Hi Everyone, Hope you are enjoying the sunshine today?I am new here and after much research have decided to take the plunge, learn new skills and start a new career, hopefully, in bookkeeping.The ICB route, seems the way to go, as I plan to work for myself and I have chosen my training provider, (just need to sign up now) after speaking to them all and looking at threads on here etc.
I have a niggling worry though and wondered if any of you would be able to enlighten me or give some guidance please?
I have never done any sort of bookkeeping or accounts work before, reading some of the previous threads etc and the recent articles the ICB were promoting, it seems most either have some experience or were quite high flyers, in their previous roles etc.I have worked in admin for many years and have achieved both Management and Teaching Qualifications in my previous life before children.I have been heavily involved with running a local Charity for the last three years, before my colleague and I, were both made redundant.Since losing my job two months ago, I have completed a course in Web Design, and am currently doing an Intensive IT course and a very basic intro to Bookkeeping.
My aim for the future is to set up and provide bookkeeping services etc to small businesses, here on the Island and then hopefully complete Payroll and Self Assessment Tax Return courses to be able to offer these services also.I guess without twittering on for any longer, my question is: is this possible with no previous experience to fall back on?Even if I can pass all of the exams and assessment etc, if I do not have the practical experience of working within this field, will I ever learn enough and have enough practical knowledge to succeed?Has anyone been in similar situation?
Any guidance you could give, would be greatly received, thanks for taking the time to read this, I do waffle on a bit, sorry.
You've already made your hardest decision in what to study and who to study with. Whoever this may be, I wish you the very best of luck with your studies.
Having an ellement of experience can help, but it is by no means essential. From our own college's experience we have had many complete novices complete there study and qualifications, who have then gone on to build successful bookkeeping businesses. It is not easy and an element of luck is required it terms of someone giving you an initial break, but once you get that first client, olther opportunities would hopefully follow.
First of all may I welcome you to the forum and there is nothing wrong with having a good waffle. Sound advice from Brian. Of course gaining qualifications in any subject is one thing but what you do with the qualifications attained is another. We have a lot of students who are studying and already have clients waiting as soon as they complete their studies, we have students who have completed all studies and are running successful practices as well as students who are struggling to find their first client. I would always advise on networking and being a member of the ICB means there is plenty of opportunity to do so. ICB hold regional and national seminars throughout the year and help with business start-up is always high on the agenda. Better not to run before you can walk and for now I would concentrate on your study, both the BKN forum members and ICB forum members will always freely offer you advice and help. I wish you well with your studies and please keep the forum updated with your progress.
Thank you both for your responses to my question and welcoming me to the forum. I think I was just having a moment and worrying about my lack of experience gained through employment in this area. However, I am positive and 100% confident, that this will be a great skill for me to learn regardless of what's in store for the future.
Brian, thank you for your encouragement, it is good to hear that others have been successful in setting up, without prior knowledge or experience. I am hoping that I too, can acquire the essential skills and understanding, that I need to succeed in this area.Thank you, once again for your advice and encouragement.
Hi Dave, thank you also for your warm welcome and good wishes.I agree totally networking is so important, and there are so many more avenues to promote yourself and business, through all sorts of social networks, local business networking groups, blogs and of course the ICB, etc. I had read about the ICB seminars etc. and seen the posts about the recent seminar/awards event in London.I am now looking forward to signing up and accessing the ICB as a student which I'm sure will be really beneficial and rewarding.
By the way, congratulations to you both, and both of your organisations on their recent award successes. J
Hi Tracie,
My pleasure. You have a great attitude which will only help you achieve your goals. Thank you for your congratulations, It's great when you receive accolades for the effort you put in. Hopefully you'll get the same rewards 6, 12 or 18 months down the line, however long your study schedule takes.
Good luck with it all.
Kind regards
Brian
I like a lady who does her research, oh and just in case I am accused of being sexist I like a man who does his research lol. Hey I know how tetchy some forum members can be so covering all angles lol.
If you have the determination to succeed you will? As an advisor I come across a lot of stories of success and failure but the success stories always have one thing in common and that is as I have said before NETWORKING.
I think it is clear from both Brian and myself that although we are competitors we are also both passionate about what we do. Taking the ICB home study option is not back pocket change with regards to course fees and as such it is always wise to shop around, there are some great honest hardworking ICB Training Providers to choose from.
The most important thing with home study courses is to read what is in front of you and no matter how basic you may think an assignment may be never ever skip read.
I have no idea what Training Provider you are signing up with (say its us, go on say its us lol?) Sorry Tracie my sense of humour does run away with itself, but regardless of this GOOD LUCK, and dont forget to keep us informed and become a valued member of the unbiased BKN Forum.
