Listen up, genealogy buffs. Webinars aren’t just a tool. They’re your secret weapon. But here’s the harsh truth: most people waste them. They show up unprepared. Unfocused. Unmotivated. Not you. Not after this.
You’re about to become a webinar-attending machine. A family history uncovering beast. A genealogical detective that would make Sherlock Holmes jealous. Let’s dive in and transform your research game.
1. Research and Choose the Right Webinars
Don’t be random. Be ruthless.
Your time is precious. Treat it that way. Not all webinars are created equal. Some are game-changers. Others? Time-wasters. Your job? Separate the wheat from the chaff.
First step: Check credentials. Who’s speaking? Are they legit? Do your homework. Google them. Read their articles. Watch their videos. Look for their genealogy certifications. Are they a Certified Genealogist (CG) or an Accredited Genealogist (AG)? These aren’t just fancy letters. They’re proof of expertise, depending on the topic.
Next: Read reviews. What are other genealogists saying? Look for patterns. Positive feedback? Green light. Consistent complaints? Red flag. But don’t just skim. Dive deep. What specific benefits did attendees mention? What criticisms come up repeatedly?
Match your skill level. Newbie? Start with the basics. DNA testing 101. Census record deep dives. Birth, marriage, and death records essentials. Expert? Go advanced. Obscure record sets like coroner’s reports or poorhouse records. Advanced search techniques for those elusive ancestors.
Pro tip: Family Tree Webinars offers a wide range. From beginner to expert. Choose wisely. They categorize their webinars by skill level and topic. Use these categories to your advantage.
Always aim for growth. Push your boundaries. But don’t overreach. Baby steps lead to giant leaps. If you’re comfortable with U.S. research, maybe dip your toes into Canadian records. Then branch out to UK research. Gradual progression is key.
Consider the webinar format. Live or recorded? Live offers real-time interaction. Recorded gives flexibility. Both have their place. Mix it up. Get the best of both worlds.
Check the webinar length. Can you commit fully? A focused hour beats a distracted two hours every time. Quality over quantity, always.
2. Prepare Your Technology
Tech fails? Game over.
Don’t let it happen to you. Test everything. Twice. No, make that thrice.
Internet stable? Run a speed test. Minimum 5 Mbps for smooth streaming. Less? Find a better spot. Consider hardwiring your computer for maximum stability. Wi-Fi is convenient, but ethernet is king for webinars.
Audio clear? Test your speakers. Volume at 50%. Can you hear clearly? Adjust as needed. Run a test with a YouTube video. If it’s crystal clear there, you’re good to go for your webinar.
Video crisp? Check your display settings. Resolution matters. Higher is better. At least 720p, preferably 1080p. Your eyes will thank you after an hour of staring at census records.
Pro tip: Use a headset. Why? Crystal clear audio. No distractions. No echo. No background noise. Your fellow attendees will appreciate it during Q&A sessions. Invest in a good one. Your genealogy education is worth it.
Bonus tip: Have a backup. Mobile data? Second device? Be prepared for the unexpected. Internet goes down? Tether to your phone. Computer crashes? Switch to your tablet. Always have a Plan B.
Update your software. Zoom? GoToWebinar? Whatever platform the webinar uses, make sure you’re running the latest version. Updates often include crucial bug fixes and performance improvements.
Close unnecessary programs. Free up RAM. Your computer should be dedicated to the webinar. Nothing else. This isn’t multitasking time. It’s focus time.
Charge your devices. Laptop at 100%. Mobile backup charged. Nothing kills your genealogy buzz like a dead battery mid-revelation.
3. Set Clear Goals
Aimless learning is useless learning. Period.
What do you want? Write it down. Be specific. Create a hit list of questions. This isn’t just busy work. It’s the foundation of your success.
Trying to break through a brick wall? Note the specifics. Names. Dates. Locations. What exact information are you missing? What have you already tried? The more specific your questions, the more likely you are to get useful answers.
Exploring a new research technique? List what you want to learn. Step-by-step process. Pitfalls to avoid. Tools required. How will you measure success? Define it now.
Your ancestors are counting on you. Don’t let them down. Have a plan. But more than that, have a SMART plan. Specific. Measurable. Achievable. Relevant. Time-bound.
Example:
- Specific: Learn how to effectively use wildcards in Ancestry.com searches.
- Measurable: Be able to perform 5 different wildcard searches confidently.
- Achievable: This is a basic skill that can be learned in one webinar.
- Relevant: Will help me find elusive ancestors with name variations.
- Time-bound: Implement in my research within 24 hours of the webinar.
Create a pre-webinar questionnaire for yourself:
- What’s my biggest genealogy challenge right now?
- How do I hope this webinar will address it?
