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Any Advice Please!

David
  • Fellow PM.Dip
  • Practice Licence
  • 424 posts
  • # 54357

I passed my level II manual back in August after only 4 months of study, and have recently passed my level II computerised, both with distinction. I am waiting for the results of the Self Assessment exam now. I have constructed a website and also have insurance and a practice licence.

I live in Southend on Sea and almost every other shop seems to be an accountant or bookkeeping company. I have been all over posting flyers and have tried searching through Thomson Local and Yellow Pages and emailed potential customers. I know to start it's going to be slow, but have hardly had a nibble let alone proper enquiries.

What I would like is advice on how to get clients. I did find a couple of practices through the ICB and emailed them for advice, but it seems that they were unwilling to offer any.

Please help!!
  • 160 posts
  • # 54363

Hi David,

look for job opportunities with agencies, then give them your business card. Hopefully the agency will get you some work,

Kind Regards

Paula Welsh 

  • Hello all,

    i just noticed we have a forum, just poking around the members area.  My name is Paula welsh and I have been a member since 2005, starting with Associate member and now a full member


  • Quote
Liz D
  • 273 posts
  • # 54366

Hi David

Have u tried joining your local chambers of commerce, Federation of Small Businesses etc? - these groups tend to hold networking breakfasts etc where you can speak for a few minutes about your business and leave your business card. 

stay on the look out for new businesses starting up as well as most established businesses already have bookkeepers/accountants in place.  If you get flyers through your door for dog walking etc get in touch and offer your services - these are very often start ups and although not big money at least it can be a little for you.

try your job centre as well - businesses occasionally pop in vacancies and are quite happy to accept self employed on short hours. 

Another biggy apparently which I'll be doing this year is going round the sports centres as most dance/fitness instructers are self employed and desperatly need their tax returns done for them.

hope this helps

liz
David
  • Fellow PM.Dip
  • Practice Licence
  • 424 posts
  • # 54397

Liz D said:

“Hi David

Have u tried joining your local chambers of commerce, Federation of Small Businesses etc? - these groups tend to hold networking breakfasts etc where you can speak for a few minutes about your business and leave your business card. 

stay on the look out for new businesses starting up as well as most established businesses already have bookkeepers/accountants in place.  If you get flyers through your door for dog walking etc get in touch and offer your services - these are very often start ups and although not big money at least it can be a little for you.

try your job centre as well - businesses occasionally pop in vacancies and are quite happy to accept self employed on short hours. 

Another biggy apparently which I'll be doing this year is going round the sports centres as most dance/fitness instructers are self employed and desperatly need their tax returns done for them.

hope this helps

liz”

Thanks for the advice Liz,

The problem with the local FSB and Chamber of Commerce is that they want a subscription fee. I have to work as a delivery driver at night to pay all my personal bills, etc. and I am having to use this to fund any expense for the practice. I cannot afford any more membership fees at this time, although it has been considered, and I am likely to join in the future when funds start to roll in.

Am always on the look out for new businesses starting up in this area, and will be doing another marketing stint now that the computerised results have come through.

Sports centres and fitness clubs is one I hadn't thought of though, thanks for that.

Regards

David


Edited at 11 Feb 2011 05:46 PM GMT
  • Member
  • Practice Licence
  • 15 posts
  • # 54432

Alot of places have advertising boards up and often don't charge or only want a small donation in the charity box. Fish & chip shops are good, post office, small village stores etc good luck with it
  • 6 posts
  • # 54435

I have to admit the sports centres caught my eye on this one as I go to my gym around 4 times a week and had never thought of the personal trainers and gym instructors as self employed!!  Small shops and charity shops - another great idea - thanks everyone.  
Alison
  • Member PM.Dip
  • Practice Licence
  • 27 posts
  • # 54553

I make a note of any local businesses I see, jot down their details and drop them an email. At first I hated the idea of this direct approach, but I have gained numerous new clients this way.

Good luck!

Alison
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