So, you want to know how to become a private investigator?
Great!
You have a desire to enter one of the most exciting professions available. One where no two days are the same. One where you are constantly challenged and need to remain alert and engaged. One where you’ll regularly stop and think ‘…and I’m actually getting paid for this!’
However, if you’re like a lot of people, there are some roadblocks:
- Little or no law enforcement or related experience
- Sick of sending resumes and calling companies only to hear ‘no’
- Want to start your own business but don’t know how
- Want to know what it’s really like being a P.I. but struggle to find any good information
A few years ago I was in exactly the same position.
I had wanted to be a private investigator for years. Yet, like so many of us, I opted for the safe, ‘normal’ job. I didn’t know any private investigators, and I certainly didn’t know how to break into the industry. So I did the corporate thing for 7 years, doing something I enjoyed a little at times, but certainly didn’t feel like I was made for.
Then one day disaster (or luck) struck. I got made redundant. 6 months later I was sitting in my car getting paid to tail people. I had secured a job with a leading investigative firm, I had my licence and I was having more fun than I had ever had in any of my jobs.
How did I go from a standard corporate marketing job, to fulfilling my dream of becoming a private investigator – with almost no experience?
From spreadsheets and office politics to stakeouts and car tailing.
You probably want to hear how I did it right? More than that though, you probably want to know how you can do the same thing!
What is the first step you need to take right now in order to become a private investigator? Not just getting your license, but getting your first few cases.
Well, you’re in luck.
I wrote a book for you because I know what it’s like to be in your shoes. In fact, it wasn’t that long ago that I was.
This book explains the exact steps I took to make it as a P.I. It’s a combination of my own experiences, as well as the 20 plus books and countless articles I read during the process. Relevant for the US, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
It’s six months of learning, documented, tested and ready to use. I wish I had something like it when I started.
We cover everything from getting your license, personal attributes, equipment to start with, what to expect, how to get your first role and likely jobs in your first year. On top of that, you’ll come away with concrete actionable steps.
It is the definitive guide.
If you’ve read the book (or haven’t yet, but want to) sign up to my weekly PI newsletter.
What others are saying:
“Your advice and book structure has been the most easy to follow out of all the PI courses and books I’ve picked up. Your book is the first that actually breaks down the mindset and actions required… find out what value I can add to the PI firm of interest, look for skills I may already have that aren’t necessary directly PI skills but good for their business, and be persistent in reaching out to offer assistance. Also, getting my hands on old cases to study is a brilliant idea. This makes a lot of sense.”
-Ewell
“I finally received your book and I read it cover to cover in one sitting. There is so much useful information in it for those wishing to enter the industry that, at times, it almost felt like I was reading a handbook written for me personally. Thank you so much for writing such an informative and helpful book.”
-James
“I recently bought your PI book and found it a really informative and enjoyable read. Having read many of the books on private investigations that are on Amazon, I found yours especially helpful.”
-Angus
Find out:
- The top 3 mistakes people make when looking for a job as a P.I.
- How to provide value to an organization, even without investigative experience
- A day in the life of a private investigator – truth and fiction
- 14 typical cases you may be involved in
- Reviews and links to dozens of books, articles and websites for further information
This is not about the tools and techniques of a private investigator (e.g. surveillance, tailing, tracing, interviewing etc.). There are plenty of other good books out there for that.
It is not a manual for the job itself; it is a guide on how to get into the industry in the first place.
It is specifically for people with little or no experience who want to break into the exciting world of private investigation.
Having read this book you’ll come away knowing the first steps you need to take, some further reading or resources, or maybe you’ll realize that private investigation is not really for you.
Either way, this book can save you months of frustration sending out resumes and facing rejection after rejection. No more going round in circles.
Don’t waste any more time. Before doing anything else, start with this book.
Contents of the book:
Opening
Introduction
-The chase
Section 1: Becoming a private investigator
-Reasons why you shouldn’t become a private investigator
-The ideal process
-Legal requirements, getting your license, courses
-Common and uncommon backgrounds
-Personal attributes
-Skills needed
-Equipment
-Section review (the essentials)
-Action plan
Section 2: What to expect
-A day in the life of a private investigator
-‘Typical’ clients and cases
-Salary
-Your personal life
-Section review (the essentials)
-Action plan
Section 3: Getting work
-Working for someone, how to get your first role
-The top 3 mistakes people make when looking for a job as a P.I.
-Writing a resume
-Marketing your own business, using your network
-Likely jobs in your first year
-How much to charge
-Section review (the essentials):
-Action plan:
Section 4: The next steps – preparation
-Get your finances sorted
-Commit to it and don’t take no for an answer
-Start investigating now (doing practice investigations)
-Decide on your values, ethics and integrity now
-Section review (the essentials):
-Action plan:
Closing
Resources and links
-How other people became a private investigator
-Overview of the industry
-General how-to guides and blogs
-Specific how-to articles
-Associations or support groups
-Training/certification institutions
-Licensing requirements
-Equipment
-Books and resources available on Amazon