- What’s one technique I want to master by the end of this session?
- How will this webinar fit into my overall research strategy?
- What’s my action plan for implementing what I learn?
Answer these before every webinar. Your future self will thank you.
4. Create a Distraction-Free Environment
Focus is your superpower. Harness it.
Find your bunker. A quiet room. A secluded corner. Your genealogy command center. This isn’t just about peace and quiet. It’s about creating a space that puts you in the research mindset.
Silence your phone. All notifications off. No exceptions. That text? It can wait. That email? Not important right now. Your ancestors have waited decades, maybe centuries, to have their stories told. Give them your undivided attention.
Close unnecessary tabs. Email can wait. Social media? Not now. Your browser should have one tab open: the webinar. Nothing else. Treat this like the serious research tool it is.
Warn your family. Set boundaries. This is your time. Protect it fiercely. Put a “Do Not Disturb – Ancestor Hunting in Progress” sign on your door if you have to. Make it clear: this is non-negotiable focus time.
Prepare your space. Water bottle filled. Notebook and pen ready. Snacks within reach. Comfort is key. You can’t focus if you’re thirsty, hungry, or uncomfortable.
Lighting matters. Avoid screen glare. Reduce eye strain. A well-lit room with indirect lighting is ideal. Your eyes will thank you during those marathon research sessions.
Temperature control. Too hot? Too cold? Either can be a distraction. Set your space to a comfortable temperature before you start. One less thing to worry about.
Declutter your desk. Physical clutter leads to mental clutter. Clear space, clear mind. Just the essentials for note-taking and participation.
Your genealogy game is about to level up. Treat it seriously. Like a pro. Because that’s what you are now. A pro ancestor hunter.
5. Engage Actively During the Webinar
Passive listening? Waste of time. Engage or go home.
Take notes. Furiously. Key points. Aha moments. Questions that pop up. But don’t just transcribe. Synthesize. Connect dots. Draw mind maps. Your notes should be a roadmap, not a transcript.
Use the chat. Actively. Ask questions. Share insights. Engage with others. But be smart about it. Don’t flood the chat. Quality over quantity. Make your contributions count.
Challenge assumptions. Respectfully. Push for clarity. Seek deeper understanding. If something doesn’t make sense, speak up. Chances are, others are wondering the same thing.
Pro tip: Have a notebook dedicated to webinars. Review regularly. Implement what you learn. Create an index. Cross-reference. Make it your personal genealogy textbook.
Engagement breeds results. Be the engager. Stand out. Get noticed. The genealogy community is small. Make a name for yourself as an active, thoughtful participant.
Use the Q&A feature wisely. Prepare questions in advance. But also, be ready to ask follow-up questions. Show you’re listening and thinking critically.
Volunteer if the presenter asks for examples. Share your research challenges. Be the case study. Not only will you get personalized advice, but you’ll also help others learn.
Take screenshots of important slides. But don’t rely on them entirely. Your notes should complement, not replace, the webinar content.
If there’s a hands-on component, do it. In real-time. Don’t just watch. Participate. Whether it’s trying a new search technique or analyzing a document, do it along with the presenter.
Create action items as you go. Every key point should have a corresponding action. How will you apply this to your research? Be specific.
6. Network with Other Participants
You’re not alone in this quest. Connect. Collaborate. Conquer.
Use the chat. Introduce yourself. Share your research focus. Find common ground. But don’t just say “Hi, I’m John.” Say “Hi, I’m John, researching the Smith family from 1800s Kentucky. Anyone else working on Kentucky lines?”
Follow up. After the webinar. Connect on social media. Join related groups. But don’t just connect and forget. Engage. Comment on their posts. Share relevant information. Build real relationships.
Share resources. Be generous. What goes around comes around. Found a great database for Irish records? Share it. Discovered a new technique for breaking through brick walls? Pass it on. The genealogy community thrives on shared knowledge.
Attend regularly. Become a familiar face. Build relationships over time. Consistency is key in networking. The more webinars you attend, the more connections you’ll make.
Pro tip: Create a genealogy-specific email. Use it for webinar registrations. Keep connections organized. Create folders for different research interests. Manage your network like the valuable resource it is.
Start a study group. Find others interested in the same topics. Meet regularly to discuss webinar content. Apply what you’ve learned together. Accountability breeds success.
Offer your skills. Good at organizing data? Tech-savvy? Great at breaking down brick walls? Offer to help others. Not only will you reinforce your own skills, but you’ll also build valuable relationships.
Participate in webinar-related social media. Live-tweet insights (if allowed). Share your takeaways on genealogy Facebook groups. Blog about your experience. Become a content creator in your own right.
Remember names. Use them. People appreciate being remembered. It’s a small thing that makes a big difference in building relationships.
