Embarking on a career or side hustle in fingerprinting requires a unique set of skills, qualities, and a genuine interest in the field. Whether you're considering starting your own fingerprinting business or joining an established agency, it's essential to evaluate if you are truly cut out for this specialized industry. In this post, we'll explore the key attributes and considerations to help you determine if the business of fingerprinting aligns with your strengths and aspirations.

1. Attention to Detail:

• Fingerprinting can be a meticulous process that requires a decent level of detail. The ability to notice subtle irregularities is crucial for accurate output. Ask yourself if you excel in tasks that require precision and focus. If you find joy in the details you may be well-suited for a career in fingerprinting.

1. Technical Proficiency:

• Fingerprinting technology has evolved, and professionals in the field must be comfortable using advanced equipment and software. Assess your technical skills and your willingness to adapt to emerging technologies. It's advisable to begin with ink rolled fingerprinting, to test the waters, then advance to electronic aspects of the field.

1. Integrity and Ethics:

• Fingerprinting is often associated with matters of security, law enforcement, and personal identification. A high level of integrity and ethical conduct is non-negotiable in this industry. If you possess the moral compass required to handle sensitive information responsibly. If you're committed to upholding ethical standards and maintaining confidentiality, you are well-suited for the business of fingerprinting.

1. Patience and Persistence:

• Persistence yes, patience, not so much. You can successfully fingerprint an individual in the span of 10 minutes.  If you don't have 10 minutes of patience, might want to move along. Where the fingerprinting process can be time-consuming is in marketing beyond the basics as in any business you have to build the correct processes.  Evaluate your ability to stay focused during repetitive tasks and persevere through challenges. I myself in the last 6 plus years in the game have had very few 'challenges'. If you identify with the above, fingerprinting may align with your personality.

1. Communication Skills:

• Effective communication is vital and in my  opinion one of the most important parts of this and just about any business in the fingerprinting business, especially when dealing with clients.  You have to build trust from the first communication with a client because at some point during your client/service provider relationship, you're going to ask the client to divulge personal information not easily shared with a stranger, namely the persons weight and social security number.  I personally would rather have a cavity filled than give a stranger my weight. You would be surprised how an amazing personality and communication skills put a person at ease and they tell you way more that you ever expected.  If you excel in interpersonal communication and can build trust with diverse individuals, you will find success in the field of fingerprinting just as I have.  Communicating and connecting with my clients is my favorite part of my fingerprinting business.

Before diving into the business of fingerprinting, take the time to reflect on your skills, values, and interests. If attention to detail, technical proficiency, integrity, patience, and communication skills define you, then you might just be cut out for the world of fingerprinting. Remember, a successful career in fingerprinting is not only about mastering the technical aspects but also about embodying the qualities that make you a reliable and trustworthy professional in this unique and impactful industry.

A few commonly asked questions about fingerprinting

1. Is there enough business to sustain fingerprinting full time?
2. I'm in Houston where it's well populated, you would have to make that determination based on where you are planning to do business. I started fingerprinting as an add on to my Notary and administrative services businesses but quickly (within 6 months) made fingerprinting my main source of revenue and now Notary and Admin are 2nd and 3rd place.
3. Is there a class you have to take to learn the skill of fingerprinting?

a.  Again I can only speak for Texas where most things are very unregulated. Trial and error were my teachers,

     sometimes the best teacher.  When I publish you'll be able to save the error part and have pretty smooth sailing.

  3.  Is the fingerprinting business lucrative?

a.  Absolutely! There have been times when I wanted to do something else but the money is too easy to make and there's         too much of it to be had.  Details will be shared when the 'book' comes out but I make more with one office                             solo fingerprinting than several skilled degree required professions.

In upcoming months - if interested in delving into the business, I'll be in development of a manual and online classes with all you need to know from an expert on starting and excelling.  Fingerprinting is super easy (the mechanics) but knowing the ins and outs and those nuances that give you a leg up in the business are priceless.  Email us at info@tlgfingerprinting.com to be placed on the waitlist.