Maybe you think the ball cap and casual look makes you more appealing to a potential client. As my teenage daughter would say, "Really! Are you serious!"


If you want to be a professional private investigator, private business owner, then dress the part. It is important that you always dress in business attire no matter the client. (Unless the client invites you to a casual setting)

Female and male investigators fashion faux pas to avoid:

• Tennis shoes with a suit and tie - Do I need to explain this one? Maybe this is a look you saw in GQ. NOTE!!!!!!! It was for a casual night out!!! Not to impress a client!
• Company polo shirt - Again, "Do I need to explain this one?" This look is great for the air conditioner repairman, or the auto mechanic, for a private investigator? NO WAY! Wearing BDU pants with the polo....Find another profession.
• Short skirts and super high-heels! - Make sure you are clear on the job you are trying to land. 
• Messed up hair, unshaven face, unkempt look - Make sure you spend some time in front of the mirror before you meet the client. 

Remember the first time you interviewed for a job? Dress the way you would for a first time job interview when you are meeting a client. "DUHHHH!" Making the first impression is critical for your success. Dress and act that way. If your client says, "Wow you really dressed up for this." Respond with, "Yes I did. I want you to know how important this opportunity is for me."


Make the right impression first! You only have one chance at it!

If you have a private investigations firm with two or more employees its probably time you consider developing and implementing a policy manual. Why? First, having established policies and procedures will ensure consistency across your operations. Second, a policy and procedure manual is a great way to get new employees up-to-speed on how you do business. Third, it provides you, the employer with protections against liability claims in terminations or adverse actions you may be required to take against employees. 

Private I Headquarters has created a very basic outline on how to begin creating your policy and procedure manual. Click this link to read the Policy Manual PI guide. 

First you need to have a web presence. Years ago having a business website was not that critical. Today it is critical. Having a website increases your marketing visibility. Business websites have become common place for businesses, so much so, that many interested clients will search the web for you before they consider doing business. Developing a basic, non-flashy website is one of the basic private investigator firm elements required to build business. 

We at Private I HQ do not pretend to have all the answers, but we feel we can point you in the right direction, and for free!  This is one of those times that one of our colleague companies has some important information that we feel is an important piece of information that our users would benefit from. Visit  http://www.pinow.com/articles/1181/10-ways-for-private-investigators-to-get-involved-in-their-communities
for an article on getting involved with your community.

If you are interested in becoming a private investigator or you are a new private investigator there are few basic skills that will help separate you from the rest. 

1. Powers of observation - no matter the type of investigation you are working remind yourself to be observant. When interviewing be observant of hand, eye and body movements. Take notice of jewelry, clothing condition and styles. Being observant will help you develop a well-rounded idea of the individual you are interviewing or observing.

Increasing or maintaining your private investigations client base is a must to be successful. Whether you are just starting your private investigations firm or you have been in the Private Investigations business for a while, your current and past clients are your best sales people. To ensure that you get the most out of your client-customer relationships, follow this simple rules: 

1. Treat all clients with respect and courtesy. Whether you are working with a corporate client or an individual client make a special effort to get to know them. 

2. Follow-ups - set calendar reminders to follow-up with your clients after the successful conclusion of a case. Set a reminder every few months to call and inquire about how they are doing. Even if you get an voice mail system leave a message like "John with Acme Private Investigations. Just wanted to talk a minute to see how you are doing. Would like to hear from you if you have the time but understand if you are busy." These messages and calls make people feel important. Also, you further develop a bond that will increase your chances of being called again when they need private investigative services. 

2. Electronic Newsletters - Consider developing a company newsletter that you send once or twice a year to your current and former clients(No spam emails that you send weekly or monthly as this could have the reverse impact). Newsletters must be professional looking in appearance, include information that is helpful to them individually and/or their company. Include one or two announcements of new services or successes that you can share. Before you add a client to your list, get permission!. Ask if you can include them on your mailing list when you make your follow-up client calls. Always, always, include an opt-option on your electronic newsletters. Consider outsourcing or getting assistance in setting up your mailing lists and opt-options. Holmes-tech can help. 

3. Treat all clients with respect and courtesy. Wait! Did we already mention that? Yes it is important enough to mention twice. Ensure that all of your employees are customer service oriented in their interactions with clients. Good customer service will have them coming back again and again.