Any mentoring offered fpor new comers? - The Book-keepers Forum (UK)

geek84 · Senior Member

Any mentoring offered fpor new comers?

FoxAccountancyServices · Expert

Hey geek

If you have qualified with a governing body, they may have a mentoring program in place. The AAT has one, but finding a mentor is not easy, I have found. Using this and other sites, has proved invaluable to me. I do also have former colleagues who are on hand to give advice. Using the forums has also put me in touch with experts in particular areas, who I deal with direct, and pass work between.

I will be interested hear what others have to say about this :)

geek84 · Senior Member

Good Morning Michelle

Thanks for your speedy reply. I have already contacted the AAT but they don't have such a scheme in place for new comers. They only offer general info, which can also be obtained from this and other forums.

Would you mind telling which other sites you use for advice/info?

You mention former colleagues - were you in full time employment before?

FoxAccountancyServices · Expert

Perhaps the pilot didn't go so well??

www.trainingzone.co.uk/topic/coaching/mentoring-within-association-accounting-technicians

This post below was 2011 and mentions informally? Not sure if they have scrapped it altogether?

forums.aat.org.uk/showthread.php

Yes, I worked in Chartered Practice for 15 years.. so have old bosses, and former ICAEW/Tax colleagues to call upon (well, I see them anyway as friends)

I use AccountingWeb and here, mainly. There's some tax forums too. And of course, good ol' HMRC website

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

Morning Manjinder,

But of course, the big question has to be do you really want to be mentored by anyone who has the time to mentor you?

Personally like Michelle I've picked up a lot from this site and Aweb.

Anything that you hit a problem with you can either do a search of the site or if you cannot find the perfect answer repost the question.

There are lots of examples on here of pretty much the same question going in diferent directions with the answer.

The good thing about this site is the lack of wait time (normally) in that if you ask a question in the morning you will generally have two or three replies by late afternoon (at least one of which will be related to the question).

The best way the learn I find is to try it and accept that you will hit issues and when you do then ask as if you are having problems so are others and an answer on here will help everyone, not just you.

Actually, I do think that its about time that we started getting more questions about things like how to register as an agent and how to service multiple clients through HMRC services, and how do people keep a handle on filing dates, etc. which is the sort of thing that you will be looking for mentoring in I assume.

Good luck in finding a mentor but I hope that you will consider using this site as yourt mentor for the benefit of all at a similar stage to yourself.

kind regards,

Shaun.

Sweetman Accounting · Veteran Member

Hi Manjinder.

This forum is full of like minded people, some of whom have vast experience in bookkeeping, accounting, payroll etc etc, so I would imagine as Shaun says that the forum is a good source of help, and a good place to start should you need any assistance.

Kind regards

David

geek84 · Senior Member

Thanks for your kind words, folks.

FoxAccountancyServices · Expert

RE: Any mentoring offered for new comers?

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

RE: Any mentoring offered fpor new comers?

FoxAccountancyServices · Expert

I don't really think it is different. We both spend as much time as we can, effectively mentoring... Helping people develop their skills, pointing them in the right direction to help themselves develop, be it on a educational or business journey. Whats the difference in time, answering 10 people's questions, if say, 1 person was asking the same amount? Being a mentor doesn't need to be 24/7 just as being on this website doesn't.

I am sure you would resent the notion that, if you can provide the vast amount of information on here that you take the time to provide, you must be crap at your own business? I for one wouldnt sit by and let someone suggest that to you? Its a great thing that you take that time, as you could be instead off playing golf with the IFA ;0)

And with that, I am throwing down my toys and getting out of the sand pit! LOL

MENTORS UNITE!!!

Zoe · Senior Member

We offer mentoring specifically for accountants and bookkeepers. We set up an accountancy practice and realised that (apart from the forums, which are extremely helpful) there is very limited support for when you are at the different stages of your business such as starting out and growing etc.

This is why we set up Seahorse (UK) Limited which helps people in that position. Forums are great for advice but sometimes you want to speak to someone on the telephone to get detailed advice on your particular situation. Some people use us as a sounding board or to clarify what they were already thinking.

We work however people want to, some take up our membership offer and pay a monthly price, others use as on a 'pay as you go' basis.

Obviously we're not suitable for everybody so the initial chat to see if we are right for each other is free.

