Beginnig a New Business

Hi,
I just finished the ProAdvisor certification and I am looking to see how to market and obtain business. Please keep me posted as how you are doing this-or if you receive any advise.

thanks

Traci

I found these great books from an author/business owner named Julie Mucha-Alydlott on-line. She's a CFE but started out doing Bookkeeping and gives so much great information on how to get started and what to do. Go to www.inhomebookkeeping.bizland.... . There are three books that you can pick up for around $99 or so, the best one to start with is "How to Open Your Own Bookkeeping Business". Absolutely worth the money! Good Luck!

Thanks. I'll check out those books.

Angela

Dear Angela,

You have an MBA and want to work as a bookkeeper? I believe you have more to offer your future clients and think you might want to reconsider your career path. While bookkeeping is a great profession, what are your long-term goals? I worry that bookkeeping will be a stepping stone to nowhere.

Bookkeeping could be a portion of the service you offer small businesses but can you contract that out and/or leverage down while you concentrate on higher level and more value added services?

I always recommend a 100% money-back guarantee. If you are sure of what you are offering, take all the risk away from the clients. Then, what have they got to lose by hiring you?

As you please each client, be sure to collect testimonials and to ask for referrals.

Good luck.

Angela,

I agree with Brian. You might try looking for work for a small or medium-sized CPA firm. Generally with your educational background, a small firm will give you a staff position. Then you can build from there and expect a pay raise upon completion of either the CPA designation and/or your Master in Accounting. WIth those credentials, expect to be in the six digit range after gaining about 7 years experience. Your QuickBooks designation is always in demand in CPA firms. Good luck.

Angela,

I did review your resume. Keep in mind this is just my opinion, but you may want to make it only one page since you have only about 4 years experience. To give you an idea, I am 40 and my resume is only 1 page. Just hit the high points, you can expand during the interview - if you tell them everything on paper then there is nothing to talk about. Maybe pay someone to make your resume for you, it is well worth the money. IMHO. Good luck.

If you want to get a job(s) as a part-time bookkeeper I suggest you read this blog post.