I am a CPA and mother of 3 – I’d like to start my own bookkeeping business but don’t know how to find clients.
I currently use MYOB to do the books for a friends business, but I don’t know how to find more clients – my friend has no other contacts for me. I tried advertising in the local paper but only got calls from people wanting tax returns completed – which I don’t do. I thought about contacting local businesses but I’m not sure how to approach them – any ideas?
I have a few ideas:
Get a second phone line in your home – a business line, that way you can be listed in the Yellow Pages under Accounting or Bookkeeping.
Join your local Chamber of Commerce – there you will find businesses both established and new that may need your services.
Print up some nice professional looking brochures and send them to businesses advertising for bookkeepers in the newspaper.
Advertise in your local paper (we have one here that is sent out free and it doesn’t cost a lot to advertise in. Plus, there are many small businesses and self employed people that advertise in this paper – potential clients!).
Build a website – this doesn’t have to cost a small fortune! I like www.homestead.com. Here you can get a website and domain name for under $10.00 a month.
Become a QuickBooks ProAdvisor at www.quickbooks.com. Once you are certified you can get listed on their website and link to your site. Many people may not need a bookkeeper, but they may need you to set up their QuickBooks program and train them to use it.
Check with your local CPA firms – not all of them provide bookkeeping services. Also, check with your local tax preparers and leave business cards with them to hand out to clients needing bookkeeping services.
Visit small businesses and leave a brochure and business card with them – machine shops, car repair shops, restaurants, doctor’s offices, etc.
You asked about approaching businesses and here is my advice. As I mentioned earlier have a brochure and/or a business card ready and ask to speak with the business owner. Tell them you name and that you are a CPA and you can provide bookkeeping services at reasonable rates. Ask them if they are in need of any bookkeeping services. If they say yes then you can find out what they need. If they say no then hand them your brochure and/or card and tell them that if they ever need your services or know someone that does to please give you a call.
In the brochures I would put your contact information, the services your provide and a little about yourself such as your qualifications. Look here for some GREAT brochure papers that are scored for folding and ready to print on at www.myexpression.com
Good Luck!
Small Business Bookkeeping
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