What's the Best Way to Attract New Bookkeeping/accounting Clients?

Justyn, there are several ways to showcase your company, using networking groups and social media. Other way is to offering a free bookkeeping tips class for an 90 minutes at library or a location for no costs. Offer bottle water and candy/cookies. Have a sign in sheet with name, email and phone# (or obtain business cards) Start with attendees' introduction (Name, business and one service they offer); then introduce yourself (keep it brief... it is not about you..it is about how you can help them): then offer three to five tips bookkeeping; remember, only tips: then give everyone 3x5 card and to record a questions. Answer 3-4 questions or let the attendee make comments. The time will go by fast. Review your services. At the end offer one to one 30 minutes consultant on a specific day and with your appointment book open. keep the attendees to 20-25. Have fun!

Word of- mouth and networking are the best ways to attract new business. Accounting firms sometimes like to refer work to bookkeepers and you should keep that in mind

You have to get out and network at events where you know business owners/decision makers will be present. Cold-calling businesses can work really well, too. You have to have a good sales pitch though. Once you get a few good clients who are happy with your work then word-of-mouth and referrals should build your customer base quickly. Always be networking and never be afraid to cold-call someone if you want their business. Best of luck to you.

Definitely networking. BNI (Business Networking International) has at least 5 networking groups in the Asheville area. Members of your group pass qualified referrals to your business. There is no better word-of-mouth referral organization around. I've gotten referrals from members in other BNI groups from as far away as California.

My best clients are from word of mouth. I see someone said to be certified as a QBs proadvisor.... I never had to do that and I am working over 40 hours per week. I did go to networking and chamber meetings. I got a couple clients from networking but none from the chamber. Linked In is beneficial, as connecting with others to let them know you are out there. So again, its all about networking from my experience. :-) good luck

Hi Justyn. I have been providing bookkeeping, accounting, pricing, and tax services for small businesses and government contractors for over 10 years. I've found that word of mouth has been my biggest client attraction method. Going the 'extra' for the client spurs them to bring you up in accounting related conversations. People talk and they are happy to refer good services to friends, acquaitenanes, etc. I don't feel cold calling works in this industry because money is about trust as much as looking for skill. Networking and meetup groups are great because you get to meet other business owners. Leverage your time in these groups, but you must invest in the right relationships. For example, a financial planner who targets business owners may be a good strategic partner because you an refer business to one another. Having a good relationship with your small business banking rep. is good source also. And of course there is social media - posting relevent accounting content. On another level, my faith has been the biggest client builder and stability factor in my business. I consult God on the right media to use, the groups to join, the people to connect with, etc. I ask God to send me new clients that value my services and efforts and that pay accordingly. I ask Him to send me the right talent to work in by business and the right connections for growth. I've aksed for Him to send government contract companies to purchase and atend my webinar in order to spark explosive growth. Now, I'll thank Him, listen, respond, and watch Him work in Jesus' name! And that's how you do it!

Justyn,

Always difficult when starting out & there are some excellent responses below. Most entrepreneurs are good at what they do but the bookkeeping can become a chore that they don't like & consequently end up doing a poor job in the evening when they're tired. This of course costs them more when they do take their records to an accountant so if you can take that pain away, be reliable & provide accurate timely information (online is becoming more popular & efficient) you should have no trouble building up a portfolio. If you want to stop by for a coffee I'd be happy to chat but am busy next week. Contact me on xxx-xxx-xxxx.

Chris

Network, market in social media - and find any other way within your budget to market.

Here are some ways I have used to grow my business. First for local clients I advertise in a monthly community magazine every month. Constancy is key to gaining new clients trust. Next check out the local papers for fictitious business name filings. I send an informational Postcard to all new business I find in the local papers. New business need to start out right with their bookkeeping. At least once a year usually in December/January I do B2B marketing to at least 100 business. Since I do tax returns also, I give discounted coupons for my tax services for employees and manager/owner of business. Introduction letter, business card and brochure. Target as many business that you already do business with, usually you have a good working relationship and they tend to react more positive to your sales pitch. Over time you will start to get more then enough new and referral cleints to keep your business on a steady growth path!

Hi Justyn, As a new bookkeeper it is difficult to get referrals until you build up a client base. Referrals will be great once you have your base. In the meantime network with CPA's in your concentration area. If you specialize in anything or have any unique attributes, highlight them while you network.