The article linking to other helpful information can be found here: https://www.privateinvestigatoradvice...

In this video, we discuss the different dangers involved with being a private investigator and the different types of investigations that may bring more danger than others.

Be sure to subscribe to the podcast and leave a 5-star review if you have found this podcast helpful.

Private Investigator Advice Products Mentioned:

Investigator Bundle

 Surveillance Notebook - (Green)

(Mountain Cover)

(Unicorn Cover)

 Want to Become a PI Book 

In this episode, we discuss whether pretexting is unethical or illegal.

You can read about this topic in more detail here - Is Pretexting Illegal or Unethical?

P.I. Book - Want to Become a Private Investigator?

P.I. Investigator Bundle

Whether the consciously think about it or unconsciously, these are questions people ask themselves before purchasing from you.

Have a great day and see you on the next one!

For giveaway information go here-

https://www.privateinvestigatoradvicehq.com/giveaway/

Super Bundle (LIMITED TIME) https://gum.co/dUlL

In this episode I talk about a variety of topics with the most important topic in this episode being the art of dealing with neighbors.  Thanks for watching and supporting the show.

In this episode I get into a variety of topics.  Some topics deserve more time that I hopefully will get into in the future.  P.I. Companys podcasting, easy marketing and competitive analysis are just a few of the things covered in the extremely awesome podcast.  

If there is anything you want to know more about don't hesitate to ask and I will do my best to answer.

In this awesome episdoe I discuss how to move up withing a private investigation company.  It's not an easy thing to do sometimes but you can do several things during your career to put yourself in good position for a promotion.  Enjoy it.  I enjoyed making it.

Andrew

Christmas and New Years have passed and I am back recording.  In this episode we discuss the anticipated slow work load, podcasting networks, a new spy cam I got in the mail, a recent fraud case and P.I. Terminology.  Knowning words associated to the industry will help you get your foot in the door.  

Enjoy the episdoe!

Andrew

In this episode of the P.I. Advice Podcast I discuss surveillance tips for the holiday season.  I also answer some questions from listeners regarding the private a private investigation business.

I am back after a month and in this episode I catch you up on some of the things I have been up to.  I also get a chance to answer some questions I have recieved over the past couple of months.  Thanks for listening.

In this episode we discuss ways to build experience to help you gain a private investigator job.  In addition I talk about an iPhone app that is going to help me become more healty.  And finally I discuss a hobby that I have participated in for nearly about 17 years.

After a long break I am back on the microphone to talk about some great topics.  I explain how my website jumped up several spots to get into the top 5 position in Google. We go over some news about private investigators that have had a negative light upon them.  We also talk about an important iPhone app that you should consider having on your phone whether your a private investigator or not.  Finally we talk about the many different jobs of a private investigator.  If I missed one let me know and I will try to cover it on a future podcast.  

In this episode I finish up the basic things you need to know before becoming a private investigator.  I go over an old news article from early this year and talk about a another iphone application that every private investigator should have.

In the third episode of the P.I. Advice Podcast we continue on the path of informing future investigators what they are getting themselves into.  We go into some of what are considered the negatives of the job.  This is part 1 of this topic.  

in addition we cover some local fraud that made the news in the city of Tacoma.  This story is classic and will easily be a story you will share with others.  Just another reason why fraud investigators are in need all over the world.

I share an important iPhone application and device that should be used by many investigators or at the very least new business owners.  I cover this app on the website but not everyone finds the website first.

The original article can be found here- https://www.privateinvestigatoradvicehq.com/night-surveillance-struggle-real/

In this podcast, I discuss some night surveillance struggles as well as provide a few tips that may help with night surveillance. This is also the 100th podcast episode.

For giveaway information go here- https://www.privateinvestigatoradvicehq.com/giveaway/

Super Bundle (LIMITED TIME) https://gum.co/dUlL

https://gum.co/dUlL

Thank you all for being there through the first 100 podcasts!

