cold calling v letter?

[TraceyAnn]

I have been self employed as a freelance accountant/bookkeeper for the last 16 years, concentrating more on the bookkeeping as my sons were young. I have worked as a sub contractor to various firms of accountants in the past but now want to increase the number of bookkeeping clients.

I have read earlier posts regarding bookkeepers contacting accountants, but my questions are

1. Is it worth contacting accountants regarding providing bookkeeping services as most of the accountants I know have their own inhouse bookkeepers and provide this services themselves

2. When it comes to trying to find some new bookkeeping clients, is it better to send out flyers or hand them out, bearing in mind that self employed people are busy?

Any advice would be appreciated, thanks.:)

[HC-Martin]

Have you thought of local networking events?

[BillionaireKid]

Producing a type of visual flyer or pamplet a professional design or simple effective leaflet could work wonders. Like Hc- Martin attending a Local networking events could work you could hand potential clients your flyers in person.

Hope this helps

[TraceyAnn]

First question is how do you find out about local networking events? and how do you if you are a naturally shy person go about promoting yourself?

As you can probably tell I have a major problem in being confident about my abilities!

[Zeno]

What kind of clients do you currently have?

[TraceyAnn]

They vary from soletraders such as handyman, pest controller, pet shop to limited companies web designer, courier franchise.

[Alison Jones]

Everyone has different methods that work for them in their local area.

I have found that the most effective for myself is recommendations from current clients, accountants recommending me to their clients, mail shots have worked well for me gaining a client which can vary each month from filling 1/4 of my working month to nearly all my working month.

Alison

[Zeno]

They vary from soletraders such as handyman, pest controller, pet shop to limited companies web designer, courier franchise.

Well, I am also fairly shy so networking is not something I do well. I find most of my clients come from referrals from existing ones.

The problem I can see with contacting local accountants is that they may seek to unload problem clients on you. (I know I do...).

[telemax]

I would say for Book Keeping. Nothing beats a well targetted letter with a handwritten address on the envelope, followed by a polite telephone call 2 days later to follow up.

[directmarketingadvice]

I would say for Book Keeping. Nothing beats a well targetted letter with a handwritten address on the envelope, followed by a polite telephone call 2 days later to follow up.

I'd agree. A letter would be far better than a flyer.

The key is a "good letter".

A "I want work, please it to me" letter might get some response if it hits someone's desk at the very moment they decide they need someone.

But if you write a letter that explains all the reasons why hiring you is going to improve their lives - even if they're not thinking about bringing in a bookeeper - (and then back up those claims with proof - maybe also a "try me for free" offer) then you'll be far more likely to get business from it.

Steve

[maxine]

You could always try the other way round and make the phone call first with a consultative / information gathering approach and then follow up with a personal and well targetted letter using the information you gathered on the phone call.

:)

[mikelaluz]

Hi TraceyAnn

A well crafted letter with a couple of testimonials from existing happy clients. Start by listing all the benefits that your bookkeeping service offers and ensure that the testimonials back them up.

A quick call around your existing clients may also throw up some new benefits that you hadn't considered. i.e Ask them why they use your services and what are the benefits to them (you may be surprised) . And if you tell them what you are doing they may have a couple of warm referrals for you.

Regards

Mike