Good evening everyone, and welcome to the latest ASN FREE Q & A session with Jason Blackman from iMentor. Jason is a professional mentor helping aspiring bookkeepers and accountants achieve their full potential. If you have any questions, please post as a comment below. Please be aware, if any questions are left unanswered, then they will be answered at a later time. And thank you all for participating…..now over to you, who has the first question?
Jason Blackman Good evening everyone!
Unlike · Reply · 2 · 3 November at 19:00
Nisha Mistry
Nisha Mistry Good evening
Unlike · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:01
Natasha Everard
Natasha Everard Caroline Clarke would like to know the following :- How realistic is it for me to set up on my own as a bookkeeper with no previous experience aside from 2 charities that I am treasurer / bookkeeper for and due to complete L4 early next year – want to work for myself so I’m flexible for the children but should I aim to get a role in a practice first as I want to do it properly.
Like · Reply · 3 · 3 November at 19:01
James Gilleade-Smith
James Gilleade-Smith I am very similar, but have no experience what so ever.
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:02
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
James Gilleade-Smith
James Gilleade-Smith good evening
Unlike · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:01
Khyati D Gala
Khyati D Gala Goodevening everyone
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:01
Yulia Taylor
Yulia Taylor Good evening
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:01
Amanda Essen
Amanda Essen Good evening 😊
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:01
Melissa Compton
Melissa Compton good evening
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:01
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman Thanks for the question Caroline. I would always recommend getting some experience before offering your services. It’s a very important area to get right and you want to start off on the right foot with clients. I would suggest perhaps taking out a free trial with one of the major cloud packages – most of them have a demo company that you can use to play around with…
Like · Reply · 4 · 3 November at 19:02
Natasha Everard
Natasha Everard Caroline Clarke would also like to know the following :- My only experience is with charities therefore other than the course I have no VAT experience. Can I still gain a licence on this basis or do I have to prove competence? I’m working on trying to find a business that is VAT registered for the experience but not confident to advertise myself without it – catch 22!
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:02
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman But you can of course set up on your own whenever you’re ready. But as I say before you start to work for clients ‘proper’ then I would certainly aim for some bookkeeping experience first…
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:03
Victoria Harrington-Biddle
Victoria Harrington-Biddle I have many, I would like to run my business to the point of only needing to work for myself instead of fitting it in around full time work, I find it hard to find business which is monthly instead of just tax returns. How can I make sure I have done everything going I need to do to be all set up properly etc
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:03
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … hi Victoria – to be honest even annual work can be split into monthly payments. In fact some clients prefer to pay monthly rather than have a big bill at the end of the year. If you had enough annual work being paid monthly then this could eventually add up to a significant income?
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:05
Victoria Harrington-Biddle
Victoria Harrington-Biddle My annual clients all choose to pay one off bills even though I suggested monthly
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:06
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … a lot of my accounting clients choose to pay monthly but if they won’t then you perhaps need to find some larger businesses that want bookkeeping as well, so that they’re happy to pay on a monthly basis…
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:17
Victoria Harrington-Biddle
Victoria Harrington-Biddle I have to admit I was scared with client number 1 but that’s OK and grown each year but I’m terrified of getting bigger business work !!!
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:19
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Natasha Everard
Natasha Everard What is the best way to attract clients? I aim to join a local networking group when I qualify as would guess this is the best way – are there others proved to be effective?
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:03
Victoria Harrington-Biddle
Victoria Harrington-Biddle You’re welcome to join our networking group for a taster but probably not local enough for you
Unlike · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:04
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … Facebook is also a GREAT way to attract clients. I have always been ‘approachable’ as an accountant which I think is vital. People have to like YOU so whatever promotion you’re doing make sure it’s friendly!
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:06
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Yulia Taylor
Yulia Taylor What preparation should we do for set up bookkeeping business (documents, registration etc) and what expenses involved?
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:04
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … hi Yulia – it’s difficult to advise on the LEGAL requirements but certainly you must have a solid bookkeeping system in place. It’s important to choose the right software, both for you and the client. If the client’s not involved in the bookkeeping then make sure you choose something that’s comfortable for you. And as I always say make sure it’s a cloud package. Desktop packages are being phased out and, when HMRC introduce MTD in April 2018, cloud will be the only way forward!
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:08
Yulia Taylor
Yulia Taylor Thank you. It is useful information.
Also could you recommend about proffessional indemnity insurance? What should we consider when choosing one?
And what software could you recommend as well?
