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• # 82563
• Fri 04 May 2012 07:52 AM

Hi all,

I am going to visit a potential client tomorrow; my first meeting with any potential client.

Whilst I am confident in my abilities (I have a solid 9 years of experience, more than enough qualifications and a good track record of implementing strong working systems etc.), I can walk into a normal job interview and sell myself quite confidently, but I am not so sure how to make the client see that taking on a self-employed individual is better than employing someone.

There are the obvious reasons such as; not having to supply the tools (stationery etc), not having to pay the employer NIC & not having to pay holiday/sick pay etc, but what else is there for me to convince this potential client that a self-employed bookkeeper is the best solution for them?

I must add this was advertised as an employed vacancy, I approached them and explained my position, but they seem keen to meet with me, however I feel I do have a battle on my hands. I also work full-time as an employee, so the work has to be done at home in my spare time - which they are aware of.

Any advice on selling myself, from you experienced self-employed individuals would be greatly received.

Thanks,

Kerry

• www.berrybookkeeping.co.uk
  
  My responses are based on my opinions, not necessarily facts.
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• # 82565
• Fri 04 May 2012 08:25 AM

In my experience, one thing that business owners like about subcontracting their bookkeeping is the flexibility - you can be there when they need you, and not when they don't. If they get busier, you can handle that, whereas an employee might not easily be persuaded to alter their working hours. If they get quieter, they aren't paying out for an employee with nothing to do.

It might be worth thinking about how you can reassure them that they won't get left in the lurch, for example if you get busy, you're not going to suddenly disappear. Some of my clients have been let down in the past, and might actually have felt a bit more secure having an employee. My letter of engagement says that I will give 30 days' notice if I'm going to end the contract, which gives them about the same amount of time to replace me as for an employee.

Very best of luck for tomorrow!

Kate

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• # 82571
• Fri 04 May 2012 09:31 AM

Thanks fo the advice Kate, this is something I will mention to them. Although I do work 8.30 to 4.30 M-F, so my flexibility is somewhat limited to evenings and weekends. But the fact that they only have to pay for the hours I do, and not a set number of hours per week, is certainly a good selling point and something I will bring up at the meeting.

Thanks again

Kerry

• www.berrybookkeeping.co.uk
  
  My responses are based on my opinions, not necessarily facts.
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• # 82578
• Fri 04 May 2012 12:00 PM

Hi Kerry

Just wanted to wish you all the best for tomorrow. I am in a similar position as you as I work full time and have a client who needs 15- 20 hours per week.  I manage by doing a lot of the work at home and going in when I can on my days off  ( i work some weekends) or booking time off from my job.  I have been know to work a seven day  week but that's really a temporary solution  and not to be recommended! My client  doesn't mind when I go into the office as long as the work gets done.
Good Luck!

• linx
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• # 82582
• Fri 04 May 2012 12:58 PM

Thanks Linx,

The hours for this client are around 15, just like yours, and just like you I know I have the time. I am quite happy to work evenings and weekends and use holiday when and where needed. Sounds like it works well for you, albeit hardwork, which is to be expected when trying to build a business.

I believe it will all boil down to pricing and how I sell my service, but I am not going to undercut myself, even if it means I have to walk away!

Many thanks for your wishes :) Fingers crossed!

Kind regards

Kerry

• www.berrybookkeeping.co.uk
  
  My responses are based on my opinions, not necessarily facts.
• 
  Quote