1. After reviewing presentation, "Finding Your Niche", did you have a paradigm shift? Did this help you rethink about your skills and expertise and what you think your 'niche' is/can be?

2. Discuss some differences between "employee" and "Independent contractor" status in private investigations management. For example: Are you an employee or independent contractor? Do you plan on hiring employees or independent contractors? What are the advantages and/or disadvantages to being an employee versus an independent contractor? Answering this question may take some additional research, such as speaking with a lawyer or accountant, for example.

3. What are some ways you can improve your presence in your niche market in your area?

4. Discuss what you believe are some of the most effective means to spend funds on marketing and advertising.

PI Practice Management Understanding the Role of DPS and the Private Security Board (PSB) Understanding the Role of DPS and the Private Security Board (PSB) OCC $1702.004. GENERAL SCOPE OF REGULATION. (a) The board, in addition to performing duties required by other law of exercising security services contractors: (2) iss stigations companies and the personal protection of individuals; ( 4) registers and endorses : ( A) individuals employed in a field connected to private investigation of private security; and (5) regulates license holders, security officers, registrants, and endorsement holders under this chapter. (b) The board under this section, the board shall list the specific offenses for each category of regulated persons for which grounds for the board to take action under Section 53.021 constitute Understanding the Role of DPS and the Private Security Board (PSB) OCC $1702.005. DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY. a) The board created under Section 1702.021 is a part of the department. The department shall administer this chapter through the board (b) A reference in this chapter or another law to the Texas Commission on Private Security means the board. Understanding the Role of DPS and the Private Security Board (PSB SUBCHAPTER B. TEXAS COMMISSION ON PRIVATE SECURITY OCC in The Texas Private Security Board appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate as follows: (1) four public members, each of whom is a citizen of the United States; (2) one member who is licensed under this chapter as a private investigator; (3) one membe ifone member who is licensed under this chapter as an alarm systems company; and (4) one member who is licensed under this chapter as made without regard to the race Co of asaga regard shall be national origin of the appointee' PI Practice Management Using the Texas DPS Website http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/ Using the Texas DPS Website . http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/ . Helps you: - Manage your license - Registrations/registrants - Search other companies and registrants - Forms, Fees - Statutes/Rules/FAQ . Must become familiar with site and its use PI Practice Management Marketing and Advertising Marketing and Advertising Determines your success or failure . Seek professional gu . See what other PIs and non-PI businesses do . You have to spend money to make money . Spend advertising and marketing dollars wisely Marketing and Advertising . What's the difference between marketing and advertising? Finding your niche Research what works and what doesn't Marketing and Advertising Examples . Business cards . Word of mouth referrals . Flyers Yellow Pages . Mailers . Community newspapers . Websites Business networking . Social media groups . Billboards Trade shows . Classified ads Events . Radio ads Professional Association . TV ads memberships