I'm a new member, I decided to go self employed in April, I am a full AAT member and waiting for my MIP certification to be approved, I have P11 cover - thanks to BKN, best cover at realy competative rates I could find- and years of practical experience working with sage accounts for small companies and for an accountancy firm.
I woundered what is the best way to advertise my services in a cost effective manor, I have attended a couple of networking events, handed out business cards and given lots of free advice. I woundered does any one have a template letter I could email round to local accountants who might need outsoursed book keeping or accounts prep work done.
I currently have a 3 day a week accountancy contract but need some other work to fill my time.
welcome to the forum and sorry that I missed this post.
Sounds as though you've got the perfect background for working as a bookkeeper. I've also gone with Zurich through Arlington. Excellent deal. For PLI try directline home business insurnace for bookkeepers. My quote for that was just £52 with some excellent cover. (and £76 is you include the legal fees service).
I think that with networking events it's something that you really have to stick at.
Rob who used to be around on the site gave some pretty good advice about networking in that the approach should be not to attempt to sell your services as that just sends people running. Just meet local business people, get your face known and the work should eventually follow.
Rob suggested six months of attending almost every meeting to get the ball rolling.
Some people on here have had success with websites, others haven't.
Yellow pages and Yell.com don't really seem to bring in the clients.
There was a post on here quite some while back that someone had receieved a lot more interest from a card in a chip shop window than they had from an advert is the local newspaper.
There's also social media sites and Linkedin that you could consider.
Also makes sure that you're freinds and family all have a copy or two of your business cards.
Good luck with the business, sure that you'll be fine,
kind regards,
Shaun.
__________________
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.