In this episode I talk about an iPhone application that made the news when a man used the Burner application to trick a thief to get his bike back that had been stolen. Also I talk about some misconceptions when reaching out to private investigators for information.  

For those considering the occupation of being a private investigator, the main content covers reasons why you should and should not consider being a private investigator.  

In this podcast I introduce myself and share my journey to becoming a private investigator.  Additionally I go into some of the content that the show will have in the future.  

The original article can be found here- https://wp.me/p25cZL-1kh

In this podcast I discuss how I was able to live on an employee salary for many years. Things have changed over the years and I discuss how private investigators are currently living off an employee salary.

"NEW" Workers Comp Guide/Template bundle- https://gum.co/ZECWv

For the investigator template bundle - https://gum.co/PSwpu

Surveillance template only - https://gum.co/aVZg

Retainer agreement only- https://gum.co/DAOpC

PI Health Page -https://www.privateinvestigatoradvicehq.com/investigator-health/

P.I. Resource Page-https://www.privateinvestigatoradvicehq.com/resources/

Start an investigation company - https://www.privateinvestigatoradvicehq.com/45-how-to-start-a-private-investigation-company/

The original article can be found here - https://wp.me/p25cZL-1k8

This topic stemmed from a question regarding physical or phone pretexting. I sort of changed the direction of the question which was a better question to consider.

In this private investigator podcast I discuss being a student as a private investigator and how to be one throughout your career and life.

"NEW" Workers Comp Guide/Template bundle- https://gum.co/ZECWv

For the investigator template bundle - https://gum.co/PSwpu

Surveillance template only - https://gum.co/aVZg

Retainer agreement only- https://gum.co/DAOpC

PI Health Page -https://www.privateinvestigatoradvice...

P.I. Resource Page- https://www.privateinvestigatoradvice...

The original article can be found here - https://wp.me/p25cZL-1wI

In this private investigator podcast I discuss being a student as a private investigator and how to be one throughout your career and life.

PI Health Page (mentioned in podcast)-

https://www.privateinvestigatoradvice...

P.I. Resource Page- https://www.privateinvestigatoradvice...

Jim Rhon - https://www.jimrohn.com/

"NEW" Workers Comp Guide/Template bundle- https://gum.co/ZECWv

For the investigator template bundle - https://gum.co/PSwpu

Surveillance template only - https://gum.co/aVZg

Retainer agreement only- https://gum.co/DAOpC

There is more to evaluating a surveillance investigator then just video percentage.

The original article can be found here - https://wp.me/p25cZL-1h6 

Here is the link to the P.I. Health Page - https://wp.me/P25cZL-1wc

"NEW" Workers Comp Guide/Template bundle- https://gum.co/ZECWv

Sponsor Website Link- http://firstdefendertacticalgear.com/

Badge unboxing - https://youtu.be/2IRqCoOozmA

For the investigator template bundle - https://gum.co/PSwpu

Surveillance template only - https://gum.co/aVZg

Retainer agreement only- https://gum.co/DAOpC

There is more to evaluating a surveillance investigator then just video percentage. The original article can be found here - https://wp.me/p25cZL-1h6

This is just part one and part two will be linked in here as soon as it is completed.

Here is the link to the P.I. Health Page - https://wp.me/P25cZL-1wc

"NEW" Workers Comp Guide/Template bundle- https://gum.co/ZECWv

Sponsor Website Link- http://firstdefendertacticalgear.com/ Badge

unboxing - https://youtu.be/2IRqCoOozmA

For the investigator template bundle - https://gum.co/PSwpu

Surveillance template only - https://gum.co/aVZg

Retainer agreement only- https://gum.co/DAOpC

The article can be found here- https://wp.me/p25cZL-1vU

This is the story I have held onto for a very long time. Waiting for the right time to share it. And after I spoke with a private investigator that had his plates ran by someone he was following, I thought it was a good time.

