Launching a Freelance Bookkeeping Venture: Seeking Insights from Industry Experts

Starting a freelance business can be both exciting and daunting, particularly in the competitive world of Bookkeeping. My wife is on the brink of this journey, ready to leave behind her traditional employment for the freedom and challenge of independent work. With nearly two decades of experience in various Accounting roles, she is well-prepared to make this transition.

Her background includes serving as a staff accountant and supervisor responsible for processing payroll for over 800 employees at a cable company. Additionally, she has significant experience as an office manager and bookkeeper for a real estate developer, construction firms, a painting company, and an auto shop. This diverse exposure has endowed her with a comprehensive skill set in Accounting and Bookkeeping practices.

Currently, she is finalizing her QuickBooks certifications and is in the process of launching her website. Both an engagement letter and an updated resume are ready, signaling that she is almost set to attract her first clients.

It’s important to note that she will not be entering the tax preparation arena, nor does she hold a CPA or EA designation. Instead, her focus will be on providing valuable services to small to mid-sized enterprises, particularly those just starting out. Her offerings will include cleaning up disorganized books, generating profit and loss statements, balancing sheets, and providing cost-cutting recommendations—all while emphasizing automated solutions to enhance efficiency.

As a key strategy, she plans to collaborate with local CPA firms. Therefore, I would love to gather advice from seasoned freelance bookkeepers on how best to initiate these partnerships. What is the most effective way to reach out? Should we consider email introductions, phone calls, or perhaps in-person visits to their offices? Additionally, any tips on how to create a positive first impression would be greatly appreciated.

We intend to bill clients on an hourly basis and are open to any other suggestions for acquiring clients or general advice on navigating this new adventure.

Thank you in advance for your insights!