Episode 28 - Genealogy Cold Calling, Sweet Land

Genealogy Gems Podcast
Episode 28 with Lisa Louise Cooke

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Published Oct 2, 2007

Episode 28 Show Notes

The first Genealogy Gems videocast was published last week: The Socks to America. It's available through iTunes where you can download it to your video iPod.

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GEM: GENEALOGY "COLD CALLS?

My Lady of the Telephone was performed by Joseph A. Phillips and chorus for Edison Records in 1915.

Interview with Carolyn Ender from Texas who has conducted dozens of cold call research calls.

1) Identify the person you want to call.

2) Locate the Person's Phone Number.

Anywho.com People.yahoo.com Google.com

3) Plan ahead

Consider recording the conversationConsider getting a hands free phone Consider time zones. Choose a time when you are not rushed Briefly review the family you are researching Make note of specific questions you would like to ask. Have your genealogy software program open.

4) Get up the "nerve" to call Be prepared. Say to yourself: "I can do this. This is important." Remember, all they can do is say "no thank you."

5) Introduce Yourself Immediately identify yourself with first & last name & town. Indicate any family connection. Indicate who referred you to them.

6) Where to Begin Talk about the family line you are researching Explain how you thought you might be related.

7) Reluctant Relatives Share what you've learned. Share your own memories of a shared relative. Mention something of particular interest in the family tree that might pique their interest. Offer to mail them some information and call again once they've had a chance to look at it.

8) During the Call Take notes during the phone call. Confirm information that you already have

9) When There's No Answer Leave a voice mail your name, number, why you are calling, offer to call back.

10) Must Ask? Questions

11) Wrapping up the call. Thank them for their time. Ask for email address. Offer to give them your address and phone number.

12) Create Documentation Be sure to include the person's name, address, phone number and date of conversation.13) Enter data into your genealogy database. This is a must. Do it right away while it's on your mind.

14) Create a To Do List. Go through the notes you typed with a highlighter pen to mark items you will want to research further.

15) Follow-up Thank you card Birthday cards & Christmas card Follow up calls.

GEM: Sweet Land

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Enjoy!