March 9, 2020 / by Marcy Phelps / Due diligence / 0 comments
In looking over past blog posts, I’ve realized that I frequently write about due diligence, but I’ve never really explained what it is. Also, judging by the questions I get, there are lots of misconceptions about what it really is, what it’s used for, and why someone would bother taking this step. So, what follows […]
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Confirming what you know and finding what you don't
Top post: Aggregators or direct sources?
June 10, 2020 / by Marcy Phelps / Information sources / 1 comment
This is an updated version of a post that was originally published in 2016. When buying information – public records, news, or legal filings – you have two choices: Buying direct from the sources or buying from information aggregators, firms that compile data from multiple direct sources into one database or product. These are usually […]
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How to become a private investigator
May 20, 2020 / by Marcy Phelps / Investigative business / 0 comments
How do I become a private investigator? People often ask me this question, and I generally offer some standard advice, but I decided to tap into my network of fellow PIs to see what else I should be telling others about breaking into this exciting and rewarding profession. Many thanks to all who responded to […]
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Top post: Too much information – Now what?
May 4, 2020 / by Marcy Phelps / Information skills / 0 comments
This post was originally published on September 16, 2019. TMI. Too much information. Can the results of an investigation or research project provide so much information that it’s overwhelming? To you and your client? A recent question from a colleague reminded me that it’s not always about finding too little or, worse, no information. Here’s […]
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What’s missing from your research?
April 20, 2020 / by Marcy Phelps / Information skills / 2 comments
As an investigator or researcher, what you don’t find is often as important as what you do find – if not more. To be thorough, you need to be mindful of what you can and can’t deliver to your client. A recent case reminded me of this important lesson, and I’d like to share what […]
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Fact or fiction? – How to avoid misinformation on the web
April 6, 2020 / by Marcy Phelps / Information skills, Information sources / 0 comments
It’s nothing new. We’ve been relying on the web and social media for the information we need for a long time. In the age of self-isolation, uncertainty, and new threats, though, we’re doing it more than ever. These days, it seems that the web has become our primary source of news and other critical information. […]
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What sources do I use for searching news?
March 23, 2020 / by Marcy Phelps / Information sources, Search tools / 0 comments
I’m frequently asked about what I use for news searching, so I thought I’d share my sources and why they’re so important to my investigations. Note that these include free and fee-based sources, because – with online information – you definitely get what you pay for. You can’t do a thorough job with just free. […]
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What is due diligence?
March 9, 2020 / by Marcy Phelps / Due diligence / 0 comments
In looking over past blog posts, I’ve realized that I frequently write about due diligence, but I’ve never really explained what it is. Also, judging by the questions I get, there are lots of misconceptions about what it really is, what it’s used for, and why someone would bother taking this step. So, what follows […]
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Searching online public records – How to prepare
February 24, 2020 / by Marcy Phelps / Information skills, Tips/Techniques / 0 comments
Searching public records such as corporation filings, recorded documents, and court records can be the most challenging type of online research – even for the professionals. I’ve been searching online information for more than 20 years, and public records never cease to amaze me. No uniformity among jurisdictions, missing records, clunky search tools, and other […]
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After the background investigation: What’s next?
February 10, 2020 / by Marcy Phelps / Due diligence / 0 comments
You’ve finally completed the due diligence background investigation. You’ve gathered your findings, analyzed the results, and written and sent your report. Time to cross this one off your to-do list and bask in that wonderful feeling of a job well-done. Or maybe not – because due diligence background investigations don’t end here. What else could […]
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Time for a change: Google alternatives
January 27, 2020 / by Marcy Phelps / Search tools / 2 comments
Looking back at some blog statistics, it seems that readers can’t get enough of Google alternatives. Google is great, and – I must admit – it’s my usual starting point. But Google has its limitations, and sometimes we need more. Maybe it’s more privacy. Perhaps you need something more specialized. Or maybe you’re frustrated with […]
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