New Clients

New Clients

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I set up my Bookkeeping Practice 14 months ago and I have 5 clients. At present I am only doing VAT Returns and Year End Accounts and I am presently looking for more Clients that would require bookkeeping and payroll as this would put the time in. I have advertised in my local paper but I don't want to spend any more money on advertising so what else should I do to get more Clients? I am a qualified Bookkeeper & a Part-Qualified Accountant which is why I thought I would save people money as I could do their accounts for less! I am Based in Ballymena, N.Ireland & I use Sage Line 50. Any of my ads show my business card which show the services that I provide.

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By User deleted
23rd Jun 2008 10:46

Name

It would be useful to get your name around town. It is the person who gets new clients, not always the qualifications. As we don't even have your name, perhaps you need to consider promoting yourself far more effectively. Wish you well, but sell yourself properly!

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By Tosie
19th Jun 2008 12:16

Not true
It is not true to say that accountants only pass on problem clients.
Many small accountants do not want to do book-keeping it is time consuming and rates are lower.
Good relationships can be build up between both parties.
As the question stated that you have set up a book-keeping business
I assumed that you were seeking book-keeping clients.
In my experience taxi drivers and driving schools do not normally employ book-keepers.

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By User deleted
18th Jun 2008 22:59

Try this
Speak with banks, IFAs, solicitors and target a specifc type of client where ther could be easily referrals, tax drivers, driving instructors and alos be confident about how good you are when meeting these people - dont give them a chance to say no!!

Dont talk to other accountants unless you know them well, they will just want to load of your problem cases to you!

Where are you based?

And finally good luck

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By geoffwolf
18th Jun 2008 17:01

try this
If you have any recognised qualification use it.

You do not say whether you use a computerised system and which it or they are.

If you are a competent bookkeeper I feel sure that there must be accounting practices out there who would be only too pleased to recommend your services to clients who need a cost effective method of
providing the accountant with decent sets of books.

Where are you based?

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By Tosie
18th Jun 2008 16:54

local accountants
I suggest that you approach local accountants for work.
If your qualifications are book-keeping stick to that and make it clear to the
accountants that this is the area that you are interested in.

most accountants know clients who would benefit from book-keeping input

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By AnonymousUser
18th Jun 2008 16:47

Hard work picking up new clients
I have decided on a sales drive to boost my client base for my bookkeeping business (5 at the moment same as you!). I spent a couple of days canvassing around a local industrial estate; I created a flyer, which I handed out, more to see what sort of reaction I would get. I did manage to get a couple of people who were interested so it maybe worth a try? Down side was that I did get some very negative responses off a few people; one accused me of breaching the data protection act by knocking on his door and told where to stick my 'junk' mail! I did try a breakfast networking club but I found it a bit embarrassing people forcing business cards into my hand as soon as I walked through the door. I would be interested to see how you get on I might even steal a few ideas? I total sympathise I think the best way to get new business is by recommendation but with only 5 clients it's slow going

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By occca
18th Jun 2008 16:45

How does your advert read?
What qualifications do you have?

How are you advertising? What does your advert say? How do you stand out from your competitors?

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