Kind regards

Zöe
www.seahorseuk.co.uk

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Hi Manjinder
I concur with most of the above - Ive learnt loads from here and use Accounting Web too and indeed library books (yes good old fashioned books). There is always plenty of reading to be done and then ask away if you need anything else.

One thing I do when using software - if Im unsure about how to key something - back it up first, try it and you can always restore if it doesnt work! Worth checking where you think it will impact just to double check it has worked. Also - maybe setting up a dummy company and trying different options in the software so you cant do any real damage.

I for one have asked some daft questions on here as well as complex ones so dont be afraid of us mad ones on here (nor the sane ones too!)

Shaun doth protest wrongly - he has clearly spent a lot of time answering people on here - his answers are always indepth and relevant (apart from maybe todays!! lol) and he also manages to run a successful business. I consider him a mentor of sorts, as I do with Michelle (and a few others on here) - they always give good measured responses (unlike my usual rush jobs!). Shaun - stop throwing sand so Michelle can get back in the pit!

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

You're right Joanne,

In the cold light of a new day I don't think that the sentence actually came accross as I intended it to (sounded so good in my head).

I know what I meant to say but fear that to try and explain it further would just end up starting where I am now and digging a deeper hole.

I will say though that the thrust of my statement was around my belief that people such as Michelle do not having the time to offer mentioring to people who are not employed by them, but I stand corrected and a recind my former statement and appologise for any issue that such may have caused.

Sorry Michelle, one of those sentences that did not net come accross as it was intended and was taken up by people that it was not supposed to relate to.

right, bygones.

FoxAccountancyServices · Expert

Morning all!

Lets be honest, the best kind of businessperson sets up their business so that they make money whilst doing little work and so have the time to do as they wish... just look at Alan Sugar, successful, making pots of cash, AND time to make shows on TV! So in all fairness, that sort of mentor is the one you need!! If anyone finds that, let me know!! I. am. IN!

Can we bury you in the sand now, Sean, and make you into a mermaid? Boobs n all?? ( Anyone remember Joey in friends??!! )

The sun is shining here, its going to be a lovely day! Hope everyone else has got a couple of rays peeking through the window :)

geek84 · Senior Member

Good Morning Folks

Many thanks for your replies.

The only mentoring that I require at the moment is what is involved in setting up my business (apart from getting my insurance and license sorted out), and the main one is where and how should I advertise. Of course, without clients I would have no business.

So, if anybody could provide any hints/tips of the best way to advertise I would be most grateful.

Thank You.

Amanda · Expert

Start networking as well as advertising. Start writing to accountants, a lot of them outsource their bookkeeping work as their rates are more expensive than ours and they like the tax stuff which is worth a lot more to them.

HTH to start with.

geek84 · Senior Member

Thanks Amanda

Zoe · Senior Member

Normally the best type of marketing for bookkeepers are the ones that don't cost the most money. Our clients come mainly from referrals followed by networking. Obviously you need the clients in the first place before you can start getting referrals but don't underestimate word of mouth.

Tell everyone you know, that you have started a bookkeeping business and tell them that you are actively looking for new clients and the type of client you are looking for. Even if that person wouldn't directly be a client, they may have a relative/neighbour/friend who would be ideal for you. We all know people who talk to everyone, speak with them and they will often do your marketing for you!

Look at networking events in your area. These events vary greatly from structured, formal meetings to gatherings in the local coffee shop. Visit a few and see which suits you best. As Amanda says, contact your local accountants. Try to get an introduction to them and arrange a meeting. They are a great source of work.

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

I got my first client via a referral - I had helped a friend out with some paperwork, she was asked if she could recommend someone as suggested me as I was 'great with paperwork and numbers' - who would have thought?!! Once you have a couple of clients dont be afraid to ask them if they know of anyone needing a book-keeper - you will be surprised. If you hear of a new business setting up in your area, give them a couple of weeks to get started and approach them with an offer of help - most new businesses are crying out for someone as they have too much to do (although they are sometimes the ones also tight for cash, so perhaps offer weekly terms to start, for example)

Plus - all of the above from the other guys really!

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

FoxAccountancyServices wrote

Can we bury you in the sand now, Sean, and make you into a mermaid? Boobs n all?? ( Anyone remember Joey in friends??!! )

Remember the bit in the film king kong where they're trying to take Kong down in order to ship him back to New York... Consider that the easy dummy run for trying to bury me in the sand. lol

Never understood how Sean can be pronounced Shaun.

