Accounting & Bookkeeping & Small Business Forum

[charity8987]

Hello,

I am a recent graduate of the UAC's bookeeping program. Prospective clients have been asking me for references and what my experience is. I am just starting my business, so of course I am unable to provide references. I mention that I have experience, however, since UAC's program exposes us to many different types of business. With no human references to give, what would be the right thing to say?

[David]

Monica,

One thing you can do is to explain your PB certification. Understand that you have done the books for 11 different types of business through the PB course. Tell your clients that just as you would not advertise anything you may do for them as a client, you do not advertise anything about any of your clients.

You may also tell them that if you can help them lower their taxes, increase their profits and put money on the bank then they will be happy and retain you on a ongoing basis. Tell them that if you can't, they should not retain you. It is a bold statement but something that you should feel comfortable with when using the principles in "In the black, nine principles to business profitability. Also, if you use the business assessment, you will stand out even more.

[Cicero]

I was asked for references last week and I just told him that my clients were confidential. I told him I could provide a list of business types (right out of the book keepers course) I have experience with, but that client information is strictly confidential.

[JRWserviceCORP]

I'd suggest that you may consider (I am not sure of the posting rules here) requesting from members of the community teaming possibilities. This could benefit all involved. If someone's business has some overflow they may wish for you to help iliavitate that.

In exchange you could perform the work at a VERY discounted rate and would have real experience to quote to your prospective clietns.

Regards,

[QBConsultant]

You can also let them know that you're getting started. You can offer to provide them with a discounted rate (for a month or two) if they would provide a testimonial for you (to put on your website). Then, the client benefits and you build up references!

[Ahshucks]

If you were to look at websites, including this one, short statements exist as to how the client perceived the experience. You could elicit that information from pastors, neighbors, professors, bankers, lawyers, past clients & employers, even from offerring free temp services ie (Developing a marketing plan, direct mail piece, industry comparison, etc.) This can help your reference list grow quickly.

[TonyDent84]

I totally agree with David (and everyone else). You did work with 11 different companies. You did what you had to do. You received your designation for demonstrating your compentency in bookkeeping for these types of industries. You have the skills THEY need. You should just let them know that you dealt with nearly a dozen (note the use of the word "dozen") different companies, and that as their accountant, you cannot give out personal information as to who they are or their phone numbers. Then offer a discounted rate for a month or two so that they can build faith in you. Just be like, "Well, for reasons of client confidentiality, I am not permitted to even tell you the names or locations of the companies, just in the same way that you would not want me to divulge anything about you to any of my other clients. However, to make you more comfortable with my work, I will offer you (name your discount) for the first month (or first two months), and if you do not feel satisfied with my work, you will not be obligated to anything that I'm offering." That should help somewhat.

In the end, I guess you can even give out the names of the companies without going into too much detail because of confidentiality, and when they try to look up the companies online, they'll find a thousand "stewart's bakeries" LOL, a bunch of "Barry's Gas and Groceries", etc. :lol: They'll feel too lazy to do that much research I bet and they'll just give you a shot.