Accounting & Bookkeeping & Small Business Forum

[MCDeWing]

A local company placed an ad in the newspaper for a full-charge bookkeeper. I submitted both a letter and brochure. The company did not respond, however, 3 weeks later, I see that they are running another ad for the same position, either they have not found the right person or someone they hired didn't work out.

I want to submit another letter to them asking them to reconsider my services but would like to talk with someone specifically about this first. As this would be a direct, targeted pitch, I want it to be spot-on. If I can get this company's business, they will be my first client.

I know that UAC offers one on one coaching, but I'm not sure about how to get the right person on the phone for specifics, not just general advice.

Please advise and thank you very much.

[Jennifer T]

Convincing somebody to outsource rather than hire in-house can be a tough sale. You will need to really sell them on the benefits of outsourcing.

Also, if somebody thinks they need a person in-house, this usually means that there is a lot of work, 20-40 hours worth. Can you handle that? Is it really in their best interest to outsource that? Do they want this person to fulfill other tasks, such as answering the phone and other clerical (ie, low paying) work?

I'm not saying "Don't try it." I am saying, know what you are offering and make sure it lines up with what they really need and want.

[MCDeWing]

Thanks, JT

After reading your post I reviewed their ad...it does look like they are looking more for in-house, (daily acct/admin functions, general ledger/fin.statements, payroll & spreadsheets), but this company seems to have a high rate of turnover in this particular position. I've seen this company advertise for a bkpr several times since I've been watching the want ads.

How can I address that in particular? Offer to come into their office until they get to know me and are more comfortable with my services? How could I present that offer to them in a professional manner?

These are mostly rhetorical questions....

[Jennifer T]

MCDeWing wrote: Thanks, JT

After reading your post I reviewed their ad...it does look like they are looking more for in-house, (daily acct/admin functions, general ledger/fin.statements, payroll & spreadsheets), but this company seems to have a high rate of turnover in this particular position. I've seen this company advertise for a bkpr several times since I've been watching the want ads.

How can I address that in particular? Offer to come into their office until they get to know me and are more comfortable with my services? How could I present that offer to them in a professional manner?

These are mostly rhetorical questions....

My first though is: perhaps it's not a great place to work.

That said, you could politely mention that it seems they are having problems filling the position on a long term basis. Do some research and try to define the cost of employee turnover for this company - as a rule, employee turnover is very expensive for any company.

Then, mention the benefits of outsourcing. Reluctantly, I suggest you make an agreement to do their bookkeeping for a certain amount of time, say, six months. This aleviates them of the headache of finding somebody new every few weeks, and assures you of constant work. But, as I said, I reluctantly suggest this, because if the company is having problems with employee turover, then it may be an indication that whoever supervises that position is not doing his/her job. Consider this carefully before agreeing to work for them. I've said it before, and it bears repeating: no clients are better than bad clients.

[MCDeWing]

No clients better than bad clients...Noted...thanks.

[David]

Two things:

First, Many times when someone is trying to hire a parttime Bookkeeper it is for 20 or so hours because they are trying to fluff the hours up because they do not have enough for accounting work. So they include admin / sec / receptionist duties. This is also sometimes why the pay is so low. This would then become an advantage to you because if you went into the interview and then shared that you could probably do the work for less money and less time because you would do it outsourced instead of at the office.

Second issue:
What if you applied for the position and in your introduction, mention that you have a bookkeepeing / accounting business on the side and this is another option. At least you get to impress them and talk abotu it, instead of hoping the letter works.


Also....MCDeWing

Call universal At the toll free number provided and ask for your marketing coach. They will direct you to the person who can do one on one coaching for you.

[MCDeWing]

Thanks, David...I will take your post to heart.

[Monica]

Hi Marcia,

These are helpful advice here. I would think the "opportunity costs" involved here would be a good selling point. You could also for a limited time, work at their office but only very limited to get them used to you.

I have started work for new clients quite frequently by going to them every week. It helps to get to know the client better and for them to get to know you. Good relations.

It just depends on if you are willing to work at their place some, but I would let them know that a lot of the work will not be onsite. And I wouldn't answer phones. Charge the same amount that you normally would, preferrably retainer.

I hope this helps you Marcia, my friend. Remember, there will be other clients. I know you are excited...but you are going places.

Monica

[MCDeWing]

Monica~

You're a swee'pea! Nice to see you...all over the forum today! I miss ya when ya stay away too long.

Have an awesome day! Did you get Leigha?

[Monica]

Hi Marcia,

Thank you. I couldn't resist.

I don't have Leayah yet, maybe next week. Allovertheforum, huh? Well, I thought about the guy in Texas and sales tax. Noone from Texas had answered him, so I did and started looking around.

I hadn't been here in a while and just thought that maybe I was coming from a different point of view today. I found myself, hours later, still on the forum, and thought-I better get some work done! And here I am again. :D

Talk to you soon, Marcia.

Monica

[Richard Noot]

[quote="MCDeWing"]Thanks, JT

After reading your post I reviewed their ad...it does look like they are looking more for in-house, (daily acct/admin functions, general ledger/fin.statements, payroll & spreadsheets), but this company seems to have a high rate of turnover in this particular position. I've seen this company advertise for a bkpr several times since I've been watching the want ads.

How do you know that they are having a high rate of turnover??? Did you ask them or what??

[Monica]

Honestly Richard,

It stands to reason. What are you doing? You used to make sense.

m