Thank you
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:11
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … as far as I am aware the AAT have two recommended providers so I would always steer towards them. Software is more of a personal choice, but it does depends on what your client wants and what you’re comfortable with. FreeAgent, Xero & QuickBooks are great choices and they all allow a free trial – for me, Xero is the best!
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:20
Natasha Everard
Natasha Everard Don’t forget our Xero masterclass coming up in next few weeks 🙂
Like · Reply · 2 · 3 November at 19:21 · Edited
Yulia Taylor
Yulia Taylor Thank you very much
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:22
Wren Bull
Wren Bull Speaking form personal experience I use Xero and find it excellent, they’re always developing the system and have great training and support… Also use VT+: their VT Cashbook is free.
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:22
Yulia Taylor
Yulia Taylor Wren Bull, thank you. Good to know. Will look forward to Xero masterclass, Natasha.
Unlike · Reply · 2 · 3 November at 19:24
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Natasha Everard
Natasha Everard What rates would be recommended to charge clients? Have no clue how to set them. from Caroline Clarke
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:04
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … pricing is a massive area, we could almost have one session on that alone! I personally feel hourly rates are dying off as they’re unfair both on you (restricted to what you can do) and the client (bills are always a surprise!). So try and stick with fixed prices if you can – that way you can budget cashflow from your point of view, and the client can also – makes for a happy relationship on both sides!
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:09
Amanda Essen
Amanda Essen Are there benchmarks for fixed pricing or is it a case of ringing around?
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:18
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman I am pretty sure you can still set up on your own as a bookkeeper even using VAT but I wouldn’t advise on the legal aspect – again it’s well worth getting some experience beforehand so that you feel competent in preparing VAT returns for example before doing it for real…
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:04
Victoria Harrington-Biddle
Victoria Harrington-Biddle What are the chances of a business being a success if it is growing steadily but still tiny in turnover but so far growing non the less after 4.5 years
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:05
Victoria Harrington-Biddle
Victoria Harrington-Biddle Is it possible to learn about vat like a unit or a course or something ?
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:05
Paula Rutter
Paula Rutter Ida Bouwhuis Miab
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:06
Victoria Harrington-Biddle
Victoria Harrington-Biddle Is there a difference in what you could charge as aatqb and MAAT?
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:07
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … as far as I am aware the AATQB is more of a bookkeeping qualification whereas MAAT is accountancy of course – if you would class yourself as MORE qualified as an MAAT then yes of course you could charge more, but it all depends on what you’re doing – even though you’re a MAAT if it’s just bookkeeping work you’re doing then I guess it shouldn’t make a difference what you’re charging…
Like · Reply · 2 · 3 November at 19:10
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Melissa Compton
Melissa Compton after setting up a bookkeeping business what is the best time to start working with a mentor
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:08
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … a mentor can help you at any point but what I would say is the earlier you can get help the better. It’s really important to lay the foundations down properly when setting up a business – get the software, the prices, the structure, the clients right in the beginning and everything should just flow from there…
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:11
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Khyati D Gala
Khyati D Gala Jason Blackman – I have seen some companies give experience when we pay them. Do you know of any such companies? What would your recommendation be?
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:08
Victoria Harrington-Biddle
Victoria Harrington-Biddle Would I need to learn anything specific to take on being a treasurer of the kids primary school?
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:09
Helen Peacock
Helen Peacock If it helps, I currently do this but I find that mostly it’s physical banking and keeping the accounts up to date in terms of reconciling in and out. We will take on charity status this financial year so there will be specific tasks involved with regards to gift aid but I have no experience of this yet.
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:37
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Wren Bull
Wren Bull Hi everyone 🙂
Unlike · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:10
Amanda Essen
Amanda Essen What basic services would a bookkeeper start out offering?
Like · Reply · 2 · 3 November at 19:11
Victoria Harrington-Biddle
Victoria Harrington-Biddle I’d like to see the answer here too
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:12
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … it all depends on the needs of the client but you could start with a client that’s NOT registered for VAT so that’s one massive headache out of the way to start with! I’d therefore start with a fairly basic business, one that’s fairly consistent in its trade and does the same sort of things on a regular basis. With the cloud offerings now it’s so easy to import bank information so if there’s not a lot there it’s easier to deal with. So I’d start off with a smaller client but making sure you’ve got the right software in place so you can hit the ground running…
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:13
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Victoria Harrington-Biddle
Victoria Harrington-Biddle Is there a company that offers mentorship for finance related businesses to check up with to see how things are going and bounce ideas off of that doesn’t cost the earth ?
