Launching a New Freelance Bookkeeping Venture: Seeking Insights from Experienced Professionals

After many years in the corporate world, my wife has made the exciting decision to transition from employment to entrepreneurship. With 15-20 years of experience in Accounting and Bookkeeping under her belt, she is ready to offer her expertise on her own terms.

Her background includes significant roles: she has served as a staff accountant and supervisor, managing payroll for over 800 employees at a cable company. Additionally, her experience spans across various sectors, including real estate development, construction, painting, and automotive services. This diverse skill set has equipped her with a deep understanding of financial management, particularly in using QuickBooks—a platform she is currently enhancing her knowledge of through additional certifications.

Now that her website is nearing completion and her engagement letter is finalized, she is poised to start marketing her services. Importantly, she will not be offering tax services and is not a CPA or EA; instead, she aims to cater to smaller, mid-sized, and emerging businesses in search of a cost-effective Bookkeeping solution. Her proficiency includes cleaning up disorganized financial records, preparing profit and loss statements, balancing sheets, and identifying cost-saving opportunities—all with a keen emphasis on automating processes.

Our initial strategy involves reaching out to local CPA firms for potential collaborations or referrals. Thus, I’m looking for advice on the best methods to approach these firms. Should we initiate contact via email, make a phone call, or simply walk in? Furthermore, what strategies might help us create a strong first impression?

As we plan to bill hourly for services, we’re also open to any additional tips on how to attract clients in her niche or general advice that could facilitate a successful launch.

Thank you for any insights you can provide as we embark on this new journey!