"NEW" Workers Comp Guide/Template bundle- https://gum.co/ZECWv

Sponsor Website Link- http://firstdefendertacticalgear.com/

Badge unboxing - https://youtu.be/2IRqCoOozmA

For the investigator template bundle - https://gum.co/PSwpu

Surveillance template only - https://gum.co/aVZg

Retainer agreement only- https://gum.co/DAOpC

The article can be found here - https://wp.me/p25cZL-1gt NEW!!!!

The Workers Compensation Guide/Template Bundle - https://gum.co/ZECWv

In this podcast I discuss an overview of what a claims investigator's responsibilities would be while working for an investigation company. I share a few stories and share some of the good and bad things about this version of the industry.

Sponsor Website Link- http://firstdefendertacticalgear.com/

Badge unboxing - https://youtu.be/2IRqCoOozmA

For the investigator template bundle - https://gum.co/PSwpu

Surveillance template only - https://gum.co/aVZg

Retainer agreement only- https://gum.co/DAOpC

Audible free trial - https://www.audibletrial.com/pia

Thank you so much for watching and supporting the show.

In this podcast I discuss what a good video percentage would be for a surveillance investigator. The original article can be found here - https://wp.me/p25cZL-1fV

Sponsor Website Link- http://firstdefendertacticalgear.com/

Badge unboxing - https://youtu.be/2IRqCoOozmA

For the investigator template bundle - https://gum.co/PSwpu

Surveillance template only - https://gum.co/aVZg

Retainer agreement only- https://gum.co/DAOpC

Audible free trial - https://www.audibletrial.com/pia

Thank you so much for watching and supporting the show.

Personal Development is incredibly instrumental and important for investigators that have aspirations of moving up within an investigation company or even starting their own business. I share the importance, 3 outcomes of personal development, and some resources to get you started.

Be sure to subscribe.

Private Investigator Advice Products Mentioned:

Investigator Bundle - 

Surveillance Notebook - (Green) 

(Mountain Cover) - 

(Unicorn Cover) -

Want to Become a PI Book - 

The Speed of Trust - 

5 Levels of Leadership -

Developing the Leaders Around You - 

5 Love Languages - 

How to Win Friends and Influence People - 

Twelve Pillars - 

The original article can be found at -https://wp.me/p25cZL-1bU

In this podcast, I discuss what ghosting is and 4 actual stories of ghosting. Oh yeah, ghosting is a major sin for a private investigator.

Advertiser Website Link- http://firstdefendertacticalgear.com/

For the investigator template bundle - https://gum.co/PSwpu

Surveillance template only - https://gum.co/aVZg

Retainer agreement only- https://gum.co/DAOpC

Audible free trial - https://www.audibletrial.com/pia

Thanks for watching. Don't forget to subscribe!

I have worked as a claims investigator and have investigated many home and business break-ins. This is what I learned from those investigations.

Here is the original article- https://wp.me/p25cZL-1aV

Equipment Discussed in this Video

Arlo - http://amzn.to/2FQkQzD

Ring Stickup Camera - http://amzn.to/2pzvcKj

Ring Spotlight Camera - http://amzn.to/2IGfMf5

Door jammer - http://amzn.to/2GQ4Yu6

Simplisafe - http://amzn.to/2IDoR8t

Fake TV - http://amzn.to/2G2zWOo

For the investigator template bundle - https://gum.co/PSwpu

Surveillance template only - https://gum.co/aVZg

Retainer agreement only- https://gum.co/DAOpC

Audible free trial - https://www.audibletrial.com/pia

Thanks for watching. Don't forget to subscribe!

Do private investigators lie? If they do, what are they lying about? That is what I discuss in this podcast.

Here is the original article- https://www.privateinvestigatoradvicehq.com/private-investigators-lie-147/

For the investigator template bundle - https://gum.co/PSwpu

Surveillance template only - https://gum.co/aVZg

Retainer agreement only- https://gum.co/DAOpC

Audible free trial - https://www.audibletrial.com/pia

Thanks for listening Don't forget to subscribe!

Do private investigators lie? If they do, what are they lying about? That is what I discuss in this podcast.