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:13
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … mentoring doesn’t have to cost the earth at all. In fact the best form of free mentoring are indeed Facebook groups! There as SO many now, for so many different company types, that allow to join and just ask questions within the group. That way you get a variety of opinions rather than just one and all for free as well!
Like · Reply · 2 · 3 November at 19:15
Victoria Harrington-Biddle
Victoria Harrington-Biddle Any recommendations ??
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:17
Paula Rutter
Paula Rutter sorry to butt in Victoria
u should come join
UK bookkeepers it’s got 300+members it’s a new group and from there u can join the bookkeepers alliance for £6 a month
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:31
Michelle Bellamy
Michelle Bellamy Hi Paula is the free index?
Like · Reply · 3 November at 21:56
Michelle Bellamy
Michelle Bellamy Just googled UK bookeepers and come across the free index, would these businesses be prepared to take on someone on a voluntary basis just so they can get the experience before setting up on their own?
Like · Reply · 3 November at 21:58
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Wren Bull
Wren Bull Most of my questions have already been raised by others, but I’ve got a query on marketing my services. I’ve got a website, Facebook page and Twitter feed but struggle to write relevant content, is it acceptable to use content from elsewhere as long as it’s recognised and I add a little personal comment? Are there any sources you’d recommend Jason?
Like · Reply · 2 · 3 November at 19:14
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … hi Wren – great question. I always offer ‘freebies’ on my Facebook posts – and these freebies can be picked up virtually anywhere. FreeAgent, which produces cloud software, is a great example, and they are ALWAYS producing great content. So write s…See more
Like · Reply · 2 · 3 November at 19:16
Wren Bull
Wren Bull Great, thanks Jason 🙂
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:18
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Natasha Everard
Natasha Everard From Fiona Brown 🙂 The questions are how do you get customers if no family and friends need help. Also how is best to set prices as I can’t find the norm to charge.
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:17
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … as mentioned above Facebook is a great way to get customers. I have always prided myself on being down-to-earth, friendly and approachable, so you HAVE to make this come across when you promote yourself – make people TRUST you, it’s really important. As for prices, try and think outside hourly rates as they don’t do anyone any favours. Try and negotiate fixed monthly prices so you AND the client can both get peace of mind…
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:18
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Kim C Ronnqvist
Kim C Ronnqvist Okay, so many great questions – good evening by the way! – I have a, perhaps more fundamental question, as to setting up one’s own business…. how do you “get” the confidence to do so… ?
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:20
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … great question Kim! I suppose I was quite lucky in that I worked for a practice for many years so had lots of dealings with clients. As I keep saying, don’t get too hung up on being a bookkeeper or an accountant. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Just let your personality shine with people!
Like · Reply · 2 · 3 November at 19:21
Kim C Ronnqvist
Kim C Ronnqvist Thanks Jason Blackman 🙂
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:23
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Victoria Harrington-Biddle
Victoria Harrington-Biddle How much experience would you advise to get under your belt before offering to help someone looking to set up a business ie with making sure they’ve done everything going ( I still wonder if I have done everything I needed to)
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:21
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … it gets very important when you’re doing things like this. Obviously you learn from experience the more you do it but it’s important to get some background before you launch yourself into advising clients on what to do when setting up. Getting checklists together is a GREAT idea as they can be used over and over again, so you don’t have to remember what to do every single time. Some people scoff at simple checklists but remember even pilots use them – that’s how important they are!
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:23
Victoria Harrington-Biddle
Victoria Harrington-Biddle Is there a basic checklist online somewhere do you know of ?? I want to make sure I cover everything before offering to help
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:24
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … there’s quite a few around at the moment – again I’ll try and dig some out for you…
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:26
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … lots of questions about how to get clients – don’t forget it’s not ALL about technical ability. It’s really important to let your personality shine through when trying to attract clients – be funny, be yourself! Accountants get such a ‘boring’ rap …See more
Like · Reply · 3 · 3 November at 19:25
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … another point – software. I know I harp on about cloud but it MUST be the way to go – desktop software will eventually die out. In April 2018 HMRC launch their ‘Making Tax Digital’ initiative and it’s something we should ALL be working towards. If you’re just starting up now, make sure you look at the cloud packages – it’s VITAL, it really is!
