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The Book-keepers Forum (UK) -> Introductions and Time Out -> A late introduction - but an estatic one as I've just got another client
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Jane


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A late introduction - but an estatic one as I've just got another client
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I've been dipping into this sight periodically and found it very useful so thanks to everyone who uses the sight.  I thought it may be worth telling you about my story so far - not wanting to blow my trumpet too much but I am really proud of myself and feel it is always good to share experiences.

I started my practice last month and have just got client number 2 this afternoon and I am certain client number 3 is almost there.  How have I done it you may ask?  Firstly in my previous role I jointly owned a business in which I took full responsibility for the financial side including book-keeping, sales and purchase control etc through to full management accounts whilst trying to wear numerous other faces required to run the business - very often stressful and rarely easy.  This was a role I not only enjoyed but found I excelled in so when time came to look for a new challenge I decided to use the skill I have and take it to other businesses. But first I had to do some studying to get a few qualifications to back up my experience so joined the ICB (not a bad experience for me I may add). Anyway my previous experience has been my unique selling point (USP).  Using this USP I have been able to gain 2 clients in my 1st 2 months both requiring weekly visits to work at their premises with an expected average of 5 hours per week.  I have managed to agree fees of an average of £18.50 - and no I don't live in London I live in a rural location where the nearest large town is 35 miles away.  I've simply concentrated on small local business, letter dropped and followed the letters up.  I haven't sent out huge amounts of mail drops as I didn't want to send out so many I couldn't follow them up, so sent out 3 a week with the view to follow up, 5 a week with a view to follow up at a later stage if I want to (these have been local B&B/guest houses) plus 2 accountants per week.  Responses when I phone have been very positive with most people welcoming my call, asking questions and promising to keep my details or politely declining - will admit that each time I pick up the phone my tummy does a back flip but I hold my nerve and go for it.  I have also been added to 4 accountants bookkeeping lists although not sure if I will get work from them or not at this stage. 

I'm in the early days yet and still have a long way to go but so far the challenge has been good and I am getting results.  My recommendation is find your own USP, plan a marketing campaign (doesn't need to cost you much) and keep smiling (it comes over on the phone when you smile) as people will smile back at you and even if you don't get the client you'll feel positive.

Jane


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brog13


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Hi Jane

Welcome to the site! What a lovely, positive message.

Babs

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Jane


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Thanks Babs

I was hoping it would come accross as positive as I wanted to spread a little positivity around!

Jane


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kjmcculloch


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Hi Jane,

I'm delighted to read your post and think it's fantastic what you have and are achieving. I think this shows the clear benefits of having a strategic marketing plan. You're right that it's quality that pays off, not quantity. It's great to see you've used follow up phone calls even though you're nervous about it.

I wish you every success and I'm sure you'll go from strength to strength.

Kris

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Kris McCulloch 
Tel: 01563 370123

The views expressed in this post are my own personal (HRA protected) views, and are not representative of any organisation I have any involvement with.
Jane


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Thanks Chris

Just had the ok from client number 3.  This one I met at a 'becoming self employed' course held by the HMRC, very different client to the other 2 as this one I can work from home and will only need to spend about 10 - 15 hours over the year.  But it all adds up.  I'm trying to get myself on as many free courses and networking opportunities that I can.

Jane

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lor


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Well done Jane sounds like you are doing pretty well, especially seeing you haven't long started your venture! CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

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Amanda


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Well Done Jane!

You never know when the next client may appear, I have just got a new one, just standing in the playground and telling a new mum what I did!

A x

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Amanda
Flex Accounting Services


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I like this post! It's very motivating. I tell anyone and everyone what I do to get my business out there! Once people know they have a bookkeeper in the area then word of mouth is great!

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Beverley Flanagan MICB, CB Dip, PM Dip.
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www.flexaccounting.co.uk
Flex Accounting Services


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By the way Lor, I am loving your new profile picture

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Beverley Flanagan MICB, CB Dip, PM Dip.
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www.flexaccounting.co.uk
lor


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thank you flex, thought it was sooo cute!

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lor


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this forum is a hour behind

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lor


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Your doing well Jane!, I have a total of 3 clients now and started out dec 08. 2 clients one offs, and now a monthly one which im pleased about! 

I do have a Full Time job also doing accounting (only person in the accounts office therefore all round role - good for experience!), which is just as well!

I think I am now starting to feel like I have a business, fingers crossed it will continue! I am feeling positive too, and would like to also spread some positivity!!

It has taken me a while but I feel like I am getting there now!

