Private Investigation: How to Be Successful! (Hardcover)

~ Bill Copeland (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Private Investigation How To Be Successful!" is a book that is surprising in its content and delivery. I anticipated a dry, detailed analysis of how to hide in the bushes while doing a surveillance without catching poison ivy. Instead, I was rewarded by an always - interesting, easy-to-read detailed analysis about becoming a successful PI. This is definitely a book for "know it alls" because after you've read it you'll really know it all!" Genero Capshaw...The Literary Bridge. -- The Literary Bridge

Product Description

This first edition, 218 page, hardbound book contains thirteen information - laden chapters. It thoroughly covers the full range of issues that today's professional private investigators must deal with in order to become tomorrow's successful professional private investigators. Private Investigation How To Be Successful! deals with the thought of entering this bountiful field up through successful business operation. This book is written to be read!

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 218 pages
• Publisher: Absolutely Zero Loss, Inc.; 1 edition (July 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0965765997
• ISBN-13: 978-0965765992
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,135,797 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

45 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The only book of it's kind for the serious P.I., August 23, 1998

By A Customer

Having been in the field of public service and law enforcement for 16 years, I thought that I had the knowledge and hands-on experience to easily migrate into the field of Private Investigation as I anticipate retiring the law enforcement badge in four years. NOT.

The 16 years of experience and training in interview techniques, courtroom testimony, and forensics, is only the cornerstone for the unique insight and guidance provided by Mr. Bill Copelend in his book, PRIVATE INVESTIGATION - HOW TO BE $UCCESSFUL.

Copeland teaches the reader all of the areas important to serving, first - the client, then the P.I. Areas often taken for granted by the cop on the beat or even the P.I. employed by an agency. Bill tells the reader how to be $uccessful - as he has for himself, in the rewarding field of private investigations. Training, licensure, fees, growth of the business, associates, and business office are areas that usually don't enter the "employee's" daily thoughts. Copeland brings these to light in an informative and enlightening style.

This entertaining, personal account by Bill Copeland is an easy to read, step by step guide for the serious P.I. His personal triumphs and losses, and unique sence of humor (HEY!) are shared with the reader as if you were visting in his living room.

Bill Copeland's book, ABSOLUTELY ZERO LOSS (for the retailer) is a compliment to PRIVATE INVESTIGATION and should also be read.

PRIVATE INVESTIGATION - HOW TO BE $UCCESSFUL is a must for P.I. Agency or training facility book shelf.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars FABULOUS BUSINESS BOOK!!!, February 23, 2003

By A Customer

After completing 25 years in law enforcement, the natural choice for my second career was private investigation. I looked at every single book on the market, most of which were either for beginners or those who seem to want to keep track of their next door neighbors. I bought Private Investigation How To Be Successful! and it made a world of difference for me.

I knew little about the profession of private investigation. This guide started me out with plenty of business savvy and helped me get through the process of getting started in my own business. I would have thought that starting out for someone with my background would be easy...not so! I needed this book.

I have seen many of my peers start and not do well in private investigation. The book pushed me in the right direction. Like the title says...how to be successful.

From licensing (a serious adventure...don't underestimate it) through all the rest of setting up my business, this book was there for me. Fortunately I read it just before I left the department, then I didn't have to re-do what I'm sure I would have done wrong.

The book is very easy to read. It's very positive (you can tell that Mr. Copeland enjoys his work and respects the field). And, it tells it like it really is. I found this out from experience.

I needed every chapter. I'm especially glad I didn't set up a home office. The book gave me all the details I needed (and wouldn't have thought about) to open my business and get clients.

I wish this book had been in the department's library for me to read. I bought another copy for that purpose! Yes, it is that good and that professional.

I highly recommend Private Investigation How To Be Successful! to anyone coming out of law enforcement...it's full of material we just haven't ever been exposed to from a business standpoint.

I was always given an office, supplies, and a telephone. I took it for granted, until I read this book.

I can investigate with the best, but I sure needed the business advice in Mr. Copeland's great book. Thanks, from a grateful PI.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellence!!!, June 22, 2004

By A Customer

I finally found a PI book that makes perfect sense written by an author who has been down the road I want to travel. No doubt here that my planned business will be far better than if I had missed this opportunity and not read "Successful!"

Why? Because it takes the time to detail every step of the process of envisioning my PI business through developing it, through opening it, through operating it. It is a great study in exactly how to proceed and how to think like a winner.

Few books give you the details and give you the confidence to succeed. This is such a book. It covers all possible necessary elements of getting into this profession and staying in it on top, which is precisely where I want to be.

A great book makes a difference. This is a great book.