Every business has a paper trail, and many business owners despise paperwork. They put it off until they absolutely have to, and in many cases the files they keep are a complete mess. This is where money can be made for someone organized, familiar with computer software like Microsoft Excel, and proficient with a computer or keyboard.
If you’re not good at the things listed above, there are usually local colleges that will offer a course or two that will make you a qualified bookkeeper. The courses will focus on things like organization and computer programs that deal exclusively with a bookkeeping business. Within a semester or two of courses, you’ll understand everything you need to know to make this small business work for you.
A little simple advertising should be enough to get your client list started. You can advertise in a local newspaper or post flyers in community areas of the city. At this point, make sure you are very clear about what services you offer and how much you charge. Once you’ve signed on a few clients, you can put the talents you’ve gained through the courses you took or the talents you already had to good use. This is the part where you have to impress your client. Especially in the beginning, any little extra you can add will go a long way when it comes to being recommended to others. If you’re asked to separate all files and put them in their own folders, computer files, or on paper, go a step further and organize the files alphabetically. It’s not something you were asked to do, but it’s something your client will appreciate. Little things like that will make them remember you when talking to other people in the business world who might need the services of a bookkeeper.
If you get multiple clients and your workload is expanding, you should have earned enough capital at this point to hire help. If you’re working outside of your home, you may want to keep your workload small enough to handle on your own, but if you’re looking to expand, hiring help will expand your business potential and earning potential. Since bookkeeping is usually a relatively personal relationship, when you decide to branch out, you may want to ask your past and current clients to recommend you to more people. If you have been doing a good job for them, everything has been organized and done on time; they will usually have no problem recommending your business to others.
There is a lot of money to be made from bookkeeping services. When managed properly, it can become a highly profitable business. Start-up costs are minimal and the potential for expansion is great. This business is sure to reward you for years to come.