Discussion:Bookkeeping/Accounting clients...when is the best time to get them?
From TaxAlmanac, A Free Online Resource
Note: You are using this website at your own risk, subject to our Disclaimer and Website Use and Contribution Terms.
From TaxAlmanac
Discussion Forum Index --> Business Growth Community --> Bookkeeping/Accounting clients...when is the best time to get them?
| 1 October 2007 | |
| For the seasoned crowds out there....when do you find that most of your bookkeeping and accounting or payroll clients come calling? Do most make a clean break at the end of the year since most are generally going to us a calendar fiscal year? Or does it vary?
Thanks, Michael | |
| 1 October 2007 | |
| I started my office almost two years ago & I have seen no real pattern. Most clients start looking after they are upset or put off, so that can vary. I think right after tax season seems to be a good time to market because the experience is still fresh. Late fall or year end is another time the thoughts of change start to surface, but I've had some really big clients change in July. I suppose if we could determine the exact time, we'd be do that & not accounting! | |
| 1 October 2007 | |
| Thanks, I am off into marketing land.
I put a $25 ad in our school's newspaper and might investigate getting it into the high school's newspaper as well. I just didn't want to be wasting advertising dollars if there was some tide in client activity that I didn't know about. Thanks, Michael | |
| October 1, 2007 | |
| I have noticed a significant upturn in December activity from people looking to change the way they do their bookkeeping. Presumably this is because people want to start off 1/1 with a new software program and/or new accountant. | |
| 1 October 2007 | |
| Try going to your school's job placement office.Go to their job board once a week. You might even consider going to other schools also. Sign up for a class there and you will be elgible. Might still be elgible even if you later decide to drop that class. You will find many part-time bookkeeping jobs which you can do. Pick up their records and then do work at home. Higher rate can be charged if the client does not know how fast you can work. If you do work at their location you will be at an hourly rate. This service is usually FREE offered by your school. Look for jobs seeking flexible hours, schedule, 5 to 12 hours a week. These ARE the businesses looking for a bookkeeper to do their books. I did this when I started in college and picked up over 10 clients this way. It works!!! Save your money on the ads. It is a waste of money at your level. | |
| 1 October 2007 | |
| DZCPA,
Thanks, I didn't think about that. I have two degrees, BBA and an MBA from different schools so I believe as an alumni, I would be eligible to check out those boards. Great idea, thanks. Michael | |
Bottom Line (talk|edits) said: | 1 October 2007 |
| I really haven't seen a pattern. I did have a couple of new bookkeeping clients that contacted me during tax season and were willing to wait to bring me on board until after tax season! | |
| 28 November 2007 | |
| Did anyone used telemarketing companies to jump start your practice...I am looking into that and each appointment is around $100...anyone has any feedback how it worked and was it worth it...I also joined Chamber that might help in terms of meeting more business owners... | |
Bottom Line (talk|edits) said: | 28 November 2007 |
| When I first started out I joined the Chamber because I had heard it was a great way to get clients. Had three meetings with one man that picked my brain and then never became a client. That was the only nibble I had. There are several threads here about getting new clients. I believe a couple have had some success with telemarketing new clients but for $100 each, I would expect A LOT. That means I would expect the client to stick and I would only pay the telemarketer after the client had paid me (and their check didn't bounce). You said on another post this evening that you charged $100/hr. That seems real high. That might be scaring off some clients. | |
| 28 November 2007 | |
| Just joining the Chamber does not guarantee you anything. It can be a great way to get you out among other business people so you can network & spread your information. I don't see it as a fast way to gain clients, but it might open doors down the road. Marketing is for the most part not a fast or instant response. I used Frank Salman's program and did the calls in house for a fraction of the fees mentioned above. I liked his approach because it was not as high pressure and seemed more in line with how I want my practice to be perceived. The phone calls were a good way to jump start my practice so I did not have to wait for the natural process of word of mouth to take place. Your approach needs to fit you, your community and how well you are known in the business community.
Good luck- | |
| 28 November 2007 | |
| Bottom Line: Yes I base my work at $100/hour but total cost to the client is around $200/month for the F/S...I can do the F/S in less than 2 hours....the key is to set these new clients in the system correctly and more important is the training of your client to get the information in right format...I never tell them that I charge $100 per hour I just tell them the monthly cost after going through their bank statements etc..that gives me an idea how much time I need to spend to get the F/S...Payroll is separate and I charge around $100 per month for weekly payroll for around 5 employees...that includes all the filings...Tax would be additional $400 to $500 per year... | |
Bottom Line (talk|edits) said: | 30 November 2007 |
| Your other charges seem similar to others. | |
Fort Wayne CPA (talk|edits) said: | 24 December 2007 |
| We get referrals throughout the year and I have not noticed a specific pattern.
We have also done a fair amount of direct mail advertising throughout the year and I have not noticed that one time is much better then another. It seems that people are willing to switch when they are angry... Mike Sylvester, CPA | |
To join in on this discussion, you must first
log in.