Like · Reply · 4 · 3 November at 19:27
Natasha Everard
Natasha Everard Can i just mention there is also a prize associated with this Q & A!!! A free 30 minutes one to one session with the iMentor host himself Jason Blackman via video conferencing. This is a great chance to get advice on mentoring your business. To be in the chance to win this great opportunity, email natasha@accountingstudentnetwork.co.uk with how this opportunity would benefit you. The winner will be notified next weekend.
Like · Reply · 5 · 3 November at 19:29
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … absolutely – 30 minutes with me to ask me ANYTHING you like!
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:30
Natasha Everard
Natasha Everard lol
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:30
View more replies
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … another thing to add – don’t be like everyone else. You HAVE to make your offering different to make it stand out. Only YOU can decide what that is but please don’t be like the thousands of boring websites out there – we do tax returns, we do accounts, we do this, we do that, blah blah blah – it doesn’t excite the prospect, so make sure YOU do. I keep using the word ‘personality’ but it’s SO true – make yours shine, make your offering stand out, be different!
Unlike · Reply · 3 · 3 November at 19:29
Wren Bull
Wren Bull That’s a great point – I’m trying to differentiate by focussing on start ups and 1-2 owner business, because that’s what I am and I can relate to their experiences….
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:31
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … really involve them Wren. If you ask a prospect/client how their business is going or get them to explain what they do in great detail, their eyes will light up – people LOVE talking about their business and if you can show you’re interested you’re halfway there…
Like · Reply · 2 · 3 November at 19:34
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … pricing – why not offer three choices? It’s been proven that the ‘power of three’ really stands out to clients. They don’t like being told WHAT to pay, so give them a choice – don’t use the words bronze, silver & gold but you get the idea. Most prospects always choose the middle option, but they’ll be grateful for a choice!
Like · Reply · 4 · 3 November at 19:31
Wren Bull
Wren Bull Now that’s an idea…!! 😀
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:33
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Yulia Taylor
Yulia Taylor How to deal with “difficult” clients and their wish to get extra help and advice for free (that is outside the service you are already providing for them)?
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:31
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … great Yulia – ‘scope creep’ as it’s known is SO common, clients want everything for nothing! It’s a very difficult situation, but you MUST be clear about what YOUR service contains. Going back to the three choices I’ve just talked about, maybe your GOLD offering allows them to contact you whenever they want, but the bronze & silver doesn’t. If they want you more, they have to pay more! Don’t fall into the trap of giving stuff away for free – once you’re in there it’s very difficult to get out of it!
Like · Reply · 2 · 3 November at 19:33
Yulia Taylor
Yulia Taylor Thank you.
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:34
Natasha Everard
Natasha Everard also the problem when they know nothing about accounts but question everything you have done and say its wrong lol
Like · Reply · 3 · 3 November at 19:34
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … that’s a good one too – sometimes when they tell me what to do I feel like giving them their stuff back and telling them where to go. And, if they’re only paying you peanuts, that’s what you should do – don’t work with people you don’t like!
Like · Reply · 2 · 3 November at 19:36
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … just to elaborate on the client/prospect relationship. In a prospect meeting spend more time LISTENING than speaking. Get the prospect talking about what they do. Ask questions about their business, about them. Find out what they’re passionate about and talk about it. Make their eyes light up. Engage with them. Rest assured this is NOTHING to do with technical ability, but it’s massively important…
Like · Reply · 3 · 3 November at 19:35
Natasha Everard
Natasha Everard Would you like to explain about your mentoring Jason?
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:36
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … thanks Natasha. Yes so as well as running a successful practice I mentor accountants and bookkeepers as well. This is mainly done through monthly group sessions but I do 1-2-1 as well. The benefit of the groups is just that – people can talk to each other and ask each other questions as well as myself, which really helps – that way they feel more part of a family – it’s not only me that’s helping them, it’s the rest of the group!
Unlike · Reply · 3 · 3 November at 19:38
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … cloud is another area to ‘show off’ in a prospect meeting. If you’re meeting a client say in a coffee shop with wifi, take your iPad along – show them what you can do, show them what they can get. Be different! It really will impress them…
Unlike · Reply · 3 · 3 November at 19:37
Natasha Everard
Natasha Everard Does anyone have any further questions?
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:40
Victoria Harrington-Biddle
Victoria Harrington-Biddle I’d love a mentoring thing
Unlike · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:42
Natasha Everard
Natasha Everard Mentoring seems to be a great way to help you start or improve your business……its like having a big brother!!
