Launching a Freelance Bookkeeping Business: Seeking Expert Advice

Embarking on a new professional journey can be both exhilarating and daunting, especially in the world of freelance Bookkeeping. My wife is on the verge of launching her own Bookkeeping practice after nearly two decades in Accounting. Her impressive background spans various roles, including supervising payroll for over 800 employees at a major cable company, managing bookkeeping for real estate developers, and handling finances for construction, painting, and automotive businesses. With such a diverse experience, she is well-equipped to tackle a variety of financial challenges.

As she prepares to take the leap into freelancing, there are a few key elements falling into place. She has honed her proficiency in QuickBooks and is diligently completing all relevant certifications to boost her credentials. Additionally, her website is nearing completion, her engagement letter has been drafted, and her resume is up to date. She is poised to start marketing her services to potential clients.

Importantly, she will not be providing tax services, as she is neither a CPA nor an EA. Instead, she intends to focus on smaller, mid-sized, and newer businesses, offering them a cost-effective solution for their bookkeeping needs. With her knack for organizing chaotic financial records and generating comprehensive profit and loss statements, she is dedicated to helping clients streamline their processes. Emphasizing automation, she aims to make bookkeeping as efficient and straightforward as possible.

As part of her initial outreach strategy, she plans to connect with local CPA firms. We would greatly appreciate insights from seasoned freelance bookkeepers on the best methods for establishing these connections. Should she start with a phone call, send an introductory email, or make a personal visit? Furthermore, any additional tips on making a strong first impression would be highly valuable.

We are also considering hourly billing for her services, but we welcome any suggestions on how to successfully attract clients or manage her freelance business effectively.

Thank you for your guidance and support as we embark on this exciting new chapter!