Here is the original article- https://www.privateinvestigatoradvicehq.com/private-investigators-lie-147/

For the investigator template bundle - https://gum.co/PSwpu

Surveillance template only - https://gum.co/aVZg

Retainer agreement only- https://gum.co/DAOpC

Audible free trial - https://www.audibletrial.com/pia

Thanks for listening Don't forget to subscribe!

The questions you ask an interviewer are just as important as the questions the interviewer asks you. The questions I share in the podcast help you get a better understanding of the type of company you may potentially be working for.

Here is the original article - https://wp.me/p25cZL-1a6

For the investigator template bundle - https://gum.co/PSwpu

Surveillance template only - https://gum.co/aVZg

Retainer agreement only- https://gum.co/DAOpC

Audible free trial - https://www.audibletrial.com/pia

In this podcast, I discuss the pros and cons of taking dogs along on surveillance assignments.

The original article can be found here- https://wp.me/p25cZL-19C

For the investigator template bundle - https://gum.co/PSwpu

Surveillance template only - https://gum.co/aVZg

Retainer agreement only- https://gum.co/DAOpC

Audible free trial - https://www.audibletrial.com/pia

fostering in Seattle area - https://www.doggoneseattle.org/adoptable-dogs/

Have a great day

Andrew

Of course, this is a podcast so you can not see a resume but if you want to go to the page where I shared it, it can be found through this link -

https://wp.me/p25cZL-1rd

For the investigator template bundle - https://gum.co/PSwpu

Surveillance template only - https://gum.co/aVZg

Retainer agreement only- https://gum.co/DAOpC

Audible free trial - https://www.audibletrial.com/pia

Thanks for watching. Don't forget to subscribe!

In this episode, I share a question and answer I provided to a reader of the PI Advice website.  

The original article- https://www.privateinvestigatoradvicehq.com/how-much-does-a-private-investigator-deal-with-people-if-only-doing-surveillance-138/

For the investigator template bundle - https://gum.co/PSwpu

Surveillance template only - https://gum.co/aVZg

Retainer agreement only- https://gum.co/DAOpC

Audible free trial - https://www.audibletrial.com/pia

Thanks for watching. Don't forget to subscribe!

In this episode, I discuss the idea of one percent infinity which is explained in the podcast.  

Below are the links to things discussed in the podcast.  

This podcast is based off an article which can be found here - https://www.privateinvestigatoradvicehq.com/one-percent-infinity-for-private-investigators-137/

For the investigator template bundle - https://gum.co/PSwpu

Surveillance template only - https://gum.co/aVZg

Retainer agreement only- https://gum.co/DAOpC

1st Video Made on P.I. Advice - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCDBbUfIfzw

Audible free trial - https://www.audibletrial.com/pia

Food Blogger Pro - https://www.foodbloggerpro.com/

Thanks for listening.  Be sure to subscribe to the podcast!

In this episode, I discuss a scary and funny (at least to me) surveillance story from well over a decade ago.

The article can be found here- https://wp.me/p25cZL-1pS

I am an Amazon affiliate and will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you should you purchase this through my Amazon links.

For the investigator template bundle - https://gum.co/PSwpu

Surveillance template only - https://gum.co/aVZg

Retainer agreement only- https://gum.co/DAOpC

Audible free trial - https://www.audibletrial.com/pia

Thanks for watching. Don't forget to subscribe.

There are plenty of books floating around for private investigators. Some have been written by investigators and some have not. I tend to trust the books written by investigators. With that being said, I share books that will help you build your skill set and soft skills so you can be the best version of you and grow in the industry. Below are the books and ads discussed in the video.

