How did you become a new bookkeeper?

I became a bookkeeper by "evolution" (fourteen years now) and referrals. I was a teacher for 20 years. Life changes required my profession to change. I took a job as a receptionist for a small company. The accountant for that company saw I had multiple skills, interests and a great interest to learn. So after training me in introductory QuickBooks Skills, she introduced me to an independent small business client of hers that needed additional help. A few years later, that same accountant referred me to a second private individual that wanted a bookkeeper to handle the financials for her personal real estate properties and personal monthly finances. Later, the accountant referred me again to a private individual looking for someone to do their personal monthly bookkeeping. A fourth connection I made was through the first small company. I've added breadth and depth to my skill set and knowledge through every client along the way.

I would encourage you to think outside the box. Be flexible. Be willing to use your skills in creative ways. How can you serve someone with your knowledge and abilities? For example--attention to detail is important to many industries. If you're good with details, how can your ability benefit a client? It doesn't matter whether it's tires or toothbrushes, keeping track of inventory in both industries requires bookkeepers!

Consider multiple part-time positions. At one time, I had four part-time clients. I like variety, so it was great for me. I was never bored.

You are a unique individual. Consider what you bring to the table that will benefit those you look to work for.   

I have been a bookkeeper for 27 years. After COVID I decided I didn’t want to return to a big firm, I wanted to return to my roots and help small businesses. I took the Quickbooks certification course and a few others to reintroduce myself to small businesses and any new ways to help them. I continually take courses because the world and laws change constantly and I want to be prepared for that.

I have gone through a lot of 9-5s that requires a lot of bookkeeping and a messy ones to tell you.
This is one and most main reason why I started my accounting and tax business.
I really wanted to help out business owners and entrepreneurs that sells their products and services online. Most of them have a very messy paper works just because they cannot wear multiple hats while running a business.
I WANTED TO HELP OUT. 
I NEED TO HELP OUT.
THIS IS THE REASON WHY I BECAME A PROACTIVE ACCOUNTANT/BOOKKEEPER AND STARTED MY BUSINESS.

I became a bookkeeper in 1998 working for the family business. I understand how important small businesses are to the economy. I know how important it is for business owners to know the health OF their business. I moved on and worked in many industries for small, medium and large companies.  In October 2022, with a thought and some prayer to confirm, I decided that I didn't want to be working for just one company.  I wanted to share my knowledge and experience with small and medium size companies; so Blossom Bookkeeping was born.

I first got introduce almost 34 years ago into the accounting field by my Mother. I would work summers at her job Hempel (Paints) doing invoicing. That is when I knew I wanted to go into the Accounting field (age 16).  About 10 years ago I  decided to add Tax Preparation to it. I love what I do and I am true believer you have to love and want to do what you do for a job.

I took bookkeepers launch. It is an amazing program, and they help you set up everything.

Always have had a fascination with numbers since I was young.

I was doing sales for a Plumbing company.  The Accounting manager just quit.  The General manager locked me in the accounting office until I said yes.  I didn't know if I was going to like it or be good at it but I jumped in with both feet.  Said to myself sink or swim kid.  I was 26.  I fell in love the minute I started training and working.  Now I can't get enough. I will buy new books and continue to educate myself.  I love reading the IRS tax tips.  I love listening to Will Lewis with Lewis Tax Firm on Tuesdays for Tax Tip Tuesday.

Already had an A.S. in Accounting and over a decade of experience in corporate Accounting support roles + was providing bookkeeping services in-person for multiple small businesses before I made the investment in a course.

The course provided a fast track roadmap into how to operate virtually and business owner's. Launched my virtual bookkeeping business in 2019 and it has been the best decision.

I have gone through the Bookkeeper Launch program. It was a very thorough program and gave lots of insight into working as a freelance bookkeeper and/or building your own business. Whichever one you would prefer for yourself. I'm still working on getting the hang of networking, because it's a little out of my comfort zone (I'm a little introverted.); however, I'm extremely happy with my decision to work for myself for my family and my children.