Professional Associations

[lanelt]

We had a great discussion on Bookkeeping Associations here. I am a current member of AIPB, which I know quite a few other people are too. I haven't yet joined NBA but will at some point and will share my experiences there. I wouldn't usually do a full post on recommending another association on this forum but because AIPB is very specific to the needs of bookkeepers I don't feel it's a conflict of interest so I wanted to point out some of the ways this association can HELP you Virtual Bookkeeping business.

First, this is a paid membership association, I understand that when you're starting out it's hard to fork out a lot of money for a bunch of different associations. When I work with new VAs I'm very careful about what I recommend and keep cost in mind. If you are going to start a bookkeeping business then this is one association I'd recommend joining to help your business. In the mean time there are some free things you can access.

The first thing I'd recommend doing is signing up for their newsletter. It's sent out weekly and has great tips in each one. The newsletter is free but has GREAT information in it.

They also have an e-mail group you can join which is also free. I will say that if you join it be sure you don't use your main e-mail account because it gets A LOT of messages. From 5:30 Thursday until 9:30 this morning I received 357 messages on this group. You can get answers to questions and just reading other people's answers gives you a lot of knowledge. This e-mail list isn't my favorite group, there's a lot of chatter/social talking and you can't look back to research old questions/answers so the same questions get asked a lot. But, the group is very helpful.

When you join the association you get some great reports. Some are better than others but all are good. As a member you also get a monthly printed newsletter with a TON of information. Members also have additional benefits such as discounts at DHL and for liability insurance.

I'm a firm believer that membership in credible associations can be an asset to your business. I'm picky on which associations I'll join but when I find one that is good I'm happy to tell others about it.

If you're a member if AIPB and I've missed something please add your input. If you are thinking about joining and have more questions let me know. Again, I'm really NOT trying to push membership for this association, I get NOTHING from you joining. But, I do want to see you succeed in your virtual bookkeeping business and this is one organization that I think can help you with that.

[Office Goddess]

I, too, joined AIPB and have been super pleased with the info I have received already. I am in the process of purchasing the books to prepare to sit for the Certified Bookkeeper certification. The knowledge I have received from them has been great!

Initial membership was only $39/year and the liability insurance discount was approx 20%, which more than paid for the membership.