Question regarding training and experience

[Shellye Biser]

Hi all,

I have basic experience with bookkeeping for a small insurance agency, but it has been numerous years since I did that. I am currently taking an online accredited course through Penn Foster and will also obtain a certification as well.

With that said, how likely will it be for me to be able to gain customers with so little experience. Will the training and certification help?

Thanks for any advice you can offer.

Shellye

[Your Virtual Wizard]

Shellye,

The training will certainly make a difference and the certification showing the completion of the training is an added plus. The experience will also be important...but not to worry because you don't need to promote 'lack of experience'. In fact, your website should promote the experience you still have no matter how long ago it was attained. So all three factors: education, certification and experience can all be a well-rounded way to promote your business.

I'm not sure what you have been doing since you left the insurance company which may also help promote your bookkeeping business. I assume that is what you will offer...bookkeeping services.

I would suggest that you join the mentor group here at VAF to learn about more ways to promote your new business.

Sounds like you are doing all the right things to get started to bring your skills current.

Janine

[Balanced Business Service]

Shellye,
The experience will also be important...but not to worry because you don't need to promote 'lack of experience'. In fact, your website should promote the experience you still have no matter how long ago it was attained. So all three factors: education, certification and experience can all be a well-rounded way to promote your business.
Janine

Agreed.

There is no shortage of bookkeeping customers. One of the main reasons I took bookkeeping was because everyone needs it, there is a variety of companies I can help so I can choose who I take on, it's evergreen, recession proof and I knew I could do it. I'm into details so I had that going for me! As long as you're confident that you know how to do bookkeeping, you'll be fine. You could always take on a job you are comfortable handling and once mastered move to the next level that you want to achieve. You can go at your own pace.

[Shellye Biser]

Thanks Janine and Stephanie. Your input and encouragement is much appreciated. I am still working full-time in and insurance agency. However, it is mostly customer service work although I do a little accounts receivable and accounts payable. I am very good with numbers and details, so it's a great fit for me. I really love bookkeeping and have always wanted to focus on it.

I'll keep plugging away and make this happen.

Thanks again....Shellye

[Your Virtual Wizard]

Shellye,

See what experience you can extract from your current position and apply that to your new bookkeeping endeavor.

A little accounts receivable and accounts payable can go a long way. Can you take on more 'bookkeeping-related' tasks at your current position to add to your portfolio?

Don't underestimate customer service either. Although you want to get into more bookkeeping, it's a skill that can be applied to nearly every industry.

I would suggest that you dissect your jobs and the experience you have attained already. Coupled with the bookkeeping certification, classes and your present and past experience, I see no reason why you couldn't start your virtual business confidently.

Another opportunity to reap experience which is often overlooked is to offer to volunteer your bookkeeping skills to a church or a non-profit. It's a great way to expand your portfolio, meet new people, make contacts and add confidence as to what you can offer when you go 'full swing'. I like to volunteer because the pressure is off not having to please a paying client. Further, it is another way to work with new software and then once that job is finished you can honestly say you have XXX experience.

Janine

[Balanced Business Service]

Another opportunity to reap experience which is often overlooked is to offer to volunteer your bookkeeping skills to a church or a non-profit. It's a great way to expand your portfolio, meet new people, make contacts and add confidence as to what you can offer when you go 'full swing'. I like to volunteer because the pressure is off not having to please a paying client. Further, it is another way to work with new software and then once that job is finished you can honestly say you have XXX experience.
Janine

I'm doing that right now with my daughters preschool at our church. I do their payroll for their teachers and I receive a discount on my child's bill. They have someone there that showed me how to calc the payroll and I do it every other week. I have bookkeeping experience but was never shown how to do payroll. (I don't want to offer it as a service right now but didn't want to turn down the opportunity to learn either. )

[Shellye Biser]

Great ideas. My church should have a whole network of businesses and opportunities with non-profits. It sure would provide great experience.

Thanks all....Shellye

[KMartin]

The church and non-profit is absolutely true! I set up the books for our church and it was a great experience. They have spread the word and I have had a couple of people ask me questions about Quickbooks. Hopefully this will lead to some business in the future and if not, it was definitely a learning experience. It was also a confidence booster!!

Good luck!

[candacec1]

What great advice. I didnt even think of offering bookkeeping services for my church. As well as for all those hockey moms you can also offer it for the team as well.

[BarbEverett]

Hi, Shellye.

How was the Penn Foster course? Was it helpful? Did it prepare you for the AIPB exam? Please let me know.