My name is Hilary and I live in Telford, Shropshire.
I found this forum on Wednesday night after many, many searches!!! I was so tired after reading all sorts of things that were really interesting, that I didn't get a chance to introduce myself.
I have done bookkeeping for my daughter's companies and have decided to get myself some qualifications and then try working for myself.
Having been unemployed for over 3 years and near to retirement age, I am fed up with getting knockbacks from employers, so have really got nothing to lose.
My course starts in May, so whilst I am waiting I am doing my research, sending out questionnaires etc. I have been told to target small firms in the 1-10 employees. Would people on here agree with that? Does anyone have any recommendations for questions in the questionnaire?
Personally I don't think that the questionnaire will get you anywhere.
You may get some back but I wouldn't put any money on it.
Which supervisory body have you signed up with?
I'm very anti ICB but looking at your situation I'm thinking that it may well be your best option.
Also which training provider?
Personally I find that the very small firms (1-5 employee's) are the one's most likely to do their own books to save a bit of money but other peoples experience may be different to mine.
Have you thought yet about the services that you intend to offer?
Bookkeeping to trial balance? Management reports? Payroll? VAT? The more services that you offer the more likely you are to find clients although your supervisory body may put restrictions on the services that you will be able to offer.
Don't forget that you will need to be covered for Money Laundering before you can offer your services to the general public. If your under someone like the ICB you get cover automatically when you get your practicing certificate.
Good luck with the course and eventually the business,
Shaun.
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Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
There have been many debates on here about the best approach to target and secure clients. I tend to agree with Shaun on the questionnaire, the return rate is probably going to be very low.
I have been set up for about 18 months now and although I haven't pulled the stops out to acquire clients, I have only managed to get three. One came from a leaflet drop to local shops in my area and two from a very basic website I have. I have also taken out a Yellow Pages ad this year but nothing from that yet.
Unlike Shaun I aim at the small (micro) businesses, mainly because that's what's in this area and until recently none of my current clients had any employees.
I've just had a look and I have 31 clients that I do vat returns. Only 1 of those employ more than 5 people (they employ 7). My experience is that the bigger employers probably employ an accounts assistant. I agree with Bill taht the questionairre may get little results but I would still send it as it gets your name out theer, it isn't actually selling but asking questions and it just might get you started. If you can hand deliver in an industrial estate or a row of shops it also becomes a bit cheaper than posting and you can hit alot of small businesses at once.
Bill makes an important point about being clear on what you are going to offer. For me you have to be happy to prepare vat as this is your bread and butter bookkeeping. If a client isn't vat registered then most probably they will want a once a year job to include final accounts and tax returns.
Payroll is good too since if they employ then you may get that job too or get just the payroll. 2 of my biggest 3 regular monthly clients are payroll only jobs, they are quite big concerns with around 150 employees and in both cases they do not want teh accounting staff to do the wages as it is confidential. I quote between £1 to £1.50 per payslip.
We'll have to think about getting different coloured sombreros Rob! (lol)
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Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
Betty & Tim were killed in an auto accident on the eve of their wedding. When they reached the pearly gates, St. Peter met them. They asked if they could still be married in Heaven. "Well, let me find out if this is possible. Stay here and I will be right back." Six months passed and finally Peter returned. "Yes, we can do this for you." "Well, as we have spent so much time together waiting for your answer, we need to know that if things don't work out there's a possibility that we could be divorced?' To this St. Peter answered "It took me six months to find a priest up here...how long do you think it will take me to find a lawyer?".
Talk later matey,
Shaun.
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Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
Maybe we could get the lawyer to stand behind the actuary and just hope that the guns powerful enough.
A little known fact for you. Did you know that banging your head against your desk uses 150 calories a hour... That's my exercise regime sorted then!
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Shaun
Responses are not meant as a substitute for professional advice. Answers are intended as outline only the advice of a qualified professional with access to all relevant information should be sought before acting on any response given.
