Since mid-March we have all experienced an unprecedented event in our nation’s – our world’s – history: home isolation and closed businesses. The personal affects of emotional, physical, and mental health will begin to manifest themselves, and have been both trying and overwhelming for all. The impacts to our communities have been significant. The impact to our economies – personal, business, local, state and national – devastating.
In April and May we provided important resources to adapt, and survive, this event. We revisit and summarize those at the end of this commentary.
Like a Phoenix, we can all recover personally and, in our communities, states and nation. A forest fire results in new and stronger growth. In America, it is who we are and it is how our Nation was born. So, what have be begun to learn from this experience?
- Freedom is important – the freedom to work and play is part of us.
- Family is important – many of us have spent more time with our families than ever before.
- We adapt and overcome.
These are just a few simple things which come to mind. As a home-based agency, our break is to get out – whether with family, a business trip, errands, or a relaxing night out. As a technology-based business, and with frequent travel, our business adaptations were already in place. All of our business trips were canceled to date, and the rest of the year is unknown. We didn’t give up our family time, and increased it both out of necessity – grandkids were home with no school and when their parents worked or returned; and we increased our parent checks to more frequent phone calls and personal visits. As clients and colleagues, including associations we are active with, transitioned to remote meetings, we found ourselves even more involved. We adapted to overcome any obstacles and forge new opportunities. We did so with family and friends, and also clients and colleagues.
Every adaption in business soon adapted to personal use. As kids learned to attend school remotely, and businesses have meetings remotely, so to did families adapt to use virtual meeting applications for personal time. What are some of the ways we adapted, and expanded our abilities?
As much as we have adapted, nothing replaces personal connections. These personal connections are with family and friends, and also clients and colleagues. We will continue to forge and grow these personal relationships.
During this time we must recognize our state, national, and international associations – most with overlapping membership and leadership – who came together to share and create resources for members and our profession. From tips on transitioning to remote business practices, to financial resources, and extended webinars and training opportunities. We saw the daily work each association did behind the scenes – all volunteer – to keep us all in business. I strongly encourage you to visit www.privateinvestigations.org/associations to learn more about being involved, as each association has found a new mission and value in members; and members have found new value in their associations.
We extend our most heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of our family, friends, clients, and colleagues for checking on each other, working together. Our clients stayed in touch, sometimes just to check-in, and other times for assignments. We all adapted as we continued to provide the services needed and expected.
Finally, a special thanks to our families. It is through them we have all found renewed strength in being closer together. This includes right here, for us.
Be Safe. Be Healthy. Together We’re Better!
Standard Business Continuity and Practices
For over 30 years we have been committed to assuring your firm has the expertise and resources need to best represent your clients. Since 1996 our agency has developed redundant continuity as standard business practice to be more available and responsive to our clients. This has included data resources, communications, power and supplies, and remote capabilities. Our clients and colleagues have had no disruption or delays in the services we provide.
Distance Working and Learning Resources
Learn how we efficiently multi-task and maintain our daily activities for clients using these tools. Visit this article on our blog at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/time-is-money-multi-tasking-is-time-recovered!
- DropBox - http://DropBox.PrivateInvestigations.org
or OneDrive - http://OneDrive.PrivateInvestigations.org
- Right Inbox for Gmail - www.RightInBox.com
- Desktop Texting - www.MySMS.com
- Ring Central Faxing - http://Fax.PrivateInvestigations.org
- Ring Central VOIP - http://RingCentral.PrivateInvestigations.org
- Toll-Free Numbers - http://Kall8.PrivateInvestigations.org (PIs - contact our office for more uses)
- Split View - www.SplitView.com
During the last several weeks we have shared a list of distance learning available (also at www.InvestigativeCourses.com). These continue to be available, and beginning this month we will begin offering on-demand training modules. These will cover topics from our over 30 years of experience, adapted from speaking engagements, books, and articles we have published over the years. These will be for attorneys, investigators, and consultants in basic, intermediate and advanced levels. These will be priced based on length, skill level, and subject matter, and as low as $25. Look for a special announcement soon!
