Every day I see many people posting on forums, community sites and blogs asking how to get into the field of being a Private Investigator.
Many of those posting the messages have completed a course of some description that has given them their new found interest in the industry. Whether this was an Edexcel Private Investigation Level 3 BTEC course or simply a home study course that is accompanied with a Diploma upon completion it still stands them in good steed for the future. However, the frustration is, like any other specialised industry is where do you start?
Many Private Investigation Agencies are "one man bands", therefore, they either do not have the time, resources or finances to take on new staff and train them up. Secondly, there is a big fear that the new recruit would learn all the skill sets from the recruiting Private Investigator only to head off into the sunset one day with a bag full of skills and experience and a list of ready made clients!
So then, your first problem is how do I get experience?
There are several options out there, so don't give up just yet. One option is to carry out prospecting, this is a simple exercise anyone can do by using your new found knowledge taught to you from the course you took!
Get on the Internet and search for companies that employ people with your skills, such as Insurance Loss Adjusters, Claims Advisers and so on. Its a start if you prefer to get a wage every month!
On the the other hand you could start your own business, if you enlisted on a good and respectable course it should have provided you with relevant information and guidance on how to do this. Besides, starting up your own Private Investigation Agency isn't as daunting as it may seem. Think about this for a second or two...
All you need is a phone, this can be a mobile phone and doesn't necessarily have to be a land line. You will need a computer and a printer (most of us have one of these!)
Some stationary and a website. In addition you may need a camera and a camcorder depending on what it is you are going to specialise in. In addition you will need your DPA Number from the ICO site, see link below. You will also need Personal Indemnity Insurance for up to around £500,000, this costs around £200 per year. John Marsh is a good company to use as you can pay monthly.
Personally, I would become totally focused on the method of "Process Serving" at first, as any Private Investigator will tell you this is the "bread and butter" money of the industry. Again, don't be daunted, once you have carried out a couple it will become easier and there are many forums around that will help you and guide you in the right direction.
The key to Process Serving is getting it right, each and every time. If you get it wrong it could have disastrous effects on future business with that client.
So how do you get work as a Process Server. Easy really, get your stationary made up (this link will take you to a company that provide a good service at a very reasonable price, then have the stationary sent to your door!)
Get a website created, make your own or enlist someone to do this for you.
TIP - It pays to get a good professional website and hosting as this will act as your gateway. If you present a crap site what is this saying about you and your business? Here is a link to someone who produces very good sites in line with your budget!
Write a good letter, it doesn't have to be an essay, just start by simply saying "May I introduce my company..."
Go on to say a few lines about your company and what you offer, for example; Process Serving, Tracing Enquiries and so on.
Then, just finish off with "I await your instructions..."
Don't make it sound desperate but do emphasise your professionalism, discretion and enlist any memberships you hold such as networking groups, WAPI, ABI etc. Also include your DPA number if you haven't already got one you will need one. Click here to go to the ICO web site
For success, you will need to send off to all the solicitors in your chosen area, you can do this cheaply by using this site. It creates a database for you to download and mail merge with your letter.
Once you have sent your letters out, leave it a week or two then follow them up with a phone call. This sounds costly, especially if you have sent out 300-400 letters but think of everyone as a potential client that could earn you £90, then another £90 if you do a good job!
Its obvious to say that you Will not gain all those customers/clients but if we worked on 1/10 that gives you around 30-40 clients. Slowly but surely they will start sending you work and with that many clients on your books you should be doing OK! - It goes without saying that many of these solicitors will already have a PI doing their work for them, however, what happens when he/she is busy, on holiday, unreliable, messes up etc, etc. There is always an opportunity somewhere!
Remember this; If you sent a nice professional letter, backed up by a good looking website and business card, followed by a phone call, would this make your presence stronger than the other PI who has just started up that simply sent an email or letter without a card or follow up!!! Hmmmmm!
So, there you have it. You WILL find it difficult to get into a Private Investigation Agency to get experience, however, you may consider starting one yourself and "why not?"
See you next time...
Next Blog:
How to trace Missing Debtors, What equipment and resources to use
Seagal Investigations
http://www.seagalinvestigations.co.uk
Wednesday, 12 August 2009
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