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:42
Yulia Taylor
Yulia Taylor Is mentoring expensive?
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:42
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … it’s like everything, it all depends how you want it and how much you want it! But no it doesn’t have to be – the good thing about it is that YOU control what you’re spending – if you find it’s not for you then you don’t have to continue!
Like · Reply · 2 · 3 November at 19:43
Yulia Taylor
Yulia Taylor Thank you
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:45
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Ida Bouwhuis Miab
Ida Bouwhuis Miab Hi Jason, coming in late in the session, I have worked as a financiql controller for a few years and now have started up on my own, yet ghe thought of getting customers and actually doi there books , makes me feel completely incompetent. How do you motivate yourself to actually go out there and get these customers needed.
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:44
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … hi Ida – for me meeting people is a HUGE motivation. I love talking to people, finding out about them, what makes them tick, what they do, why they do it. Just find out about THEM – that in itself is exciting. Get to know people and you’ll feel so comfortable about it…
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:46
Ida Bouwhuis Miab
Ida Bouwhuis Miab Thanks jason, am my own worst enemy, I talk myself out of things!
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:49
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Yulia Taylor
Yulia Taylor Also what mentor do? What help can he provide?
I am new for it so sorry for silly questions
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:44
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … hey everyone, I’ll post a link shortly for you to get access to the FREE guide from FreeAgent for sole traders, partnerships & limited companies – it’s GREAT material to offer as a freebie to prospects…
Unlike · Reply · 6 · 3 November at 19:45
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman https://www.freeagent.com/guides/expenses/a-z/
A-Z of business expenses – for sole traders and limited companies
FREEAGENT.COM
Like · Reply · Remove Preview · 3 November at 19:45
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … there we go!
Unlike · Reply · 2 · 3 November at 19:45
Tamara Salter
Tamara Salter Thank you 🙂
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:47
Wren Bull
Wren Bull Thanks Jason
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:48
Natasha Everard
Natasha Everard Karen Atherton
Like · Reply · 3 November at 21:22
Karen Atherton
Karen Atherton Thanks x
Like · Reply · 3 November at 21:23
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Yulia Taylor
Yulia Taylor It is great, thank you Jason
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:45
Victoria Harrington-Biddle
Victoria Harrington-Biddle This has been great !!!
Unlike · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:47
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … another link coming up – even if you don’t use Xero there is some fantastic training material on their website – perfect to introduce you to cloud accounting…
Unlike · Reply · 3 · 3 November at 19:47
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman https://www.xero.com/uk/tv/
Xero TV – Beautiful Accounting Software
XERO.COM
Unlike · Reply · Remove Preview · 1 · 3 November at 19:48
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … some great stuff there!
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:48
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Victoria Harrington-Biddle
Victoria Harrington-Biddle I’d love to gain enough confidence and experience to offer to mentor too one day
Unlike · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:47
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … it’s SO rewarding helping people Victoria. I love it!
Like · Reply · 2 · 3 November at 19:48
Victoria Harrington-Biddle
Victoria Harrington-Biddle I love helping people but I never have the confidence
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:49
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … hopefully everyone’s got where I’m coming from! Despite me being an accountant I try to be friendly, open, approachable and FUN! Just because we’re accountants it doesn’t mean we’re ‘boring’! Get out there, meet people, talk about them, listen to what they have to say, enjoy getting to know them – that’s even BEFORE you start on the technical stuff!
Like · Reply · 3 · 3 November at 19:49
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … oh and don’t send surprise bills! I can’t stress that enough. It’s been proven so much that it’s clients biggest pet hate. Get a fee agreed and stick to it. Happy client, happy you!
Like · Reply · 3 · 3 November at 19:50
Yulia Taylor
Yulia Taylor Can I ask about website for business? How to make it more interesting and attractive to clients? Any tips?
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:51
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … yes – DON’T be like all the rest! Don’t list masses of stuff that you do, it’s not what excites people. Say something about YOU, say what makes you tick, what you can do to make clients tick! Listing services is not going to get the juices flowing!
Like · Reply · 2 · 3 November at 19:53
Yulia Taylor
Yulia Taylor Thank you.
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:54
Yulia Taylor
Yulia Taylor Are you doing your website by yourself or are you using help professionals?
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:55
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Tamara Salter
Tamara Salter All very useful advice Jason 🙂
Unlike · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:51
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … another quick suggestion is do as much online as you can. Online meetings are great – all you need is a webcam & microphone! Make sure your office looks decent of course but you can save masses on travel and it’s a great of talking to clients. If you share you screen too you can discuss queries then and there too!
