Accounting & Bookkeeping & Small Business Forum

[Guest]

I just wanted to give everyone out there who is starting their own bookkeeping service a little added advice. The family and friends letters are great to send out to ask for referrals to actual clients. But another great referral would be if your family or friends know any CPAs. My mother-in-law met a CPA through her work and told her about my new business. The CPA has been so swamped with work that she has been referring me to several smaller clients so now I have three clients already and I just completed the course a month ago!

[Guest]

Congratulations. Remember also in your letter to include not just the features of your services but the benefits.

Good Luck in growing your business.

[Guest]

I received the introductory VHS for the course and I tried the friend and family letter. This helped me get my family to become tax clients, but I find that they are not loyal; after three years I have two family members that are loyal.

I am looking to purchase the course to learn more about the bookkeeping practice and grow my business with this service.

However, what are my alternatives if Family and Friends aren't a resourcesful lead? I also considered obtaining a list of businesses in my area and sending letters to them, however, I haven't taken the course and I feel nervous about approaching them. I have degrees in Accounting, but I have not actually done any "real world" Accounting or bookkeeping outside of Taxes. Any suggestions?

[Guest]

Sandra,

As our free DVD or VHS suggested, all successful freelancers started with Family, Friends and Neighbors, then Business Associates and then Businesses within a mile of your home. If you have specific questions, please feel free to contact me.