I live in the West Midlands and on level 2 of the book keeping course.
There is going to be a networking event to be held in my region in the next few weeks.
My questions are -
Has anybody been to these types of events before? What happens on these events? Do you think it is a bit early for me to attend one of these, since I have not completed the course?
Do you have more info on the meeting? Who organises it?
If it is just a business networking then it might help you get ideas for starting your business. You may also get some contacts for when you have your license, however if you are not going to start up for a year or so it might not be worth while.
If it is an ICB or other body meeting then it would be good to meet fellow bookkeepers, and might be a good encouragement to talk to them about their bookkeeping businesses etc.
If it's not too far for you, I host a quarterley Bookkeepers' Club meeting in Manchester. The idea is that a group of sole practitioners / small groups of bookkeepers can meet, discuss ideas and receive advice regarding running their own businesses, as well as thinks that their clients may be interested.
These events are free, and the next meeting is actually this coming Tuesday (22nd Feb) at our offices:
The event is free, with a 9.45 start, probably ending around 12.
The guest speakers this week will be a member of the team at Arithmo discussing cloud computer, a presentation from HCM (possible topic getting finance - TBC), and tax planning tips for this year from our Tax Dept.
If it is just a business networking then it might help you get ideas for starting your business. You may also get some contacts for when you have your license, however if you are not going to start up for a year or so it might not be worth while....
I appreciate this topic is a year old, but I am sure someone else may currently have the same question.
Whether a person is a new student or an old hand, now is the right time to start building networking relationships, whether you intend to go self employed or employed or both. It takes time to build trust and a relationship, I'd say a year in advance of when you think you'll need the contact is about right.
You do need a strategy and that will be different depending on what you want, need, and the kind of person you are, plus your budget.
There are a lot of options, some almost free, some very expensive, some offline and some online. For bookkeeping, I'd recommend offline as a focus with online to provide extra depth.
(She who runs/ran several networking groups - and I'm not recruiting ;))
Lol, where you been for the last three years Manjinder!
What have you been doing with yourself? Are you fully qualified AAT now or did you go in a different direction?
Welcome back,
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.