Private Investigator Advice Products Mentioned: Investigator Bundle 

Surveillance Notebook - (Green)

(Mountain Cover)

(Unicorn Cover)

Want to Become a PI Book 

51 Dirty Tricks Bad Guys Really Hate

Ego is the Enemy 

Complete Idiots Guide to Private Investigating 

Pretext Playbook 

The Speed of Trust 

The California Private Investigator Legal Manual 

Go for No 

How to Start a Private Investigation Business: A Proven Blueprint for Success

Sleuthing 101: Background Checks and the Law 

Private Investigator Legal Pocket Guide 

Navigating the Legal Minefield of Private Investigations 

Building a Story Brand 

5 Levels of Leadership

Developing the Leader Within You 2.0

Practical Aspects of Interview and Interrogation 

The Five Minute Journal 

This podcast is based off an article written on the private investigator advice website which can be found here- https://www.privateinvestigatoradvicehq.com/are-all-cases-fraudulent-that-are-worked-by-a-insurance-investigator-135/

This podcast explores the whether all insurance claims that are investigated are related to concerns of fraud.

For the investigator template bundle - https://gum.co/PSwpu

Surveillance template only - https://gum.co/aVZg

Retainer agreement only- https://gum.co/DAOpC

Audible free trial - https://www.audibletrial.com/pia

This podcast is based off an article written on the private investigator advice website which can be found here- https://www.privateinvestigatoradvicehq.com/too-old-to-become-a-private-investigator/

In this podcast I explorer whether someone might be too old to become a private investigator and some laws that protect older individual seeking employment.

For the investigator template bundle - https://gum.co/PSwpu

Surveillance template only - https://gum.co/aVZg

Retainer agreement only- https://gum.co/DAOpC

Audible free trial - https://www.audibletrial.com/pia

EEOC - https://www.eeoc.gov/employers/coverage.cfm

Embrace Possibility- http://www.embracepossibility.com/blog/why-old-people-have-a-hard-time-learning-new-things/

Thanks for listening

Andrew

The Nextdoor App is relatively new but the app but it is affecting surveillance investigators.

This original article can be found at - https://www.privateinvestigatoradvicehq.com/nextdoor-app-review/

For the investigator template bundle - https://gum.co/PSwpu

Surveillance template only - https://gum.co/aVZg

Retainer agreement only- https://gum.co/DAOpC

Audible free trial - https://www.audibletrial.com/pia

Android App Nextdoor - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nextdoor&hl=en

iTunes App Nextdoor - https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/nextdoor/id640360962?mt=8

This podcast is based off an article previously written on the private investigator advice website.  It answers questions surrounding skip tracing.

The original article can be found here- https://www.privateinvestigatoradvicehq.com/what-is-skip-tracing-122/

For the template bundle - https://gum.co/PSwpu

Surveillance template only - https://gum.co/aVZg

Retainer agreement only- https://gum.co/DAOpC

Audible free trial - https://www.audibletrial.com/pia

Thanks for listening.  

Andrew

In this episode I discuss the 4 primary cameras/video cameras I use as a Private Investigator.

Brought to you by:

Audible- Get your free audiobook with a 30 day free trial to Audible. Visit this link to start your trial (I am an affiliate)  http://www.audibletrial.com/PIA

Private Investigator Advice released a new Retainer Agreement for private investigators.  Every private investigator needs one.  

Here is the link - https://gum.co/DAOpC

Or the Bundle - https://gum.co/PSwpu

Here are the podcast links (Affiliate) 

Affiliate LInks Canon t3i (similar camera) http://amzn.to/2BWLxft

Samsung Note 5 - http://amzn.to/2koOsq8

Penrecorder Pro Spy Pen- https://www.penrecorderpro.com/spy-vi...

Canon HF R800 (newest model) - http://amzn.to/2B8lcy3

This podcast episode was brought to you by PI Advice.  Get your surveillance report template, example template, and video walkthrough - Here is the link -  https://gum.co/aVZg

Get your free Audio Book From Audible by signing up for the 30-day free trial.  Keep the book even if you decide not to stay with Audible. 

 http://www.audibletrial.com/PIA

In this podcast, I discuss why some private investigators are more expensive than others.

This was originally for future customers but there is a lot of good stuff for private investigators as well.

Thanks for listening,

Andrew

This episode was brought to you by P.I. Advice.  P.I. Advice has created another template for private investigators.