Don’t just take. Give. Offer testimonials for great webinars. Provide constructive feedback when asked. Be an active, contributing member of the community.
7. Review and Reflect Post-Webinar
The webinar’s over. Your work isn’t. This is where the magic happens.
Review your notes. Immediately. While it’s fresh. Highlight key points. But don’t just read. Process. What were the main themes? How do they connect to your existing knowledge? Where are the gaps you need to fill?
Watch the replay. If available. Catch what you missed. Reinforce what you learned. But don’t just passively watch. Actively engage. Pause. Rewind. Practice techniques in real-time.
Apply one thing. Right away. Small action. Big impact. Did you learn a new search technique? Use it. Now. On your toughest brick wall. Discovered a new record set? Dive in. Today. No excuses.
Reflect. What worked? What didn’t? How can you improve next time? Be honest with yourself. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about progression. Every webinar is a chance to get better.
Pro tip: Create an action plan. Three things you’ll implement. Set deadlines. Hold yourself accountable. Share your plan with a genealogy buddy. External accountability is powerful.
Create a webinar summary. One page. Key points. Action items. Resources to explore. This isn’t just for you. Share it. With your genealogy society. Your research group. Pay it forward.
Integrate new knowledge into your research plan. How does this new information change your approach? Do you need to revisit old assumptions? Revise your goals?
Test new techniques. Scientifically. Try them on known problems. Measure results. What works better? The old way or the new way? Data doesn’t lie. Let it guide you.
Reach out to the presenter. Thank them. Share how you’ve applied their teachings. Ask follow-up questions. But be respectful of their time. Make your communication count.
Schedule your next steps. When will you apply each new technique? Put it in your calendar. Treat it like any other important appointment. Your ancestors are waiting.
8. Follow Up with Additional Research
The webinar is a starting point. Not the finish line. Now’s when the real work begins.
Dig deeper. Follow the breadcrumbs. Explore recommended resources. But don’t just browse. Study. Take notes. Apply what you find to your research. Make it real.
Reach out to the speaker. Thank them. Ask follow-up questions. Build a relationship. But be professional. Respect their expertise and time. Make your questions count.
Connect with other attendees. Share experiences. Exchange tips. Collaborate on common research interests. But don’t just chat. Create. Start a joint research project. Write a blog post together. Present your findings at a local genealogy society meeting.
Pro tip: Start a research log. Document your journey. Track your progress. Celebrate your wins. But make it detailed. Date, source, search terms used, results found. This isn’t just record-keeping. It’s leaving a trail for future generations of researchers.
Explore related topics. Did the webinar mention a record set you’re unfamiliar with? Research it. Learn its ins and outs. Become the expert. Then share your knowledge.
Practice new skills regularly. Set aside time each week. Dedicate it to applying what you’ve learned. Consistency beats intensity every time.
Join relevant online communities. Facebook groups. Genealogy forums. But don’t just lurk. Participate. Share your journey. Ask for help when stuck. Offer help when you can.
Create your own content. Blog about your experience. Make a video showing how you applied a new technique. Host a local meetup to share what you’ve learned. Teaching solidifies learning.
Set up Google Alerts for key topics. Stay updated on new developments. Be the first to know when new records become available. Knowledge is power in genealogy.
Review your goals regularly. Are you on track? Do they need adjustment based on what you’ve learned? Stay flexible. Adapt your approach as you grow.
Final Thoughts
Webinars are your secret weapon. Use them wisely. Implement these tips. Watch your genealogy skills skyrocket. But remember, knowledge without action is useless. Take what you’ve learned. Apply it. Consistently. Relentlessly.
Your ancestors’ stories are waiting to be uncovered. You have the tools. You have the knowledge. Now you have the strategy. There’s no stopping you.
Ready to dive in? Family Tree Webinars is a great place to start.
Your next breakthrough is just a click away. But it’s more than just a click. It’s a commitment. To your ancestors. To yourself. To becoming the best genealogist you can be.
Get after it, genealogy warrior. Your family’s history isn’t going to uncover itself. It’s waiting for you. For your dedication. For your persistence. For your passion.
This is more than a hobby. It’s a calling. Answer it. With everything you’ve got. Your ancestors are counting on you. Future generations are depending on you. Rise to the challenge.
Remember: Every document tells a story. Every record holds a clue. Every webinar opens a door. Walk through it. Run through it. Dive through it headfirst.
You’re not just attending webinars. You’re unlocking the secrets of the past. You’re breathing life into long-forgotten stories. You’re building bridges across time.
So log in. Take notes. Ask questions. Apply what you learn. Rinse and repeat. This is your moment. Seize it.
Your genealogy journey starts now. Make it count.
