Dawn Krantz-Watts, Private Investigator » Updates

Encyclopedia Brown (By Mr. Sting)

Mr. Sting — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 17:15:39 +0000

In 5th grade I played Encyclopedia Brown in a play in front of my class. I memorized every line in the book, not just mine. Good thing, the girl that played Sally Kimball could not rember any of her lines. I had to whisper them to her.

Mr. Sting

Sting Investigations, Inc.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Cheating Spouses and Child Custody Experts

End of the year lessons for improving my business-

admin — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 19:38:52 +0000

As the end of the year closes I always try to get ready for the new year. As an investigator it is important to organize, prioritize and categorize your work. It is not that hard if you are good at what you do. These are three important work habits that any good investigator should constantly be trying to improve on. In order for me to stick to that formula I have to re-evaluate what works and what doesn't

I look at how I did things last year and then I look at how I could improve things this year. Once I do that I implement changes for the new year, changes that I know will streamline my work. Simple things like color coding file systems or key words for taking notes during iinterviews. I personally have excellent recall for interviews and it is because of my system for key word.I have developed a technique that encourages people to talk talk talk. The more they talk the more information I am able to get for the attorneys I work for. You never know what information will be useful. So the key to recall the interview with the notes is to just highlight the topics. I never ever record an interview and the reason is it creates a barrier. No one really wants to be recorded talking. In this instance I have to organize, prioritize and then categorize the information.

I also use this technique when balancing my workload. It is important not to let down the attorneys that hire me. I meet my deadlines butsometimes I stay up all night to do that. Organization, prioritization and categorizing allow me to work more than one case at a time.

Thankfully this formula is my recipe for success. As 2009 begins I will be looking at ways to improve upon this formula so I can achieve even more success. Give it a try it might work for you. Also, let me know what business lessons you can share with me.

Happy Holidays!

All Things Legal Investigations

One case ends and another comes in the door

admin — Fri, 12 Dec 2008 20:10:55 +0000

When your self-employed in this economy you can not help but worry about work coming in the door. So it always thrills me when another case is referred to me. I settled a case Monday and on Tuesday a prominent attorney in town referred me another sex abuse case. I love referrals!

Happy endings

admin — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 07:29:49 +0000

I have been working on a sex abuse case for the last 15 months. The case was set to go to trial December 15th. With alot of solid evidence, the best attorneys in town and a determined client we powered forward toward the trial date. Sometimes a trial is not the best outcome for a client, today I am happy to report that the client was able to settle the claim which was the best possible outcome.

This case was particularly important to me. I was able to obtain evidence that showed the parties involved knew they had a predator in their church. A Church where they protected the perp and harmed the children. Because this brave young person was willing to come forward the church has been held accountable.

This case was a good example of digging up the dirt. I knocked on a lot of doors, ran into a lot of dead ends but ultimately I would not give up. A good investigator can make a case for the client. In this instance I can be proud of my work but mostly I am proud of the client for showing the courage pursue this case.

A message from Mr. Sting to Dawn

Mr. Sting — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 06:15:04 +0000

When people let us down (post by Mr. Sting)

Mr. Sting — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 00:04:07 +0000

I just got a message from a friend that was disappointed in some colleagues. Her expectations wasn't met. I understand her frustration, as we have all been there. We should remember though, that sometimes people don't mean to or even realize when they aren't living up our expectations of them.

If those people purposely disapoint us(or don't care if they disapoint us), perhaps we need to lower our expectations of them. Perhaps even sepperate ourselves from them.

However, if they disappointed us with out reallizing it, that is a different problem. A problem that might better be solved by discussing the issue with them.

We are all human. We all make mistakes. Evaluate as fairly as possible to determine what is intentional, accidental, or merely careless. In all situations, act or react appropriately.

Remember who your friends are, and keep them close. You need them, and they need you.

Mr. Sting

Sting Investigations, Inc.

Tulsa, Oklahoma

Tonight I can not think of anything to blog about…

admin — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 07:40:59 +0000

I stole that line from another investigator I know but seriously I am stumped so tonight I think I am just going to say I am grateful:

1. For the people I meet everyday in my profession who help me grow as a professional,

2. For the trust my clients have given me because they know I will do my very best for them, and

3. For the stream of work I have coming in right now during an economy where many people are losing their jobs.