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10 Replies Last post: Nov 24, 2008 10:03 AM by kevhan

Bookkeeping

Oct 22, 2008 4:42 PM

Click to view kevhan's profile Mogul kevhan 29 posts since
Oct 22, 2008
How do I find accounting firms that have clients that need bookkeeping help and can refer my company. We offer an online bookkeeping service that allow the client, their accountant and us as their bookkeeper online secure access to the books. I believe we offer a much needed service but we are not reaching the right market to get the word out.

Kevin
BookkeeperWorld.com
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Click to view bpfinance's profile Professional bpfinance 3 posts since
Oct 22, 2008
1. Re: Bookkeeping Oct 23, 2008 2:29 PM
I think your best option in this case would be to talk to accountants. Start with accountants that operate in your area. Your best bet is to begin working with smaller firms or private accountants as they are more willing to listen to you about your product. Most larger firms probably have their software and everything set up, and private relationships with large companies, so it would be difficult to change their minds.

Also, I would appreciate it if you would let me know a little about your product. We are working on setting up our accounting right now, and don't really have any idea where to start. We are looking for accountants, so if you find any, send me their names.

Either way, I would enjoy hearing a little more about your product. Send me an email:
brentbrien@brienprivatefinance.com

Thanks
Click to view ContractAcct's profile Professional ContractAcct 4 posts since
Nov 10, 2008
2. Re: Bookkeeping Nov 10, 2008 3:22 PM
One of the easiest ways to find accountants would be to go to your state CPA society which will list all the firms and their specialites.

Also, depending on what accounting software you use, there most likely is a "proefessional accounting network" associated with that software. i.e. for MS Office Accounting & QuickBooks, "on the home page" there is a link that takes you on-line to find local accountants to help you.

Another place to look would be in "professional on-line networking" places such as LinkedIn.

Good Luck!
Kathleen
Contract Accountant
KMAS Consulting
www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenschneibel
Click to view kevhan's profile Mogul kevhan 29 posts since
Oct 22, 2008
3. Re: Bookkeeping Nov 11, 2008 3:06 PM
in response to: ContractAcct
Thanks for the info. I signed up at Linkedin

My problem with reaching CPA's in not that I can 't find where they are, the problem is finding the ones that are referring bookkeeping work. I have done many mailings and also cold calling but it seems the firms we are reaching are doing the bookkeeping in-house. I know most firms do not like to do bookkeeping since they cannot earn the higher fees they charge for this kind of work and have limited available billable time.
Click to view intechspecial's profile Mogul intechspecial 1,457 posts since
Jan 6, 2008
4. Re: Bookkeeping Nov 11, 2008 3:19 PM

You might want to step back from your business and get some advice from some professionals that might be able to give you a fresh perspective.

SCORE and The US Small Business Administration can do this for you, completely free of charge.

There should be offices located close to you, as they are nationwide near every big and medium city.


Good luck in your endeaver!

Best,

Mike(inTechSpecial)

Click to view ContractAcct's profile Professional ContractAcct 4 posts since
Nov 10, 2008
5. Re: Bookkeeping Nov 11, 2008 4:46 PM
in response to: kevhan
If you go to their website, you should be able to see if they offer bookkeeping services. Not all do. Having said that, in this economy, more & more CPA firms are starting to offer bookkeeping and payroll services again to offset their dropping revenues!

I guess I would recommend you finding a way to differentiate yourself and aligning yourself with the software company itself. i.e. become a VAR with a software company and run one of the user groups - that is what we did back in the late 80's when this was all so new...

Good Luck!
Click to view Santa Fe CPA's profile Mogul Santa Fe CPA 67 posts since
Oct 10, 2007
6. Re: Bookkeeping Nov 12, 2008 1:11 PM

Kevin,

Send me the details of your company. I am in need of a skilled bookkeping person to review the work of an Indian bookkeeper who does all the data entry work for me. You need a high speed internet connection and dual montors on your computer to be able to work in the system I have established.
Richard Robinson

Click to view kevhan's profile Mogul kevhan 29 posts since
Oct 22, 2008
7. Re: Bookkeeping Nov 12, 2008 2:01 PM
in response to: Santa Fe CPA
Thank you for your reply

My website is www.bookkeeperworld.com

my email is kevin@bookkeeperworld.com

The website will explain what we do. Can you also give me your website.

Kevin
Click to view kevhan's profile Mogul kevhan 29 posts since
Oct 22, 2008
8. Re: Bookkeeping Nov 12, 2008 2:02 PM
in response to: ContractAcct
Thank you for your help
Click to view ConnieMitchel's profile Start-up ConnieMitchel 1 posts since
Nov 22, 2008
9. Re: Bookkeeping Nov 22, 2008 2:16 PM

Hi Kevin,
I have been providing Bookkeeping Services in Wilmington, Delaware since 2001. I have found "networking" to be the best way to find new clients. This includes joining and participating in local groups such as your Local Chamber of Commerce. Make sure all of the people you now know are aware you are looking for new clients. Many times I have received calls from a person who heard about me from someone else. I teach QuickBooks for the local community college, I facilitate a QuickBooks User Group for the YWCA Enterprise Center, and I teach for the Small Business Development Center. In 2003 I won the Small Business Association Delaware Home Based Business Advocate award. Always carry business cards and post them everywhere you can. Be passionate about your services. When "networking" listen and learn about the other person's business. Ask specifics about how you would recoginize a good referral for them. This will encourage them to do likewise for you. Follow up with the people you meet. Don't give up. You are right this is a much needed service. Also, get to know the SCORE advisors and SBDC advisors in your area. They are good referral sources. Ask for their help.
Best of Luck,
Connie Mitchell
Independent Bookkeeper
www.mbsde.com
302-529-8890
connie.mitchell@mbsde.com
Click to view kevhan's profile Mogul kevhan 29 posts since
Oct 22, 2008
10. Re: Bookkeeping Nov 24, 2008 10:03 AM
in response to: ConnieMitchel
Thank you Great advise! this advise pertains to many businesses all members should read