The Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS) and #genchat to collaborate in 2014

Bringing societies into the spotlight on Twitter.

Summit County, Colorado, 26 February 2014:  As creator and host of #genchat on Twitter, Jen Baldwin of Ancestral Journeys, and the Federation ofGenealogical Societies, (FGS), is pleased to announce an effort in collaboration for 2014.  Based on her experience hosting the chats in 2013, Mrs. Baldwin found that organizations, societies and archives can benefit a great deal from the exposure on Twitter and other social media platforms. However, the refined topic matter and designated time frame of #genchat make it easier than ever to utilize this tool in the genealogy community.

The partnership, which is set to extend the duration of 2014, will include a complimentary webinar on using Twitter, a special session of #genchat live from the FGS 2014 Conference in San Antonio, focused articles regarding the use of Twitter, and more.

Jen Baldwin states, “it is my belief that although some societies are struggling to adapt to new tools and resources, especially to the vibrant world of social media, they will eventually adapt. It is the role of those of us who are proficient in their use to engage our society leaders, to educate and prepare, and to guide them through any necessary change.” Furthermore, “#genchat really is an ideal concept for societies to gain attention and followers on Twitter. The conversational tone of the chats allows for free-flowing input and gives organizations a chance to showcase their collections and member benefits.”

Melissa Shimkus, FGS Education Chair, declares “The Federation of Genealogical Societies is excited to provide the tools that allow societies to continue to learn and grow; and believe that Jen Baldwin and #genchat are great partners in FGS’s mission to link the genealogical community.” FGS is pleased to announce that Mrs. Baldwin will be presenting the next FGS webinar, “Capturing the Community: Using Twitter to Connect, Engage and Educate in Genealogy,” on Monday, March 31^st. More details on the upcoming webinar and what is to come in 2014 will be released soon by both parties.

S.M.A.R.T.ER in 2014

Has it been two weeks already?


10 Jan 2014 was the first #genchat of 2014, and as the host, I decided to be a little tricky. I threw a surprise up at the very end, with my new #genchat challenge! Each chat on Friday evenings will include a little extra bonus for those that are willing and able to take me up on it. Nothing too serious, all in good fun and with the purpose of continuing the conversation, the thought process, the education after the chat is over.


Besides, every time we do #genchat, at the end of the hour the comments are always, "it's over already? Can't we chat some more?"  This is your chance to chat more.


I cannot very well issue a challenge to all of the participants without being willing to face it myself. The first challenge was to write a S.M.A.R.T. goal that some how related to your genealogy for 2014. I've decided this year to try to balance my research time more evenly between my paternal and maternal lines; I've been quite focused on Oscar for several years. I need to take some time to let all my other ancestors whisper into my soul.


Therefore, my S.M.A.R.T. goal is focused on Eilert Heerten, and his family.

Headstone for Anna and Eilert Heerten.
Personal files of the author.

Eilert traveled to the United States with his brother. My goal is to identify that brother with certainty, and trace his spouse and descendants to determine if there are currently living descendants. The deadline for this research to be conducted is 1 Aug 2014. After utilizing all of the resources that I have reasonable access to, I will complete the process by producing a research report outlining my findings. 

S.M.A.R.T.ER in 2014

I do like a good challenge.


I am happy with my established goal, and I think that I have a good start on establishing a pedigree from Eilert's brother to current day.


During the chat, though, I stated that one of my goals for 2014 is to "grow #genchat." I do want to expand the community, and the reach, of these chats, as I think they have proven to be a valuable resource and genuinely beneficial experience for the participants. I am deeply proud of #genchat, and everything it has become. I would love to just host chat after chat after chat.


Here is my #genchat goal, more defined:


In 2014, my goal is to promote and market the #genchat community so that there are 75-100 people on the chats on a regular basis (regular = at least one chat a month for six months at this participation level). I will accomplish this by reaching out to societies, offering Twitter "lessons," and partnering with organizations in the genealogy community. I will host as many chats as possible from national conference venues and attempt to engage an audience that is not as active on social media. The timeline is as follows: 

• Host three #genchat's from society meetings (in person or virtually) in the first six months of 2014. 
• Partner with a national organization by 1 March 2014 to help promote #genchat and increase participation. 
• Recruit a team of #genchat cheerleaders to assist in carrying the #genchat message into the far corners of the country by 1 Jul 2014. 

#genchat is a very special community to me, and one that I treasure. It is also one of my highest priorities for 2014, both as a genealogist and as a business owner. I am committed to maintaining the chat's high level of quality, while equally committed to keeping the atmosphere fun, non-judgmental and positive. 

If I am able to accomplish these two goals, I will certainly be S.M.A.R.T.ER by the time 2014 is over. I am very much looking forward to the research challenge, as well as working to make #genchat bigger and better in its second year. 

#genchat challenge : SMART goals

2014 is going to be a big year for #genchat, and tonight, I was able to *surprise* everyone on the chat with one of the reasons why: 

The #genchat CHALLENGE

That's right! On our first chat of the year, I was able to throw in a little curve ball, and I'm looking forward to providing a new one each time. (If you haven't yet had the pleasure of participating in #genchat, you can read all about it here.) 

Your challenge, should you choose to accept it... 

The topic tonight was your 2014 genealogy goals. Have you created any? How do you plan to stay on track? Who holds you accountable? And are they S.M.A.R.T.? Your challenge for the start of 2014 is to write one S.M.A.R.T. goal that relates to your genealogical research in the coming year. You can tweet it to me (@ancestryjourney or @confkeep), you can leave it in the comments here, or connect via Facebook, G+ or email. Just let me know before the next #genchat on January 24. 