We also shared several exceptional distance learning resources, some free:
All courses - Coupon Code: FriendsofDean for 10% off (expires 06-30-2020)
Read April’s commentary at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/overcoming-covid-19-and-business-continuation
Returning to Office and Field Services: Tips for Safer Interactions
Be sure and check with your state and local requirements, and consult legal advice as may be necessary. The following is not legal advice.
We suggest having a HIPAA and state health department compliant form for all personal interactions with clients and the public (witnesses, etc.). In addition to compliance, there are two additional considerations: 1) liability insurance may require compliance and additional guidelines; and 2) if there is any exposure this will assist with state and CDC contact tracing programs. Any compliance forms should be signed and dated by all parties. These forms should be copied to the case file, and a compliance folder for the agency.
Read last month’s commentary at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/returning-to-office-and-field-services-tips-for-safer-interactions
In April and May we provided important resources to adapt, and survive, this event. We revisit and summarize those at the end of this commentary.
Like a Phoenix, we can all recover personally and, in our communities, states and nation. A forest fire results in new and stronger growth. In America, it is who we are and it is how our Nation was born. So, what have be begun to learn from this experience?
- Freedom is important – the freedom to work and play is part of us.
- Family is important – many of us have spent more time with our families than ever before.
- We adapt and overcome.
These are just a few simple things which come to mind. As a home-based agency, our break is to get out – whether with family, a business trip, errands, or a relaxing night out. As a technology-based business, and with frequent travel, our business adaptations were already in place. All of our business trips were canceled to date, and the rest of the year is unknown. We didn’t give up our family time, and increased it both out of necessity – grandkids were home with no school and when their parents worked or returned; and we increased our parent checks to more frequent phone calls and personal visits. As clients and colleagues, including associations we are active with, transitioned to remote meetings, we found ourselves even more involved. We adapted to overcome any obstacles and forge new opportunities. We did so with family and friends, and also clients and colleagues.
Every adaption in business soon adapted to personal use. As kids learned to attend school remotely, and businesses have meetings remotely, so to did families adapt to use virtual meeting applications for personal time. What are some of the ways we adapted, and expanded our abilities?
As much as we have adapted, nothing replaces personal connections. These personal connections are with family and friends, and also clients and colleagues. We will continue to forge and grow these personal relationships.
During this time we must recognize our state, national, and international associations – most with overlapping membership and leadership – who came together to share and create resources for members and our profession. From tips on transitioning to remote business practices, to financial resources, and extended webinars and training opportunities. We saw the daily work each association did behind the scenes – all volunteer – to keep us all in business. I strongly encourage you to visit www.privateinvestigations.org/associations to learn more about being involved, as each association has found a new mission and value in members; and members have found new value in their associations.
We extend our most heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all of our family, friends, clients, and colleagues for checking on each other, working together. Our clients stayed in touch, sometimes just to check-in, and other times for assignments. We all adapted as we continued to provide the services needed and expected.
Finally, a special thanks to our families. It is through them we have all found renewed strength in being closer together. This includes right here, for us.
Be Safe. Be Healthy. Together We’re Better!
Standard Business Continuity and Practices
For over 30 years we have been committed to assuring your firm has the expertise and resources need to best represent your clients. Since 1996 our agency has developed redundant continuity as standard business practice to be more available and responsive to our clients. This has included data resources, communications, power and supplies, and remote capabilities. Our clients and colleagues have had no disruption or delays in the services we provide.
Distance Working and Learning Resources
Learn how we efficiently multi-task and maintain our daily activities for clients using these tools. Visit this article on our blog at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/time-is-money-multi-tasking-is-time-recovered!
