Starting a Bookkeeping small company

[North East Bookkeeping]

Hi all,

I have recently started a bookkeeping company in Newcastle upon Tyne.

I would to seek advice from everyone as well as companies in the same field as i.

I would like general advice on how to get a few clients under my belt.

I am not fussed about charging much in the first instance as im sure you understand just would like to build a great reputation at start.

Cheers all

[Ray_Stewart]

Hi Joe

Get networking here, on other UK business forums, on twitter, with FSB at breakfast meetings, get a website and use google adwords, put an interesting advert in your local paper with a strong call to action - doing VAT online from April is topical so you could hang an advert on that - things like that.

NEVER undersell yourself. Fix an hourly rate you can live on and stick to it. Someone on the lookout for a cheap bookkeeper is not the sort of long lasting relationship you want to be involved with.

You don't say if you are qualified. I am a member of the ICB and there are always businesses on their website advertising for bookkeepers that members can get first dibs at.

There are loads of ways to get business. Have a look at a guide I wrote in 2008 when the recession was looming at http://recessionbustingtips.com and use some of those ideas.

Get involved with one or two of the new online bookkeeping sites as a partner - people tend to start their books on these sites and then look for someone to help them out when they realize bookkeeping isn't a two minute a day job!

Best of luck with it :)

[pari636]

Its all about getting the name out. Networking is the best and also try start up exhibitions and seminars. Spread your business card.
If you do a good job from the heart you will find clients :)
All the best

[d30web]

networking definately helps , find out about local business groups they usually provide good local contacts

[Zöe]

Hi Joe

As others have said, networking is one of the most effective forms of marketing for a bookkeeper. People tend to work with people they know and like. There are plenty of networking groups around. Some are very formal while others just meet in the pub. You can attend many of them as a guest so I would attend a few and see which ones suit you. They may not bring instant results but stick with it as you never know where referrals may come from several months down the line.

Also, tell everyone you know what you are doing - friends, family, neighbours etc and ask them to let their friends know. I've picked up more than one client from my mum chatting away to anyone and everyone!

Also, as Ray said, don't undersell yourself. If you don't value your services, others won't either. People don't always want the lowest price but want a quality job.

Good luck.

Kind regards

Zöe