The Surveillance Report Template (W/Example Report and Video Walkthrough- https://gum.co/aVZg

This episode discusses why I think Veterans make good private investigators and I talk a little bit about my experiences with fellow soldiers while in the Army.

This podcast started quite a long time ago and I wanted briefly cover some topics regarding what private investigator do and the purpose of a private investigator.

This podcast was brought to you by Audible.  Sign up today and get a free 30 day trial and a free book just for signing up.

 http://www.audibletrial.com/PIA

https://www.privateinvestigatoradvicehq.com/what-is-the-definition-of-a-private-investigator-what-does-a-private-investigator-do-119/

Thanks for listening!

Andrew

Thank you for taking the time to listen to this podcast.   The original article can be found at https://www.privateinvestigatoradvicehq.com/how-to-become-a-private-investigator-when-no-one-will-give-you-a-chance-116/

The advertisers from this podcast are-

PI Direct Link - http://pidirectlink.com/

Audible- http://www.audibletrial.com/PIA

This article was also mentioned-

https://www.privateinvestigatoradvicehq.com/17-7-ways-build-experience-and-land-a-private-investigator-job/

Thanks again and I will see you again soon with another podcast.

Andrew

This episode was brought to you by Audible.  Get your free 30-day trial and one free book by visiting www.AudibleTrial.com/PIA .  By visiting that link they will know you heard about it through this podcast.

The book I recommend you get during your trial period is Lie Spotting - Proven Techniques to Detect Deception by Pamela Meyer.

I am just about finished with the book and I think it is pretty good.

Have an idea for an article or podcast?  Email me at PIADVICEHQ@gmail.com and let me know your idea or question.

Hope you enjoy this podcast.  The recording is a little off but not too bad.

Andrew

This episode discusses how technology has evolved and made conducting investigations much more effortless. 

Private Investigator Advice Products Mentioned: Investigator Bundle - 

Surveillance Notebook - (Green)

(Mountain Cover) - https://amzn.to/39CwtdI

(Unicorn Cover) 

Want to Become a PI Book 

Items Discuss in this Podcast

Drones - https://amzn.to/3AqgzOB

GPS Device - https://amzn.to/3ArVBi6

GPS Navigation - https://amzn.to/3P3v5jh

Power Bank - https://amzn.to/3RePGmw

Spy Pen - 

Zetta Camera - https://amzn.to/3yJVNIw

In this video, I recap an article regarding what to expect when going to court for a workers compensation case as a private investigator. That article can be found by going here ----

Advertiser- Invoice Home

Free Audio Book from Audible- 

If you want the camera mug in this video - 

Recently Reviewed Products

DBPOWER Air Compressor-  

7 Port USB 3.0 Hub-

Spy Camera Charger Adapter-

Thank you again. Andrew

This episode is brought to you by Audible.  For your free audio book click this affiliate link.   http://www.audibletrial.com/PIA

One of the things I always recommend is to join a Private Investigator Association when starting your P.I. business.  Though I think my position is starting to change a little on this, let me first explain why I am addressing this topic.

I received this message from an investigator on Facebook that has recently started his own company.

Hey Andrew I wanted to get your thoughts on the usefulness of joining PI associations. i.e. USAPI or a state association. A majority of the ones I find don't seem to update information on their sites. I just started my company recently and was wondering if it benefits me to join these. Either for more networking options, or for the client wow factor of being a member of these associations.

First I want to say congrats on starting your own company.  This is a big step into something bigger than just being an employee (and there is nothing wrong with being an employee).  It could be life changing financially for you.  It takes courage to make that leap and you should be proud of that.

In regards to joining a Private Investigator Association, I will say there are a few benefits to joining and I will provide examples from the association I have been involved in over the past 3 or 4 years.

I joined WALI, the Washington Association of Legal Investigators with the hopes of being able to ask questions of seasoned business owners in my state and to add some credibility to my company.  WALI at the time had a large number of members and had an investigator named Linda Montgomery who I respected a great deal as an officer in the association. I paid my $100 and was added to the members book which listed all the investigators in the association, their contact numbers and what they specialized in.  They also linked to my website on the WALI website.

