|
Hi Jo
It's coming up to two years since I was in your position, so I know how you feel! I got my first client through a chance meeting, then my second through the first.... I think that's how it tends to go. I haven't wanted a lot of clients so haven't gone hugely for marketing, but how you go about it will probably depend on what type of client you want to attract and what software(s) you want to work with. "Any client, any software" would have been my thought at your stage, but I have found I like to work with small clients on a very individual and personal level rather than bigger companies , and I have found that two new softwares have been enough to master thus far. But I am getting towards the end of my career and your objectives may well be different from mine.
You don't say where you are - if in Scotland then your local Business Gateway might be a good place to start for some suggestions. I don't know if there are equivalents in other parts of the UK but I'd suggest you start building contacts however you can - landlord agencies might be worth contacting as there will be a lot of landlords starting to sweat about MTD for ITS quite soon? Local charities or schools might value some help (though likely to be unpaid, it would be good for gaining confidence, building contacts and getting used to various software packages).
I also got some business cards printed and was working up to leaving them in various places but then I got clients so haven't had to use them yet. It's so handy to have one, though - keep a supply with you at all times so that you can easily pass one on to local tradespeople etc.
The marketing courses I've attended applaud the power of Facebook for making business contacts (I'm not a fan so I have no experience there) and also joining any local chamber of commerce or similar in your area - all good for "networking" (I hate that, but it does get results!)
Last but definitely not least, I'd suggest you hook up with other ICB bookkeepers - e.g. through your local ICB network group - mine has been SO helpful over the last couple of years. Some local members might even be looking for someone to subcontract to. Our meetings are still taking place over Zoom and so I'm sure you'd be welcome to book in to any upcoming meetings and find out what the craic is - the beauty of Zoom is you don't have to be local to attend.
Hope some of those ideas will help give you a leg up - and persevere, even if it's slow to start with. Good luck!
Pot B. 
Edited at 08 Feb 2022 12:29 PM GMT
Edited at 08 Feb 2022 12:29 PM GMT
|
