How To Start Bookkeeping Business?

How to start a bookkeeping/accounting business?

• I have been studing bookkeeping and accounting also tax prep. i'm wanting to know if anyone know how to go by starting a small business. like grants, supplies, & ect

• Answer:

  Education is great, but a few years of real-world experience will be invaluable. Do you want to work with large corporations, small businesses or somewhere in between? You could find an existing firm that caters to that niche and learn what these businesses really need. My experience is as a freelance bookkeeper for small businesses so here's a few tips for that type of service: Specialize in something. Being an expert in a software (QuickBooks, MS Small Business Accounting, etc) or an industry (retail, contractors, service businesses) gives you instant authority even outside that area. It also gives you a focal point for your marketing. Network in person. Give away useful information. Get known as someone who is easy to work with and involved in the community (business or local). Supplies you'll need: ~ Computer & accounting software Also useful ~ A flash (USB) drive for transferring client's files ~ Professional affiliations like www.aipb.com ~ Subscriptions to industry magazines, there are a couple free ones (Accounting Today is one) ~ Business Cards, Letterhead ~ General Office Supplies For starting a simple freelance business you won't need a lot to get started. You can find clients who actually want you to work at their office and work your way to larger clients. A couple of useful websites for aspiring bookkeepers and accountants: (me) http://www.startabiz.knoxvillebookkeeper.com http://thefreelancebookkeeper.com/blog/ http://www.accounting-and-bookkeeping-tips.com/ a division of http://universalaccounting.com , geared toward those that sign up for their training program but some useful information for others as well