- DropBox - http://DropBox.PrivateInvestigations.org
or OneDrive - http://OneDrive.PrivateInvestigations.org
- Right Inbox for Gmail - www.RightInBox.com
- Desktop Texting - www.MySMS.com
- Ring Central Faxing - http://Fax.PrivateInvestigations.org
- Ring Central VOIP - http://RingCentral.PrivateInvestigations.org
- Toll-Free Numbers - http://Kall8.PrivateInvestigations.org (PIs - contact our office for more uses)
- Split View - www.SplitView.com
During the last several weeks we have shared a list of distance learning available (also at www.InvestigativeCourses.com). These continue to be available, and beginning this month we will begin offering on-demand training modules. These will cover topics from our over 30 years of experience, adapted from speaking engagements, books, and articles we have published over the years. These will be for attorneys, investigators, and consultants in basic, intermediate and advanced levels. These will be priced based on length, skill level, and subject matter, and as low as $25. Look for a special announcement soon!
We also shared several exceptional distance learning resources, some free:
- PI Education www.PIeducation.com
All courses - Coupon Code: FriendsofDean for 10% off (expires 06-30-2020)
- Investigator Ethics for the PI, Consumer and Client www.udemy.com/investigator-attorney-ethics-for-the-consumer
- Basics of Skip Tracing, Backgrounds & Assets Investigations www.udemy.com/skip-tracing-backgrounds-assets-investigations-101
- Basic Forensic Scene Photography www.udemy.com/basic-forensic-scene-photography
- Equivocal Death Investigations https://pieducation.com/product/equivocal-death-investigations
- Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council www.defenseinvestigator.com/distancelearning.html
- The PI Institute www.PIinstitute.com
- The Hetherington Group (HG) www.hetheringtongroup.com/training/webinars
- S2 Distance Learning Portal http://afi.s2institute.com
- National Institute of Justice On-demand https://nij.ojp.gov/events/on-demand
- National Association for Public Defense www.publicdefenders.us/calendar_list.asp
Read April’s commentary at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/overcoming-covid-19-and-business-continuation
Returning to Office and Field Services: Tips for Safer Interactions
Be sure and check with your state and local requirements, and consult legal advice as may be necessary. The following is not legal advice.
We suggest having a HIPAA and state health department compliant form for all personal interactions with clients and the public (witnesses, etc.). In addition to compliance, there are two additional considerations: 1) liability insurance may require compliance and additional guidelines; and 2) if there is any exposure this will assist with state and CDC contact tracing programs. Any compliance forms should be signed and dated by all parties. These forms should be copied to the case file, and a compliance folder for the agency.
Read last month’s commentary at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/returning-to-office-and-field-services-tips-for-safer-interactions
Be Safe. Be Healthy. Together We’re Better!
Standard Business Continuity and Practices
For over 30 years we have been committed to assuring your firm has the expertise and resources need to best represent your clients. Since 1996 our agency has developed redundant continuity as standard business practice to be more available and responsive to our clients. This has included data resources, communications, power and supplies, and remote capabilities. Our clients and colleagues have had no disruption or delays in the services we provide.
Distance Working and Learning Resources
Learn how we efficiently multi-task and maintain our daily activities for clients using these tools. Visit this article on our blog at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/time-is-money-multi-tasking-is-time-recovered!
- DropBox - http://DropBox.PrivateInvestigations.org
or OneDrive - http://OneDrive.PrivateInvestigations.org
- Right Inbox for Gmail - www.RightInBox.com
- Desktop Texting - www.MySMS.com
- Ring Central Faxing - http://Fax.PrivateInvestigations.org
- Ring Central VOIP - http://RingCentral.PrivateInvestigations.org
- Toll-Free Numbers - http://Kall8.PrivateInvestigations.org (PIs - contact our office for more uses)
- Split View - www.SplitView.com
During the last several weeks we have shared a list of distance learning available (also at www.InvestigativeCourses.com). These continue to be available, and beginning this month we will begin offering on-demand training modules. These will cover topics from our over 30 years of experience, adapted from speaking engagements, books, and articles we have published over the years. These will be for attorneys, investigators, and consultants in basic, intermediate and advanced levels. These will be priced based on length, skill level, and subject matter, and as low as $25. Look for a special announcement soon!