Sean and Shane are actually the Irish spelling of John (which in turn comes from the Norman spelling Jean so the Irish spelling is actually pretty much French (even though the Normans were actually vikings, not French at all).

Shaun is the English spelling of the name (it's Ifan or Evan in Welsh, Iain in Scottish and Arsehole in ex wife).

Unless you marry me (definitly ill advised from past track record) I go by the the English spelling (although I do have Irish blood in me so you were close).

Talk later,

Shaun.

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Shamus wrote:

Unless you marry me (definitly ill advised from past track record) I go by the the English spelling (although I do have Irish blood in me so you were close).
Talk later,
Shaun.

So Ivan/Efan/Jean/Sean/Joey/Frank/Hilda - whatever your name is......so we have yet another romance on BKF then???????? You all crack me up!

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

Shhh, I'm only Hilda on alternate Thursdays.

I think that Michelle might complain somewhat about any mention of being linked romantically to me espechially as she had no input into the decision.

... Actually... Another romance... Is there some gossip on the go? C'mon Jo, spread the word.

RobH · Expert

If there is a romance going on, can I just mention I have some white goods and a trampoline that I no longer use.....

Amanda · Expert

YOu are so funny Rob.

Good job we all have a sense of humour on this site, yet another thread that has wandered!!

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Shaun - there was a hint at a romance a month or so back from some Brummy lothario who was ditching his 97 year old g/f for me - but he reneged on his promise and so now I too have white goods, a trampoline and a whole house full of pre divorce stuff to get rid of (maybe Rob and I should open a shop).

Who said working from home from boring when you have this crazy lot!

FoxAccountancyServices · Expert

(Michelle got a taxi hours ago!)

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

You can suggest it but I doubt if anyone would listen, lol.

Its the nature of forums that they wander. Sometimes onto other relevant issues... There are a load of excellent tax related discussion burried in this forum where the thread started as something compeletely different...

And sometimes people just want to have a giggle as most bookkeepers work alone from home offices where this forum provides a platform to know that they are not alone and that there is a large supportive community out there.

Anyway, the threads also often wander back again to where they started from. You just have to let the threads live their lives whilst making sure that debates do not get too out of control.

Its things like that which keep this site alive and make it the most successful bookkeeping site with on occassion a million hits a month.

If it was just questions and answers with no personality it would have died long ago and people would be left with the likes of the ICB forum where you're not allowed to contribute properly unless you are an ICB member.

Great for ICB membership, lousy for the profession as a whole when accountants are not allowed to answer bookkeepers queries.

I think that one just has to accept that some threads are simple responses to the question asked and others go off at tangents.

One just has to accept that even those that get a little silly are still serving an important service to the site members.

Probably worth noting though that specific technical queries have much less tendency to go off piste.

kind regards,

Shaun

-- Edited by Shamus on Wednesday 25th of September 2013 09:53:01 AM

geek84 · Senior Member

Good Morning Everyone

Thanks for all your replies.

Can I please suggest that we keep to the topic on this thread, and take the romance 'bit' to another thread?

Thanks

DaveCampbell · Senior Member

Cheshire wrote:
Shaun - there was a hint at a romance a month or so back from some Brummy lothario who was ditching his 97 year old g/f for me - but he reneged on his promise and so now I too have white goods, a trampoline and a whole house full of pre divorce stuff to get rid of (maybe Rob and I should open a shop).

Who said working from home from boring when you have this crazy lot!

Oh Joanne how can you say such things when you left me with a broken heart and more boxes of milk tray than any man can handle I wooed and you booed, you called me Mr Bond and he is a womaniser where I am a one woman man, keep the trampoline as I have now gone into the chandelier business lol, and who is this Rob you want to set up shop with? lol furious

Dave x

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

.... Chocolates....

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Oh Dave, I cried for weeks when you ignored me! I even tried stalking the Midlands for you. I called you Mr Bond because I think he is hunky, sophisticated, charming and well dressed (I was ignoring the womanising bit in my head!!), so I was gutted you didnt take my compliment. Must be a north / midlands thing! lol. Rob could never match up to you - it was only ever a selling on ebay thing and the trampoline has gone making lots of room for chandeliers and chocholate.