Unlike · Reply · 3 · 3 November at 19:52
Victoria Harrington-Biddle
Victoria Harrington-Biddle What do you advise about charges for late payers.? I wonder if I can introduce something next year so it’s not an unexpected bill this time round
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:52
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … my clients have two choices – pay monthly or pay upfront. There’s never been any arguments and it works brilliantly. Guess who owes me money? Nobody! There is no reason for clients not to pay upfront!
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:53
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Natasha Everard
Natasha Everard Thank you to those who have already entered to win the free mentoring 🙂 Keep the entries coming 🙂
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:53
Natasha Everard
Natasha Everard send to natasha@accountingstudentnetwork.co.uk
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:53
Helen Peacock
Helen Peacock Done! Thanks for the reminder.
Unlike · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:53
Natasha Everard
Natasha Everard Helen Peacock received 🙂
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:53
Victoria Harrington-Biddle
Victoria Harrington-Biddle I just emailed
Unlike · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:57
Tamara Salter
Tamara Salter Just sent my entry over 🙂
Like · Reply · 3 November at 19:59
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … hope it’s been useful for everyone tonight? I’m still here for a while if anyone has any further questions. I do hope that it’s been of use and you’ve picked up some useful hints & tips!
Like · Reply · 4 · 3 November at 19:56 · Edited
Natasha Everard
Natasha Everard Okay, can i just say, what a brilliant informative Q & A session this evening. I would like to thank Jason for his time and expertise this evening and for all of you who participated!!! Don’t forget to enter the prize draw and Jason will be back on Monday to discuss converting to the Cloud 🙂
Like · Reply · 5 · 3 November at 19:56
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … it’s been an absolute pleasure Natasha – thank you so much for having me!
Unlike · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:58 · Edited
Wren Bull
Wren Bull Fantastic session, thank you Natasha and Jason 🙂
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 19:59
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Yulia Taylor
Yulia Taylor It was brilliant, Jason. Very informative, interesting and intense session. Thank you very much, Jason and Natasha
Unlike · Reply · 3 · 3 November at 19:57
Melissa Compton
Melissa Compton thank you, great advice and informative jason and Natasha Everard
Unlike · Reply · 2 · 3 November at 19:59
Victoria Harrington-Biddle
Victoria Harrington-Biddle Thank you so much Jason Blackman and Natasha Everard
Unlike · Reply · 2 · 3 November at 19:59
Amanda Essen
Amanda Essen Thank you Jason Blackman and Natasha Everard was brilliant ☺
Unlike · Reply · 2 · 3 November at 20:00 · Edited
Tamara Salter
Tamara Salter Thank you Jason Blackman & Natasha Everard, I appreciate you both taking the time tonight. It has been very informative and I have taken away some good points
Unlike · Reply · 2 · 3 November at 20:00
Natasha Everard
Natasha Everard Don’t forget to enter the competition and for the next Q & A on Monday evening 🙂 I may even throw in some more prizes on Monday evening 🙂
Like · Reply · 4 · 3 November at 20:00
Natasha Everard
Natasha Everard I will post this on the website tomorrow for future reference 🙂
Like · Reply · 3 · 3 November at 20:01
Rosalyn Carrington
Rosalyn Carrington Mentor for Aat
Like · Reply · 3 November at 20:49
Karen Atherton
Karen Atherton Hi Jason have you posted those links or have I missed them or have you posted them elsewhere x
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 21:11
Jason Blackman
Jason Blackman … the links have been posted in the individual questions Karen – but let me know if you need them again…
Like · Reply · 3 November at 21:32
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Rosalyn Carrington
Rosalyn Carrington Where are the questions
Like · Reply · 1 · 3 November at 21:14
Natasha Everard
Natasha Everard There has been lots of questions and answers. The event started at 7pm and finished at 8pm
Like · Reply · 2 · 3 November at 21:20
Natasha Everard
Write a reply…
Caroline Clarke
Caroline Clarke I’ve just read this back as I couldn’t make last night’s session but just to say thanks so much, it’s really helped, very useful tips!
Unlike · Reply · 3 · 4 November at 08:28
Lidiia Gould
Lidiia Gould I couldn’t make it last night too, still read the conversation now. Thank you so much for organising meetings and Q&A s, Natasha Everard
Unlike · Reply · 2 · 4 November at 09:48
Natasha Everard
Write a comment…