With all the resources available for us to meet virtually, sometimes we forget the basics.  We have Zoom meetings, Google meet, Microsoft Team, share screens, FaceTime, etc.  I don’t know about you, but sometimes I’m so caught up in the latest and greatest, that I forget the basics to help with family history.  I have even taught a class about the tool I’m about to remind you of and should not have forgotten.  But I did.

One recent afternoon, I was training a new Temple and Family History Consultant.  She was not interested in the above methods of communicating since in person training is limited now with pandemic restrictions.  I was at a little bit of a loss.  We had been able to meet in person with masks and distancing but it has not been possible for our last two meetings.  I have said before, prayer is essential before you begin a session with someone.  Because we had prayed together, the spirit was able to remind me of the … Consultant Planner.  I know!  I’m embarrassed to even admit it.  But once I was able to invite and she accepted, it worked like a dream for consulting from a distance!  We have had very effective sessions together using her FamilySearch account.  I highly recommend it along with a FaceTime call.  She now knows how to use it for when she is ready to do some consulting herself.

If you have forgotten about this handy tool for your tool box, I’ll review how to get there and you can enjoy the journey from there:

• Once you have signed in on your own FamilySearch account, go to the upper right hand corner of your screen and find the help button  ?   and tap on it. 
• At the bottom of the help menu you will see “Helper Resources.”  Once you are on that page, on the right-hand side you will see Planner and your name underneath.  Look for the + add someone, tap on it and add the name or email of the person you are helping. 
• Tap on next and send an invitation via email to that person.  They will then receive an email and be able to accept the invitation which will allow you to visit their FamilySearch account. 
• When you want to access it another time, go through the same procedure: sign into your account, go to the help button,  ?  , then to “Helper Resources,” and now you will see the menu bring up “Added or Accepted.”  Tap on the name of the individual you are helping and help away!

This has been such a helpful reminder for me, I thought I would share it again and remind you of the powerful FamilySearch tools available to us as consultants.  Happy Consulting! –Janet Helland – Patron Services/Training, Granite Family History Center