Comments on: When Clients Want to Do Their Own Books…

By: Gabrielle

Gabrielle — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 19:48:44 +0000

Yes, exactly, Andris! It’s a great selling point for why they should hire a bookkeeper! But when they are thinking that they will “save money” by doing it themselves, that gives us opportunities, too. So, either way we win!

By: Andris

Andris — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 11:41:01 +0000

I suppose business owners will earn more money if they use their time for business and not for bookkeeping.

By: The Future and Freelance Bookkeeping | The Freelance Bookkeeper | The Freelance Bookkeeper

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 23:12:29 +0000

[...] I’ve seen this opportunity coming for awhile. And it will grow now as your clients start to upgrade their business technology. And by the way, this is GREAT news since consultants and advisers generally charge higher fees than bookkeepers. [...]

By: Gabrielle

Gabrielle — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 13:31:46 +0000

Thanks Donna. So true. What clients really appreciated in this changed economy is someone who is there to help guide them through. When we can clearly show them how they are better off working with us than just viewing us as another expense, it pays off for both them and us. As you’ve shown, being flexible makes a difference!

Kudos to your for being willing to do whatever it takes to create a win-win situation.

Gabrielle

By: Donna

Donna — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:52:05 +0000

Hi Gabrielle,

I’ve done this with several of my clients. They are doing the data entry and I’m reconciling and going over the financals with them. It’s a great way to stay close to them all the while helping them with their lack of cash flow.

A few of my clients are now a bit better then they have been in the past year and I’ve noticed that I’m doing a lot more “bookkeeping” to get them reconciled.

It goes to show you that if you hang in there with them – they will hang in there with you.

Donna Sooter

By: The Freelance Bookkeeper » Quick Money, More Clients, Great Reputation

The Freelance Bookkeeper » Quick Money, More Clients, Great Reputation — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 21:32:25 +0000

[...] taught them. (See my previous article on how to handle this situation gracefully – “When Clients Want to Do Their Own Books” ) [...]

By: Bob

Bob — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 17:40:43 +0000

There’s a massive opportunity for providing training, coaching and other services like management accounts and credit control. And, these services should command premium prices.

By: Gabrielle

Gabrielle — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 00:56:00 +0000

Hi Kim,

You can do whatever you think will work best for your business! You’re the boss. You may be able to charge a higher rate if you position yourself as a higher level consultant, but you will also need to hustle consistently to make sure that your “pipeline” of projects stays consistent, whereas you may not be able to charge as much doing bookkeeping, but if you have month-to-month clients, you will have income you can count on. So, it just depends on your experience and your priorities. It doesn’t have to be one or the other, you could also take a combination approach, as well.

Hope that helps,

Gabrielle

By: Kim

Kim — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 01:26:43 +0000

Great article –
As a new QB ProAdvisor I was wondering if I should even offer regular bookkeeping or stick with branding myself as a consultant/trainer only? After reading your post I am really swaying toward the latter.
Thanks for all the great posts.
Kim

By: Robin

Robin — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 21:54:31 +0000

Thank you Gabrielle for this very topical blog. When I see that my clients business is slowing down, I tell them it would be better for them if I came only every other week instead of every week. That way, it doesn’t waste their money or my time going there when there is only 1 hour’s worth of work. Setting yourself up as a consultant is a great way to stay involved with them for when their business picks up.