Being a sole practioner and not having anyone else to talk to. . Afraid I am resorting accounting web to vent any frustration.
Its been seven months since I picked up a new client. Neither am I getting any leads. This week I expected some activity but nothing. I know I am doing the right things so not need any advice as such on marketing etc.
Life is good apart from the work side which has been terribly disappointing this year (compared to last year - my first year)
Just a matter of interest is there any regional groups where sole practioners can meet up and discuss issues ?
Replies (14)
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Accountants Groups
There are the Tick & Bash meetings organised by Clear Books in London, and the occasional meetings arranged by AccountingWeb users. Where are you based?
Networking
You said you did not want any advice on marketing but I don't think that meeting up with other accountants is going go to grow your business. You need to spend all your free time marketing and meeting prospects.
Are you a member of any accounting bodies? I went to a local ICAEW meet when I launched my practice and met people in same position as me. We bounce technical and client issues off eachother so it is useful but not for leads.
I tell everyone what I do, but I admit it is slow but you never know when you may get that great prospect. I have found word of mouth to be the best but you have no control over the timing.
Doesn't make sense
Jim, at the risk of making you more frustrated, I have to say that no new clients in 7 months but you don't need any help with marketing just doesn't 'add up'. See what I did there?
What marketing do you do? You know the best source of new clients, don't you? Your current ones. I'm sure many mix in circles that could be useful for you to generate leads. Think of how you could put the word out to them (without sounding desperate!).
Where are you based?
yes, my only source of work is existing clients. Have not advertised for years, no website, no internet profile, but the work keeps coming if you do a good job. I can trace most existing clients back to early clients through a thread of work colleagues, neighbours, family members who have all recommended me over the years. My original clients came from local paper advertising (this was 1989!) and one chap phoned me simply because we had the same London area code, turned out he lived in the same road. He is still a client and so are his 3 grown up children, now all self employed. I used to ride a motorcycle back in the day and realised that many of the despatch riders (couriers) were not dealing with their tax returns and accounts correctly (if at all). I put a poster in a local despatch riders' office and (using a humorous approach along the lines of 'The Taxman Cometh!') managed to attract a fair few new clients, some with several years accounts work to deal with. So imaginative marketing might be the way. Good luck.
Understand
But . . . is your loneliness the cause of having no new clients in 7 months despite doing all the marketing you feel is warranted?
Is there a small business club in your area? Join it. You will kill 2 birds with one stone.
chamber of commerce
Hi Jim
Up in Glasgow there are a lot of networks so many they clash with other. I am a member of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce. There is something on every week which many accountants attend and it is also a great way to meet potential clients as it is about all business areas it is a great way to meet people. I go about once every 6 weeks.
It covers so much and you make good friends. Is there a Chamber of Commerce in your area as they are great business support. I know Glasgow is one of the busiest ones and has a big membership which allows them to put more on.
I know what you me about be lonely . I run the Institute of Certified Bookkeeping Glasgow branch and we have about 25 to 35 attendees each meet. Loneliness is a very big issue for many. A lot of the group have made good friends and really help each other.
Dorset & Hampshire IFA meetings
Hi Jim,
You do not say if you are a member of an institute but the IFA have regular meetings in Hampshire and guests from other institutes are welcome. The next meeting is at The Marwell Hotel (next to the zoo) on 18th June. Have a look at the IFA website and the events and local branches tabs will give you an idea of what happens and also will give the contact details of the branch chairman. Most members are Sole practitioners or from small practises.
Regards
Gordon
Jim
PM if you ever want a chat, if you want to second guess something or whatever.
When you say you haven't had a client in 7 months. Are you getting referral but not converting them or not getting any referrals.
As touched on above if it's the latter you need to look at your marketing methods. Existing clients are the best source of referrals but if you don't have that many clients the your pool of existing clients is unlikely to produce many regular referral until there number increases.