And also the more clients you get the more experience and confidence you have!

-- Edited by lor on Saturday 10th of October 2009 02:53:34 PM

-- Edited by lor on Saturday 10th of October 2009 02:55:02 PM

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Wella


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It is really heartening to see the positive responses this post is getting (and encouraging for the future)

I started in Sept 08 but didn't push for clients 'till April this year. I did a leaflet drop to local shop premises, Had a phone call within a couple of days and got my first client. It then went scarily quiet until August, when I acquired another client through website.

Things have gone quiet again but may be getting a referal from my latest client.

Bill

Lor you can adjust the time in User Details - Settings to BST (+1) - It used to really make me feel guilty thinking that members of the forum were up posting items at 7 am 

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lor


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Thank you Bill didn't know you could do that!

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gerry


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Well done Jane, its always nice to hear something good, I applaude your drive and motivation. And lor, very impressed that you are doing this an working full time too.

I started a few months back and got my first client who wanted someone for 8 hours a week, it turned out that he needed someone for 25 hours per week and I am happy with this. Having come from a high powered job I was happy with the rest. Obviously this has stopped me looking for other clients, I think my client is scared that I may find someone else and keeps finding me things to do. I wonder where to draw the line if he is paying me.

He works away most of the time and relys on me to do everything for him involved in running an office, now I have cleared his accounts backlog he wants me to tackle personal items, arranging a will, booking MOT's, a telephone contract etc, I am of a view that he is paying me so there is no problem. His business is constantly changing and although there is a lull at the moment I know it will get busy again and this stops me looking for others for fear that I will take on too much.

Also, I find that I am doing my friends accounts for a free lunch, how can you charge your best friend !

I guess what I am trying to say is that I am a bit of a soft touch and get pleasure out of helping instead of making lots of money but I wonder, am I doing myself an injustice.

Does anyone else have these issues or am I truely a bad business woman?

Gerry

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Alison


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HI Gerry

Would say with your best friend then if they return the favour in some way then it is right that you don't charge them, would say that if it is a best friend who never returns the favours and is all take and you are all give then would say charge friend.

Would say that if you are doing 25 hours a week for one client if this is all you need financially then say don't push yourself to do more hours if you know you have savings to full back on if that client closes his business and you are left without work for a little while, but if not enough financially would say if you can get another client or 2, especially in these uncertain times with businesses closing you don't want all your eggs in one basket as if that client closes you are left with none. Until March 2009 I had enough clients for full time (in January was doing 60-70 hours a week) then lost 1 major client and 2 minor clients) so some months I have only 25 hours a month at worst.

Alison

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gerry


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Thank you Alison

For that advice, I will take it on board.

Wow, your hours have reduced significantly. I have heard of a few people in the chemical industry starting bookkeeping as a second income, with no experience and qualifications, they obviously think there is plenty of work out there!!!.

Gerry

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semsley


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Gerry, I would be very careful with the revenue and the definition of self-employed if you are working 25 hours a week for one client, this could be classed as an employed position.

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Advice from beyond the grave!!!

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kjmcculloch


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I agree, this is something HMRC are taking quite seriously right now.

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Kris McCulloch 
Tel: 01563 370123

The views expressed in this post are my own personal (HRA protected) views, and are not representative of any organisation I have any involvement with.
gerry


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Ah thats interesting, how do I find out more about working a regular amount of time for a client and is it okay if the hours change each week or is the fact that its regular work? I would be worried about phoning the HMRC but how else would I find the answer.
And, how do you guys get to find out about these things??

Gerry

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semsley


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Hi Gerry

When you register with HMRC as self-employed you get sent a pack, within it there is their definition of what they deem as self-employment - various questions (btw you don't have to complete this, it is a guide).  From memory, it's based on things like working for an hourly rate,  being able to use someone else to do the work, working for more than one company - but there is a whole list and you answer yes or no and based on that determine whether or not the work you do is classed by them as self-employment.

Sheila

-- Edited by semsley on Friday 23rd of October 2009 08:41:53 AM

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Denise


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Hi Sheila,
I have never received one of these packs that you mention. In fact they have never aknowledged me when I registered as self employed earlier this year, but they did send me a self assessment to complete so I know they have me down as self employed.

I think I should give them a ring as I would like to read the information in this pack.

Thank you.

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Denise
www.niftynumbers.co.uk
semsley


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Hi Denise

it was several years ago, maybe they don't do it now.

Sheila

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gerry


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Hi there, I didn't get a pack either so I will call them as well.

Thanks for this

Gerry

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