Melissa asked this question in another thread:
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I am meeting with my 1st potential bookkeeping client Saturday afternoon. I'm looking forward to it, but would definitely appreciate any tips on what I should bring with me to this meeting & "closing the deal".
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So, I thought I'd start a new thread with a few tips.
As you get more experience and more comfortable with meeting clients you'll come up with your own process. This is just what I do. I'm not going to say it's the right way, but it works.
First, I should say that the vast majority of my client's are not local. So, I don't meet with client's often.
Preparing for your first client:
It's important that you have your policies in place. Will you do on-site bookkeeping or will you only work virtually? Will you do pick-up/deliveries or do they need to send everything to you via mail/courier/fax/email, etc.? For me, this is easy.
I don't work on-site. If someone really insists on it I tell them that there is a 25% surcharge for on-site work and they are charged mileage (IRS rate) and the time starts from the time I start gathering my stuff to leave for their office. Depending on how bad I want the client I might offer one on-site visit at my normal rate. But, that's rare.
For getting information to me. It's their responsibility. They can fax/mail/email whatever they want. I will work with them to find a solution that works best for them and I'm adaptable but I don't chase my clients to get things. They know this upfront. If they are local I do allow some to drop things off at my house but they need to call first.
Also, I subscribe to a remote hosting plan and put all my clients on that remote server for access. This is another thing that my clients agree to. There is an additional monthly fee for it that they are charged. Some complain a little at first but all love it after they've been on it for a month or two. I actually have a few clients solely because I offer this option. I won't take a client who won't agree to this. I don't do the mailing/e-mailing back and forth of files. I've found that it just doesn't work. I also don't want to mess with logging in to their computer. I do have one client who doesn't use QuickBooks, he's on an expensive accounting program (I think he paid $12,000 or more for it). Obviously I'm not buying that program. He has a dedicated server and I log in there. I only do this for him because I can log in at any time -- don't need to make sure the computer is free.
I probably sound stringent in my "rules. It's what works for me. I have tried things other ways and it just didn't work for me. That's not to mean it won't work for you.
Anyways, after all that my point was to have your policies in place on how things will be shared.
Be sure to bring your contract for them to sign, bring a checklist of what you need from them to get started (I don't have one because I know now but it might help you -- old QB file, bank statements, etc.).
My biggest tip, be confident in yourself. If you know you can do this and you know that your rate is acceptable and reasonable then it will show. Your confidence will show through.
I don't do "interviews" per se. But be sure to ask the important questions: type of entity, payroll needs, number of employees, what they expect you to do: a/p, a/r live or after the fact, reconciliations, etc.
I'm sure this sounds very scattered and confusing. If you have specific questions let me know. I don't seem to be thinking clearly right now.
I'll be sure to check in a few times tonight to answer any questions you have.
Tips for a first mtg
I just finished printing out the contract & my W9 form to take with me. 
:happyd ance:
Melissa, I'm so excited for your new client. That's awesome. I'm glad you went in there confident...it can make all the difference. 
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