How to get your first clients
A fellow reader asked a great question in response to last week’s email. I’m sharing the question below with their permission, but they asked to remain anonymous.
After 15+ years in the demanding corporate world I have been thinking about starting my own accounting practice too, but don’t know where to start. It’s cool to hear about how you started out by simply asking your child’s instructor about helping with their accounting. Any other ideas on how to find clients to get started?
Prepare yourself. This is not a fancy or sexy answer…
Just start telling people.
Decide what you want to try (even as a side gig) and then just talk about it to people you know.
You don’t need a website. You don’t need an email list. You don’t need a lead magnet. You just need a way for people to contact you. Email addresses or phone numbers work great for this kind of thing ;o)
Make a list of 10 people that you will naturally cross paths with in the next week (your brother, dental hygienist, pastor, kid’s friend’s mom, whoever) and make an effort to simply tell them what you’re doing.
It could sound like this: “Hey, this is random, but I’m going to start doing a few tax returns on the side next tax season. If you hear of anyone in need, feel free to let them know.”
Or “Hey, I just started a side business helping people with their QuickBooks. If you hear of anyone who needs help with that, send them my way.”
I know, I know, we’re VERY uncomfortable talking about ourselves. We stare at numbers all day. Numbers are safe. Numbers don’t judge us.
But you will survive this. I’m sure of it. Plus, you’re going to pick people who probably already like you. And people like to help people they like. A little vulnerability and humility go a long way.
If you want a quick read to boost your confidence, I highly recommend Rejection Proof by Jia Jiang. I didn’t realize how much I needed this book and motivation, myself. The year I found it, I read it twice.
Talk soon,
Erica
PS - If you try this, let me know how it goes!
Behind-the-scenes in my business this week:
It’s “Week 2” in my close process which means I’m meeting with my 2 biggest (highest paying) clients this week for their monthly meeting where we review their reporting, update forecasts, and talk about whatever other random needs are top of mind. I’m also finalizing reporting for my middle-tier clients, who I’ll meet with next week.
No work Wednesday today, so I’m doing a grocery run this morning, then taking the oldest to her orthodontist appointment. I think we’ll hit up the pool in the afternoon. This 6,000ft mountain sun is hot!
Money back guarantee, if you get in there and don’t see the value. No questions asked.
More details in the link above.