up. Oh yes, something I have noted, don't call your business Dick Tracy, Magnum PI, Sneaky Investigators. Blatant understated advertising in my opinion is great, flashy PI business names 'are not'.. You work in sales, 'Sell Yourself'. And as Mr 'BG' noted, 10 emails I am assuming is okay, I suggest it's what you do with them is important also. Good Luck   

PS: I had some time on my hands, can you tell ?

Cheers: Eduard         

[BigGeorge]

kalbitzer66

I take my hat off to you!

Your comments show that maturity is an advantage.

You will do well.

 

BG