We also shared several exceptional distance learning resources, some free:
All courses - Coupon Code: FriendsofDean for 10% off (expires 06-30-2020)
Read April’s commentary at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/overcoming-covid-19-and-business-continuation
Returning to Office and Field Services: Tips for Safer Interactions
Be sure and check with your state and local requirements, and consult legal advice as may be necessary. The following is not legal advice.
We suggest having a HIPAA and state health department compliant form for all personal interactions with clients and the public (witnesses, etc.). In addition to compliance, there are two additional considerations: 1) liability insurance may require compliance and additional guidelines; and 2) if there is any exposure this will assist with state and CDC contact tracing programs. Any compliance forms should be signed and dated by all parties. These forms should be copied to the case file, and a compliance folder for the agency.
Read last month’s commentary at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/returning-to-office-and-field-services-tips-for-safer-interactions
For over 30 years we have been committed to assuring your firm has the expertise and resources need to best represent your clients. Since 1996 our agency has developed redundant continuity as standard business practice to be more available and responsive to our clients. This has included data resources, communications, power and supplies, and remote capabilities. Our clients and colleagues have had no disruption or delays in the services we provide.
Distance Working and Learning Resources
Learn how we efficiently multi-task and maintain our daily activities for clients using these tools. Visit this article on our blog at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/time-is-money-multi-tasking-is-time-recovered!
- DropBox - http://DropBox.PrivateInvestigations.org
or OneDrive - http://OneDrive.PrivateInvestigations.org
- Right Inbox for Gmail - www.RightInBox.com
- Desktop Texting - www.MySMS.com
- Ring Central Faxing - http://Fax.PrivateInvestigations.org
- Ring Central VOIP - http://RingCentral.PrivateInvestigations.org
- Toll-Free Numbers - http://Kall8.PrivateInvestigations.org (PIs - contact our office for more uses)
- Split View - www.SplitView.com
During the last several weeks we have shared a list of distance learning available (also at www.InvestigativeCourses.com). These continue to be available, and beginning this month we will begin offering on-demand training modules. These will cover topics from our over 30 years of experience, adapted from speaking engagements, books, and articles we have published over the years. These will be for attorneys, investigators, and consultants in basic, intermediate and advanced levels. These will be priced based on length, skill level, and subject matter, and as low as $25. Look for a special announcement soon!
We also shared several exceptional distance learning resources, some free:
- PI Education www.PIeducation.com
All courses - Coupon Code: FriendsofDean for 10% off (expires 06-30-2020)
- Investigator Ethics for the PI, Consumer and Client www.udemy.com/investigator-attorney-ethics-for-the-consumer
- Basics of Skip Tracing, Backgrounds & Assets Investigations www.udemy.com/skip-tracing-backgrounds-assets-investigations-101
- Basic Forensic Scene Photography www.udemy.com/basic-forensic-scene-photography
- Equivocal Death Investigations https://pieducation.com/product/equivocal-death-investigations
- Criminal Defense Investigation Training Council www.defenseinvestigator.com/distancelearning.html
- The PI Institute www.PIinstitute.com
- The Hetherington Group (HG) www.hetheringtongroup.com/training/webinars
- S2 Distance Learning Portal http://afi.s2institute.com
- National Institute of Justice On-demand https://nij.ojp.gov/events/on-demand
- National Association for Public Defense www.publicdefenders.us/calendar_list.asp
Read April’s commentary at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/overcoming-covid-19-and-business-continuation
Returning to Office and Field Services: Tips for Safer Interactions
Be sure and check with your state and local requirements, and consult legal advice as may be necessary. The following is not legal advice.
We suggest having a HIPAA and state health department compliant form for all personal interactions with clients and the public (witnesses, etc.). In addition to compliance, there are two additional considerations: 1) liability insurance may require compliance and additional guidelines; and 2) if there is any exposure this will assist with state and CDC contact tracing programs. Any compliance forms should be signed and dated by all parties. These forms should be copied to the case file, and a compliance folder for the agency.
Read last month’s commentary at www.DeathCaseReview.com/afi-llc-blog/returning-to-office-and-field-services-tips-for-safer-interactions
