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• # 78586
• Sat 21 Jan 2012 01:03 AM

Over the last two days I have had telephone contact with a prospective client who has now arranged a meeting with me next week.  This will be my first client if successful.

Looking on the Practice licence site I have gleaned valuable advice.

Can anyone provide more practical advice from experience?  

This opportunity looks like it could turn into something really good and long term.

Many thanks. 

• Kind Regards
  Molly 
  
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• # 78590
• Sat 21 Jan 2012 08:56 AM

HI the best advise i could give is do not take the client on or negoiate lower fees because you want it - do it because you can.

I have been running my business for a little less than a year and when i first started I negoiated fees down because i wanted the clients on MY books and didnt want to say no - a decision in some ways i have regretted (and now recified!) 

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  Kirstey Doggett
  Batemans Bookkeeper's
  0843 2892970
  07824 466208
  www.batemansbookkeepers.co.uk
  
  
  
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• # 78619
• Sat 21 Jan 2012 07:05 PM

would also agree with Kirstey, you will hate doing the work if you aren't being paid properly. You want good, long term clients. Clients who aren't willing to pay the rate for a quality service are likely to be a problem in the long run. 

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• # 78628
• Sun 22 Jan 2012 02:45 PM

I have been in practice for 9 months now and I took on my first client at a reduced rate because a) I wanted a first client, b) he was the friend of a friend, and c) it would give me some confidence whilst looking for additional clients.  I was more confident about charging a higher rate for my subsequent clients, because I already had one on my books, and I will be increasing rates for everyone in April as an annual increase.

Do what feels best for you - if you are worried about losing the client you could perhaps agree an initial rate as a 'special offer' with the rate increasing after say 3 months.  As long as the client understands the terms you can agree what you like.

Good luck! 

• Debbie
  www.beckcottage.com
  
  

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• # 78630
• Sun 22 Jan 2012 03:02 PM

Many thanks for the replies so far, most helpful.

I am putting together my information to use in time for the meeting on wednesday morning.  I am excited, nervous and confident of my capabilities (especially with the high standard of excellence the ICB require and their support through this site).

I have put in for my ICB M3 examination sitting it next month and hope to upgrade to the MICB by April.  

I will let you know how the meeting goes.

Molly.

 

• Kind Regards
  Molly 
  
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• # 78810
• Thu 26 Jan 2012 08:10 PM

Hi 

I have been in discussions with this person and come to a decision this one is not right for me at this time.

A good experience, I am sure more opportunitites will come my way.

I was invited to the local Chamber of Commerce networking meeting this week, and my name was picked out the hat to give a 3 minute presentation of my business. Over 60 local businesses were represented there.

All in all an exciting week.

Onwards and upwards.


 

• Kind Regards
  Molly 
  
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