Hello, everyone! I have recently left the civil service after 28 years to set up my own bookkeeping service from home.Having started in 1980 with Payroll, I progressed to becoming a visiting VAT Officer (a nice, happy, friendly one!), which I really enjoyed for the past 18 years.
When the opportunity to leave came in April this year, feeling brave, I decided to do so. Having looked at literally hundreds of different styles of bookkeeping systems (or lack of!) over the years, I realise I was coming in at a very different angle, and needed to decide how I was going to do it!
I did pass bookkeeping exams Pitmans syllabus 1 and 2 back in 1991.I have recently gone all through the coursework again to re-familiarise myself with double-entry concepts and terminology. Whilst I originally intended to use Excel spreadsheets for simplicity, I have recently downloaded Microsoft Accounting Express to teach myself a computerised package which I loved, and found easy to use and understand.
My problem?? Although I have my office, cards and stationery ready, I now find the prospect of advertising really, really, daunting!Although I have every confidence in myself, I just cant seem to find the courage to start!!I think one of my main worries is that I still need to find professional indemnity insurance and am worried whether my past experience would be recognized as being a professional in the bookkeeping field.
That aside, I actually feel better for writing this, but would appreciate any gentle nudges anybody could give me.
I think you'd be in a reasonable position to provide bookkeeping services though maybe lacking just a little in experience and more in confidence.
If you register with the MS Professional Accountants' Network here, you would be entitled to the professional version. Another option which can be quite useful is e-conomic, something we can provide all our members (yes, including free members!) with a free subscription and low bureau rates - more details here.
Your problem...
Building relationships, word of mouth, referrals are such a large part of growing a business. You should consider letting all your contacts know you're in business and asking for referrals, leads etc.
Definitely have those business cards and if you don't already, probably a website too (including professional email eg. janie@yourpractice.co.uk) just so you do have a professional touch.
Look at local networking events, businesses you can develop a relationship with , especially those dealing with new business (accountants, lawyers, banks, graphic designers etc).
Also prepare professional letters of introduction (one way to reach new business) and present professional quotes/proposals when you get the opportunity... everything is about selling yourself, which is then about meeting real needs with solutions you can provide.
I'd not look too much into "advertising" as such, but more marketing. Possibly some local advertising but I'd look at getting out and involved in what's happening in your area. Is your office amongst other offices? Or shops? An early blog entry of ours mentions a little of making the most from a new office - Setting Up or Moving Office - Opportunities.
You should be keen to get going, not only does your success depend on it but there are people and businesses out there that can use your services. Just research and identify needs and present the solution!
Best of luck, and if there's anything I can help with please feel free to drop me an email.
I would certainly recommend joing a local business networking group. Most towns have business breakfast groups which can help you build up local relationships (only good if you are an early morning person though). There are also women only networking clubs which I've found to be a really good source for referrals. Also try contacting your local Business Link who may offer start up and mentoring services.
Best wishes. It is scary initially, but it sounds like you have the ideal grounding and believe me in the end it will be worth it!
I recently went on a programme organised by a local enterprise agency for people wanting to start their own business. Several of the modules were on the need for good bookkeeping and resulted in people actually asking me for my business cards as they found the whole area of bookkeeping quite scary so that may be a good route to get started.
I have found that the best way to get going is to make contacts like this and then word of mouth hopefully will kick in, you really have to put yourself out there to get noticed.
To- John, Wendy and Nigel - Thank you all so much for your interest, and for your kind advice and support. You wouldn't believe how much it is appreciated. Your points and comments have all been taken on board. Thank you!
First of all Janie, get yourself an accountant and tell him what you are doing, now that is, not when you've being going for 12 months) ... tell him/her that you're an ex VAT Inspector/Officer ... and if the conversation goes the 'right' way, he/she, may well be giving you 'leads' ...
Best of Luck,
John.
PS. Your accountant may well also give you the Indemnity information you are looking for, especially if you are ex VAT.
). There are also women only networking clubs which I've found to be a really good source for referrals. Also try contacting your local Business Link who may offer start up and mentoring services. 