What is a S.M.A.R.T. goal? 

So many of you asked. One of you taught it to your students this week. 

S.M.A.R.T. goals are defined as a goal that is specific, measurable, attainable, results-focused, and time-bound. 

• Specific: Goals should be simplistically written and clearly define what you are going to do. This is the what, why, and how of the S.M.A.R.T. model. 
• Measurable: Tangible evidence that you have accomplished the goal. 
• Attainable: The goal should stretch you slightly, but defined well enough so that you can achieve it. 
• Results-Focused: Goals should measure outcomes, not activities. 
• Time-Bound: Linked to a time frame that creates a practical sense of urgency, or results in tension between the current reality and the vision of the goal. Without this tension, the goal is unlikely to produce a relevant outcome. 

(Above information provided by UHR: http://www.hr.virginia.edu/uploads/documents/media/Writing_SMART_Goals.pdf. Follow the link for a great PDF on writing goals in this fashion.)

Remember! Once you have your goal, share it with me! Thanks for accepting the #genchat CHALLENGE! 

The Countdown Begins

Two years ago, I watched live streamed sessions from RootsTech 2012. I promised myself, less than 15 minutes into the keynote, that I would go. I would go to that conference, attend those sessions, meet those people. More than any other webinar, conference, hangout, or anything else I have ever seen, RootsTech was it. 

And now? 

Not only have I kept that promise to myself by attending RootsTech 2014, I am presenting a session, too. 

Sweaty palms? Check.

Butterflies? Check.

Anxious wake-up-in-the-middle-of-the-night panic moments? Check. 

(Ok, this last one is pushing it a bit. I'm not that nervous!)

What I have more of, though, is friendship and support. 

My mentor will be there. My #genchat friends will be there. Folks that I respect will be speaking, blogging, and otherwise networking (and maybe one or two will even come to listen!). People that I have never met before will be there; thousands of them. 

I always get a little nervous before public speaking, but within five minutes or so, I settle into my topic, and I'm good after that. I enjoy it! Engaging with people, bringing new information to them, sharing something I am passionate about; that is a part of my job I truly enjoy. It fits in so nicely with my three words for 2014, too, doesn't it? 

NGS 2013

While attending the National Genealogical Society Conference last May in Las Vegas, I met some really incredible people. Made some truly lasting friendships, and learned a great deal. Not just about genealogy (that's a given, right?), but about myself as well. I cannot wait to see what happens in Salt Lake City. 

I still have quite a bit to do before we head west, and I'm sure I'll be blogging as I go. If you are planning on attending, please leave a comment so we can connect in person! 

Beyond the conference, the session, and the great folks, I get to spend some time at the Family History Library, too... bliss. 

2014: Excitement Awaits

It's that time. 

You see it everywhere, in various formats. Resolutions, goals, changing direction, adapting, thinking "outside the box," etc., etc., etc. Most small business owners, corporate employees and entrepreneurs go through some sort of directional process at the end of one year, the beginning of the next. I believe its an important ritual for many of us; determining where we've been, where we want to be, what we see for ourselves. Giving yourself a direction to move in gives the minuscule tasks of daily life a bigger purpose, right?


I am no different, and have been pondering my options for a few weeks now. Last year, I did decide to follow the example set by Chris Brogan, and created my vision of 2013 around three words (read about my 2013 selection here). It worked. I was able to maintain focus on those three words, and what I had created around them, for the entire year, and I was successful in many of the goals I had created for myself.


This year, another three words have been chosen to reflect what I want to see for myself and my business in 2014.

Coaching: I see coaching in a lot of what I do already, and I really, really enjoy it. I love helping people learn, whether it is through a one-on-one session on Skype, using a tool like #genchat, or speaking to a live audience. One thing 2013 proved to me is that my future is not dependent on doing traditional client work in order to function in the professional realm of genealogy; I can branch into a variety of different area's to engage an audience and create a viable income stream. The enjoyment I get from brainstorming sessions, developing new ideas, and just allowing my creative nature to help me in exploring this very academic world is hard to duplicate any where else in my business life. Coaching - in all its various forms - allows me to continue to do all of those things I enjoy so much. I spent a great deal of time in 2013 developing the platforms that I plan on expanding on in 2014 to continue to coach, both other people as well as myself.


Adventure: There are so many opportunities for adventure in the genealogy industry. Consider that every time you volunteer for a new project, develop a new personal interest, engage in some sort of self-education... that is an adventure! I have two significant volunteer projects lined up for 2014, which I am very excited about: Co-Chair of The NextGen Genealogy Network, which started in 2013, of course; and I will be assisting an already amazing team with the social media for the Preserve the Pensions Project on behalf of the Federation of Genealogical Societies (FGS).  Other adventures await, I know, such as continuing the ProGen study group, attending conferences, and developing my personal research interests in fraternal societies and mining records.


Innovate: I used the word "innovate" a lot already in the later half of 2013, and I think its important enough to continue the theme. In looking ahead to 2014, I see a lot of opportunity, some that is not fully taken advantage of from a business perspective, in this industry as a whole. Those ideas are good, they just need follow through (for me, this includes some of the projects I have started already as well as those I see others' doing). The concept of "innovate" in the new year means not only to create new concepts, but also to take what is already there and bring it forward. To keep the momentum rolling behind an already proven concept.


There it is. My plan, concept and outline of 2014. There are many sub-categories and bulleted lists behind it all (I'm way too type A to not have those), but I love the idea of three concepts I can stand behind for the year. It allows for a more streamlined focus as I move through daily life, becomes more realistic in general to maintain, and to be honest, three words are way easier to remember than a two page list of goals!