Ive bought a hat for Shaumus and Michelle's wedding if you fancy being my plus one!

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

.... Wedding....

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Running towards it clearly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

Well, I suppose that there would be cake

Actually, running out of ideas for the next one.

First : English Church, very traditional... By far the most expensive and least enjoyable.

Second : Married on the beach in Saint Lucia

Third : Budhist ceremony in mud hut territory in North East Thailand.

No, no. won't get sucked in. Must remember that a wife is for life, not just for Christmas.

Amanda · Expert

The divorces are just too expensive Shaun!!!

DaveCampbell · Senior Member

Cheshire wrote:
Oh Dave, I cried for weeks when you ignored me! I even tried stalking the Midlands for you. I called you Mr Bond because I think he is hunky, sophisticated, charming and well dressed (I was ignoring the womanising bit in my head!!), so I was gutted you didnt take my compliment. Must be a north / midlands thing! lol. Rob could never match up to you - it was only ever a selling on ebay thing and the trampoline has gone making lots of room for chandeliers and chocholate.
Ive bought a hat for Shaumus and Michelle's wedding if you fancy being my plus one!

Lol Joanne Shaun has been married so many times rumour has it he is giving up his Accountancy practice and becoming a wedding planner. Anyway my little stalker shame you never found me as it my partners 98th Birthday last week and she will take 7 weeks opening her presents so I have a lot of free time to be your plus one at the pending wedding so may I suggest you get your trampoline skills up to speed, I will of course be supplying the Chandelier and Chocs not to mention the after trampoline cigarette lol

So happy we are back on again lol biggrin

Dave

DaveCampbell · Senior Member

Shamus wrote:
Well, I suppose that there would be cake
Actually, running out of ideas for the next one.
First : English Church, very traditional... By far the most expensive and least enjoyable.
Second : Married on the beach in Saint Lucia
Third : Budhist ceremony in mud hut territory in North East Thailand.

No, no. won't get sucked in. Must remember that a wife is for life, not just for Christmas.

I am sure you told me 4 was your lucky number, an Accountant married to an Accountant bagsy being your best man?

Dave

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

Amanda wrote:
The divorces are just too expensive Shaun!!!

Tell me about it.

I do all of my own divorces now (its actually really easy) which brings the price down plus the ex's each have a somewhat smaller bucket to take a percentage of so I suppose eventually it has to become quite cost effective to upgrade.

lol, upgrade... Got rid of a perfectly good top of the range model in number two and ended up with a faulty one.

These compact models from the far east may look good but they are very high maintenance.

p.s. joking aside I'm actually freinds with all of my ex's and they're only ex's because management consultancy where one works long hours, gets sent all over the world and is on call 24/7 is somewhat incompatible with marraige.

FoxAccountancyServices · Expert

OI you lot! Stop planning my wedding!! I have no urges to join that brigade just yet!

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

You missed the wedding Foxy, we're onto planning the divorce now, lol.

FoxAccountancyServices · Expert

LOL... Oh.. make sure I get half then!

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Was a great party too Michelle and Dave's not a bad snogger as long as you dont mind climbing onto chandeliers! Mind you his 98year old g/f caught the bouquet. Shaun - when is the divorce party? Dont forget our invite.

FoxAccountancyServices · Expert

Ugh partying... think I'd rather stay married.. no more alcohol, pleeeeeeeaase.. just. cant. do. it.

Sweetman Accounting · Veteran Member

I have just read this post and it really made me laugh. I think I am going to endorse you all on LinkedIn for services to dating!

Amanda · Expert

David - we are a mad bunch on here!!!

They are of course far worse than me!

Spamkebab · Expert

Poor Manjinder,

What have you let yourself in for?

The loonies run the asylum.........................

And Shaun, i've heard of people getting drunk and getting married but i've never known anyone do it time and again for cake.

She must have been a special cake.

geek84 · Senior Member

Poor Manjinder,

What have you let yourself in for?

I definitely agree with you there, Spamkebab. I had never thought my simple query regarding bookkeeping would lead to 'romance' !!!

Shamus · Forum Moderator & Expert

And Cake... Don't forget the cake

Cheshire · Master Book-keeper

Especially the cake!! And the Milk Tray!!