At that time members were active on the email list providing tips and asking questions frequently.  If an investigator didn’t want to work a potential case they would pass it on to an investigator that was interested in taking the file.  On the few occasions that I reached out with questions to the WALI list I received very educated answers.

WALI had conferences two times a year. I went to a conference that first year and spent something like $145 to attend.  I made sure I spoke with other investigators as I wanted to get my monies worth.  I got to see the speakers that were most interesting to me and got a chance to learn about something I didn’t know a great deal about.

As time went on the email list became less helpful.  Investigators that would typically provide friendly advice to other investigator stopped providing that advice because investigators started complaining they were getting too many emails (which was crap).  The conference speakers also didn’t seem to be teaching anything that I was interested nor teaching anything that I didn’t already know.

Each year the email list became a little less useful and the conferences didn’t seem to be worth paying $150 for.

Over the past year the only value I have felt from my association is the back link that I received from their website to my website.  This year I have not spent the $100 to renew my membership because I haven’t felt any value from the association. I wasn’t quite sure where my $100 going to other than a book with other investigator’s names in my state and a discount for the yearly conferences. No one ever asked about my association with WALI nor were they ever impressed by it.

Let me say that this is my personal experience with a private investigator association.  I did meet a couple of members that I feel as though I could email and ask questions to at any time and I probably could have networked with many more but it is just something I didn’t have the time for and never got around to doing.

This will likely not provide you any additional work as your name is one of many on a website.

This may actually provide some value and help your website move up the rankings.

If you participate in the email list or private forums you may find other investigators you will begin to know and trust.  This is something you will have to be actively pursuing.  I found people I trusted in my area to give cases to when I couldn’t work the case or didn’t want to work them.  By giving cases away I built a connection with those investigators that I would call and ask questions about things I didn’t know specifically for my state.  And that has been very helpful.

I personally believe there is a better chance networking in a state association with people in your state. You will see these people during conferences and it will be easier to building relationships.

If you’re worried about making connections across the country or finding vendor work you will find that type of work in Yahoo Groups for private investigators.

Not all associations participate in this.  Some will be more active than others.

Hopefully there are individuals in the association you join that will pass along this information as it is always helpful to know about changes where or how information is located or when laws change in your state.

This really doesn’t mean anything in my opinion.  No one has ever hired me because I had a WALI logo on my website.

My association didn’t have it but maybe yours will.  I noticed some associations have partnered with car rental companies.

Many times investigators don’t like or don’t feel comfortable with certain types of cases and they will refer the case to other investigators with more experience in a specific field.  This provides investigators in the association to pick up some extra work.

Not all associations are created equal.  Some provide more value than others.  I could have been more active in my association and got more out of it but over the past year it has provided less and less value and I didn’t know what the heck my $100 dollars was actually funding.

If you're interested in a state association I would recommend visiting one of their meetings to see if it is something you would be interested in.  I went to a new member meeting when I first joined WALI and the veterans sat around and answered questions for new business owners which I thought was very valuable.  There were even people that came to the meeting to see if WALI was worth joining.  I would sit in on a meeting to see if you get any value from it.

You can also just join for one year and see if you get any value from it during that year.  If you don’t get any value than don’t renew your membership.

A private investigation association can be valuable if the right people are running it and if they have the members best interests at heart.  If they don’t have your best interest in mind you don’t need to be apart of it.

I hope this helps you have a better understanding of what to expect if you join a Private Investigator Association.  If readers recommend or don't recommend joining associations be sure to share your thoughts in the comment section.

Thanks for the question,

Andrew

In this podcast I discuss an article I wrote answering questions for a new investigator who was struggling as a surveillance investigator in her first couple weeks.

This podcast was brought to you by Audible. Get you free book when signing up through http://www.audibletrial.com/PIA.

The original article can be found here: 11 Time Tested Tips For Private Investigators.

Thanks again for listening. 

Andrew