This book is a genuine resource, packed with proven methods and valuable interviews with real bookkeepers and accounting professionals. These ideas and techniques show you how to quickly build a flourishing full-time or part-time bookkeeping or tax practice, and keep it running profitably. Some of the topics covered in this volume: *How to get clients and keep them *How to attract the most profitable clients *How to set and collect fees *How to offer tax services to your existing clients *How to get referrals from CPA offices *Information on how to become a Certified Bookkeeper through the AIPB *How to comply with the IRS recordkeeping requirements *How to avoid your liability for the dreaded IRS "Trust Recovery Penalty" And much, much more

In tough economic times and with rising unemployment, people are looking to take the bull by the horns and start their own home-based businesses.... From GPP's enormously successful How to Start a Home-Based Business series (more than half a million copies sold!), comes the essential guide to starting up a home-based Bookkeeping business.

Now you can learn how to setup and operate your bookkeeping business quickly and efficiently. "Secrets to Starting & Running Your Own Bookkeeping Business" will show you all the inside secrets that only experienced freelance bookkeepers know. You'll learn how to: * Choose the right equipment, even if you have a low or non-existent start-up budget. * Find good clients who not only suit your skill level but will pay your invoices on time. * Setup your rates so that you'll know exactly how much you'll be making each month. * Establish boundaries so that you're not working 24/7. * Transition out of your full time job and work your way into freelance bookkeeping. * Setup essential office systems to help you keep yourself and your client paperwork organized. * Market your business and find clients quickly.

"The companion CD-ROM contains all forms from the book, plus a pre-written, editable business plan in Microsoft Word format"--Cover.

The main issue that tax practitioners face is how to grow and promote their practices. In talking with tax professionals, their questions are always the same:#13; #13; "How do I build up my client base?"#13; "Are engagement letters really necessary?"#13; "How do I encourage more client referrals?"#13; "How much should I charge for services?"#13; "How do I fire a bad client?"#13; #13; This book offers real answers to all of these burning questions. #13; #13; You will read multiple interviews with established, highly profitable EAs. You will hear how other EAs keep their practices profitable and keep clients (and money) rolling in. This book covers:#13; 1. Marketing techniques for enrolled agents#13; 2. How to use the internet and social networking to boost your community profile#13; 3. How to find profitable IRS representation cases#13; 4. How to avoid deadbeat clients#13; 5. How to get lucrative referrals from other professionals#13; #13; And much more!#13; If you have the tax knowledge and a desire to succeed in this business, this book will help you realize your own success.

This book will help you start earning money in your OWN business with the wealth of information it provides. It includes steps to start your own business (and estimated start up costs); how to define your services and set billing rates (includes average billing rates); how to improve your knowledge and experience; obtain new clients and effective marketing ideas; details about websites, client engagements, market opportunities, growing the business, and MUCH more. The book includes results of a national survey of QuickBooks ProAdvisors about their annual income, use of engagement letters, over 300 comments and advice on things they wish they had known sooner or done differently, their KEYS to SUCCESS and more! Bookkeepers, accountants, tax preparers, and consultants will all find beneficial information in the book. With your own business, you can decide what hours you want to work, services to provide, and work from home if you choose! This book will help you SUCCEED!

This book contains everything one needs to know to set themselves up as a home-based consultant, create a demand for their services, and make money. Bert Holtje, an author and a longtime publishing industry consultant, shows how to develop a marketable idea, operate a home-based office, draft winning proposals, sell services, get referrals, set fees, manage finances and time, and conduct Internet marketing. * Define your specialty * Build a client base * Make yourself indispensable * Create a fee structure * Find trusted subcontractors and specialists * Become a sought-after expert