I know this has been covered before but I'm doing a bit of research among accountants & bookkeepers. I would like people's thoughts about getting new clients, the best ways versus the fastest ways. Are they mutually exclusive?
What is the best way to gain new clients in an ideal world?
What is the fastest way?
What is the most effective way?
I will be writing an article based in these responses so if you'd like crediting let me know.
What is the best way to gain new clients in an ideal world?
no more than two new clients a week so that you can invest the appropriate amount of time in understanding their business, systems, infrastructure and general needs in order to make the client feel that your busiess is part of the machinery of their business.
What is the fastest way?
Kipnapping a close member of their family and holding them hostage until the client changes service providers to you.
What is the most effective way?
Long term networking, close working relationships with accountancy practices and word of mouth from existing clients for whom you have done a good job.
HTH,
Shaun.
P.S. can you spot the one that wasn't completely true?
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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.
What is the best way to gain new clients in an ideal world?
What is the fastest way?
What is the most effective way?
I will be writing an article based in these responses so if you'd like crediting let me know.
aw, Shaun beat me to it (does he never sleep?? lol): anyway: 1) personal referrals from existing clients 2) paying clients to use your services 3) see (1) above, although a slight chicken and egg situation would arise at the very start
You could always find another local bookkeeper and see who their clients are. Bump off the bookkeeper and a couple of weeks later visit his or her clients with your business card.
Kris McCulloch will be looking over his shoulder every time he hears a noise now. (Mwahahaha - Peasie does an evil laugh).
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Never buy black socks from a normal shop. They shaft you every time.
lol Peasie... Of course, Kris could also view that at sound business advice so maybe he's not the only one who will be looking over his shoulder!
Strange, I didn't realise that the village of Midsommer was in Ayreshire! (How is there anyone left in that village!).
Who would have thought that such an innocent question could bring responses including kidnap, extortion, bribery and murder.... Don't you just love this outside the box thinking.
Louise,
thanks for the reminder. Yep, off to bed now. (actually, thinking pot and kettle here! lol)
__________________
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.
Strange, I didn't realise that the village of Midsommer was in Ayreshire! (How is there anyone left in that village!).
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My Dad always said this...!!! until I found out and informed him that Midsommer is actually a County/district 'Oop North' Hence lots more killings can take place as it has significantly more people to murder...
-- Edited by ClawzCTR on Monday 16th of April 2012 09:11:39 AM
@GinnyBee - the fastest is telemarketing but it is the most expensive in terms of your time, energy and money (if you don't make the calls yourself).
The best type of marketing is slower and more strategic, based on you building trust with your market. You would engage your target market with value based content and they would come and buy from you. There would be less/no selling or price pressure.
The two are not mutually exclusive but it's the difference between telesales and telemarketing.
Right, I now know exactly how to get some new clients for the new year, first kidnap my closes competitions clients hold them hostage and tell them to refer me or else while making plans to assassinate the very said bookkeeper in order to take on their clients also. Then start work on direct marketing on other business owners, and if they dont take me on then kidnap them also and start plotting to assassinate their bookkeepers also while asking them to refer me.
Got it this year WILL BE A PROSPEROUS YEAR FOR ME. lol
If your existing clients have referrals that is perfect. However, being more pro-active I find it beneficial to do online advertising and to ensure the website is well optimised so that prospective new clients can find you.
until I found out and informed him that Midsommer is actually a County/district 'Oop North' Hence lots more killings can take place as it has significantly more people to murder... 
