In my first two years of being a self employed bookkeeper, it took me two years and loads of advertising to gain three clients.
I went on maternity leave in December 2010 and started back at work in September. Within a week of starting up again, I had a regular client who I go to work in their office for three hours every Monday, then I picked up a payroll client and in the last three weeks have gained another two regular clients. I haven't even started to advertise really as I have been too busy with the backlog of accounts from two of the clients.
I am not complaining honestly, I am very busy but loving the challenge - just wondering if it's the same for everyone at the moment? I hope so.
You have done extremely well to get 12 clients in 6 weeks (2 every week!!!). Whats the secret to your success? How did you go about doing it?
Just that i left practice back in June (after 15 years) with the aim of moving into industry but also run my own accounting, bookkeeping and tax business as a sideline until things picked up to do it full time. My hand however has been forced earlier than i thought as a new finance director came in about a month ago and i am not part of his plans going forward so will be unemployed from the end of Jan. Not really that big of an issue as wasnt enjoying job anyway.
So anyway, i need to push on with my own business and am keen to explore all avenues to grow my client base. Already have 6 clients without really doing much to date.
I have grown my business by networking and getting to know the local accountants, solicitors and bankers well.
I am now being invited to a lot of events by them and I have also started my own networking group for professionals and business people under 35.
I was in practice for 15 years too before I left in October.
So far all of my clients are new contacts too, I have been able to grow my business without treading on the toes of my old employer.
Recommendations are where you will grow quickly and I am lucky as the local accountants etc. really like what I am doing and they are big enough to pass work to me and not want to keep it in house.
Once you have a client base work will get around and if you are good at what you do more clients will follow.
I have also used social media, facebook page for the business and twitter. Using twitter you can network with a lot of people quickly just remember whatever you say on there is public so keep it friendly but also professional.
I would say you've done very well too Rob. How much are you networking each week. I know I spent a lot of time doing that at the beginning but it was taking more than a few weeks to get known. For you to have gained so many clients and become so well known in such a short space of time is fantastic. Are you attending a session a day?
To answer your question Terri, yes I have noticed an upturn recently. The good thing is that it doesn't seem to have been an all of a sudden thing, but a sustained increase over time.
Kris
-- Edited by kjmcculloch83 on Tuesday 29th of November 2011 02:01:40 PM
The networking is not excessive, only a couple of hours a week tops.
My advice is when you do go networking talk to as many different people as you can and remember them as this will impress the next time you go to an event.
Don't go looking for clients, look for contacts you can work with as they will then recommend you to their clients.
My networking was not a failure, but was not as good as yours with 2 new clients a week. I think that's a good point though, in not trying to sell to the room.
I have started to network recently, I find it very enjoyable at the group that I have found and although it has yet to bring me any new clients, it is great to make business contacts with local businesses and share ideas with them.
You back full time Terri? Was it a girl or boy you had?
I think your approach to networking is right, it's a long term approach not really a quick fix although this flies in the face of Robs results I don't think everyone will do so well straight away.
You back full time Terri? Was it a girl or boy you had?
I think your approach to networking is right, it's a long term approach not really a quick fix although this flies in the face of Robs results I don't think everyone will do so well straight away.
Kris
At the moment, I am still part time although my hours have increased since before I went on maternity leave. I had a little girl, Addison. My youngest son starts nursery in January and my eldest has been at school fulltime for over a year now so I am finding that I have more time to devote to working.
The networking group that I meet is just for mothers who run businesses so it is perfect for me. I get to meet local business owners and get to pick their brains, not just on business matters but on family matters too - I spoke last time to a lady who ran a time management company and she was fab! She gave me loads of great advice on how to juggle running a home business whilst taking care of children fulltime. I also met up with a personal coach who gave me tips on how to come across when meeting clients and a virtual assistant who does admin but no bookkeeping who explained how she organised her time and shared her networking experiences.
A few of these ladies have asked to meet up with me for a coffee and its nice to get away from work/home without the kids and chat with like minded people.
My oldest starts school next year and my youngest will start nursery at the same time. I don't envy you with a new baby doing this. I'm looking forward to having more time for work and not need to work until silly o'clock at night. Even roped the mrs in to helping me this week.
Is that group national or local? Reason I ask is that I'm due to have a little girl in February and would be very interested in a mothers/women network if there were one in my area...
I'd appreciate an email so that I can research them...
