When you first begin a genealogy project, it can feel overwhelming. This can make you reluctant to complete the project. It may also make you procrastinate working on the genealogy project, which can be detrimental to your research. Following the appropriate steps to begin your genealogy project can go a long way toward simplifying the process. There are many additional benefits to working on a group genealogy project, rather than an individual research project. It can also be helpful to obtain the services of a professional genealogist when it comes to your desired project. Here are a few of the reasons that you should consider a group genealogy project.

What is a Group Genealogy Project?

A group genealogy project is precisely what it sounds like: a project that is undertaken by a group of people rather than just an individual research project. These projects tend to be focused on broader categories than tracing a family tree, such as a common geographic origin, ethnic heritage, or surname. These categories can provide you with more knowledge, skills, and resources to complete the project. When you work in conjunction with other people on a group genealogy project, you can obtain many benefits for the outcome of the project.

Simplify the Task

Tackling a genealogy project can certainly be overwhelming, especially when you are considering a larger scope of project, such as common group projects. When you work along with a group, you can ensure that the task is broken up into more manageable pieces. As everyone works together on the group genealogy project, it is completed far more efficiently, because the project will be a collaborative effort. Breaking the task down into smaller pieces helps to ensure that it can be completed far more efficiently.

Access to More Resources

Working on a group genealogy project often provides you with access to more resources than you regularly have at your disposal. This will help you to ensure that you can obtain valuable information that you may otherwise not have access to. This also helps to provide you with valuable advice from more knowledgeable genealogists. Joining a genealogical society can similarly help to increase your access to many various resources, including member-only sources.

Make New Connections

It is always beneficial to make new connections with individuals that have similar interests to your own. When you work on a group genealogy project, it is likely that you will meet people that share many of your own interests. This can ensure that you have more effective guidance and advice. When you make new connections, you will develop valuable relationships that can substantially improve your life. These connections can also aid in your own personal research projects that you pursue.

Gain Additional Research Skills

Working on any project is likely to enhance your research skills. Working on a group project will amplify this. Not only do group projects likely involve a larger scope, but they will also involve cooperating with other genealogists. Different genealogists likely accomplish their processes in many different ways, which allows you to obtain a broader perspective regarding research strategies and techniques. These additional skills may help to ensure that your own research is completed far more efficiently. Though your current research processes may work, they may not just be the most efficient method possible.  

Enhance your Communication Skills

Working alongside other people necessarily involves thorough communication. Therefore, engaging in a group genealogy project can help to enhance your communication skills. You will need to be able to communicate clearly with the others working on the project, as well as ensure that everyone knows what portion of the project they are responsible for. These projects can also help you to overcome miscommunication issues and learn how to effectively resolve problems in a group setting. These various experiences often go a long way toward enhancing your communication skills.  

Help you Set Goals

It is critical to set goals when it comes to a genealogy project. When you don’t set goals, you will be unable to measure the success of your project. However, it can be difficult for beginning genealogists to set realistic, attainable goals. With the guidance of other people working on the project, you can learn how to effectively set goals for your project. These goals can help you to ensure that your project remains on track. It also helps you to pace yourself throughout the project. When you set effective goals, your project is likely to be completed far more efficiently. Working in a group can also help you to identify the best ways to begin your own genealogy project. This can help you to get started on your genealogy project as soon as possible!

Avoid Common Beginner Errors

Genealogy research can be complex, especially when you don’t know where to start. There are many mistakes that are common to beginning genealogists. When you complete a research project with more experienced genealogists, they can help to guide you away from some of the common errors that you may otherwise make. A group genealogy project is a great way to become familiar with the research process and identify how to streamline your individual genealogy projects.

Consult with a Professional

A professional genealogist is well-equipped to provide you with efficient guidance throughout your genealogy project. Though enhancing your skills can substantially improve the way your project functions, there are additional benefits that come with professional genealogy services. These services can be implemented in a variety of ways. They can be obtained to aid in estate research, probate research, and general genealogy projects.

Here at Heritage Consulting, our experienced team is capable of providing excellent genealogy services for your various requirements. These services can be especially valuable when you have come to a perceived wall in your research, as they can help to provide you with more resources and expert guidance. To learn more about the many ways in which our genealogy services can improve the efficiency and outcome of your genealogy project, contact our expert team at Heritage Consulting today!