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This book was written for anyone who has considered working in the field of private investigation and decided that it would be ideal for them. How to Open & Operate a Financially Successful Private Investigation Business will teach you everything you need to know about the profession, starting with the basics of what you can expect and which preconceptions are just Hollywood fantasy. You will discern the key differences between a private investigator and a police officer and why those who want to be the latter should consider all of their options before getting into private work. You will learn how to choose a niche of investigation and how to think critically. You will pick up tips on how to investigate a case and perform all of your necessary functions legally.
Understand how to hire and keep a qualified professional staff, meet IRS requirements, manage and train employees, generate high-profile public relations and publicity, and implement low cost internal marketing ideas. You will learn how to build your business by using low and no cost ways to satisfy customers, as well as methods to increase sales and have customers refer others to you. This book imparts tousands of insider tips and useful guidelines, including case studies of real worl successful private investigation businesses.
Discover how to hire contractors and attract clients. Determine which licenses, liability insurance, contracts, and forms you will need, such as privacy agreements. You will find out what tools you need, including the right camera and lenses. Employ modern computer equipment to accent your investigatons and use the internet to search through public records, private databases, and courthouse records to speed up the process. Learn how to perform background investigatons, interviews, and surveillance and the basics of each type of investigation.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER 1: DETERMING YOUR PROSPECTS IN THE PRIVATE INVESTIGATION PROFESSION
Private Investigation: A Brief History
Private Investigation Today
Assessing Your Skills & Background
Learning About the Industry
Before You Open Your Business
Essential Factors to Success
National Research
Market Area Research
Starting from Scratch versus Buying a Franchise
CHAPTER 2: WHAT IT TAKES TO BECOME A PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR
Developing Your Skills for Internship
Intern Progress Reports
Niches for Investigators without a License
Additional Training & Niches for Licensed Investigators
CHAPTER 3: WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO OPEN YOUR BUSINESS
Determine the Legal Structure of Your Business
Becoming a Small Business
Financial Avenues to Take
Lending Institutions
Joint Ventures
Federal Government
Writing a Loan Proposal
Professional Advisers
Trademarks
Fictitious Name Registration
Obtain an Employer Identification Number
Open a Bank Account
Secure an Accountant or Purchase Accounting Software
Get a Post Office Box
Permits and Licenses
Setting Up Your Office
Tools for Operating Your Business
Computers and Software
Setting Up Ledgers
CHAPTER 4: FINDING CLIENTS & GETTING PAID
Web Site Design Fundamentals
Designing Your Logo
Domain Names
Search Engine Optimization - Explained
Marketing Your Business
Creating an Effective Brand
Using Social Media and Networking
Getting Paid
Secrets of Job Estimating
Price Strategy and Preparing Bids
Negotiating Contracts
CHAPTER 5: HOW TO INVESTIGATE DIFFERENT CASES
Investigating Infidelity & Divorce Cases
Conducting Background Checks
Investigating Personal Injury Cases
Investigating Malpractice Suits
Investigating Workers' Compensation & Insurance
Fraud Cases
Investigating Theft Cases
Bounty Hunting
Investigating Collection & Repossession Cases
Investigating a Missing Persons Case
Skip Tracing & Public Record Searches
Pretexting for Information
How to Spot a Bug or Wiretap
CHAPTER 6: WORKING A CASE
Tailing the Subject
Counter-surveillance
Creating the Surveillance Log
CHAPTER 7: MAINTAINING YOUR BUSINESS, AVOIDING PITFALLS, AND REAPING BENEFITS
The Forms You Need
Taxes
Controlling Costs
Hiring Employees
Application of Federal Law to Employers
Creating an Ethical Encironment
Deductions
Compensating Yourself
How Sudden Success Can Put You Out of Business
Understanding Bankruptcy Laws
CHAPTER 8: WORKING WITH LAW FIRMS & ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES
Chain of Custody
Working with the Police
Subpoena and Courtroom Testimony
taking Depositions for Attorneys
The Work Product Rule
CHAPTER 9: ETHICAL & LEGAL ISSUES
Peeping Tom Law
Drivers Protection Privacy Act
Gramm-Leach Bliley Act
Knowing Your State and Local Laws
Liability
Types of Insurance
Ghostwriting
CHAPTER 10: LONG-TERM FINANCIAL GOALS FOR YOUR BUSINESS
Expanding Inernationally
The Exit Plan
Leaving Your Business to a Family Member
Selling to Your Employees
CONCLUSION
APPENDIX A: CHECKLISTS AND FORMS
Retainer Agreement
Itemization Checklist for Surveillance Operations
Surveillance Log
Sample Income Ledger for January 2010
Sample Expenditure Ledger for January 2010
APPENDIX B: ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
APPENDIX C: GLOSSARY OF TERMS
Published: 2011
Paper
Pages: 335 and CD ROM
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