New Practice

capnhand

Hi

Im currently considering setting up on my own. I have all the qualifications and experience but am just stumped on how to pick up the clients I need.

I dont really want to go taking any clients with me if I can avoid it as to be honest I do not want to fall out with my current employers and put other staff here out of work as a result.

But that just leaves advertising, family word of mouth.

Any ideas?


CNH

Sposs

To be honest thats an issue that arises for alot of people who leave their current employers to go out on their own and fair play for having the integrity to decide not to take existing clients with you.

What you can do however is when you set-up your new business , is make past clients aware of your new business. I'd try to avoid making comparsions between your old and new business and merely focus on the services you provide. And then if they decide that they would rather move to you, your current employer can't have too many complaints.

Spinnaker

I agree with Sposs. The only thing I would add (maybe it was implicit) is to inform and commit to inform your former employer that you won't approach any existing clients. In the worst case this may prevent them from bad-mouthing you.

Build bridges as you leave rather than burn them They may even refer your first and additional unwanted clients to you.

After that google B2B marketing for small businesses...

what's your pracitce area ?

capnhand

Hi Spiniker and Spos

I am setting up as an accountant and a registered auditor.

I have googled this and there does seem to be some interesting stuff there. Thanks

I have also joined a networking organisation. How do you find these for getting new business?

Kind Regards

smelltheglove

What sort of networking sites have you joined? I cant see accounting being a huge focus point if you are talking about social sites I cant see accounting being a huge focus point. However I generally look on boards when I need services like this rather than searching the net or golden pages. When I registered my business I got my accountant through adverts.

capnhand

Hi Smeltheglove

These would be business networking sites where you meet real people to make connections etc.

I have tried adverts.ie and other (free) sites and I have found the response rate to be very very poor.

CNH

JoeTurner

Hi CNH,

I was in a similar position to yourself almost exactly two years ago.

I started my own practice in April 2007 and it didn't really take off for me until I joined a local BNI chapter. I would be fairly cynical when it comes to networking etc but I have to say the BNI has really worked for me.

40% of the income I now earn comes via the BNI - either directly from other self employed people in the group or via referrals received from them.

If you want pm me with details of your location I can see if their are any chapters in your area. You can attend meetings as a visitor for a couple of weeks to see what you think of the group before you have to decide to join or not join....

Good luck with the venture - just don't poach any clients from the Wicklow area

Joe

VO

JoeTurner wrote: »

Hi CNH,

I was in a similar position to yourself almost exactly two years ago.

I started my own practice in April 2007 and it didn't really take off for me until I joined a local BNI chapter. I would be fairly cynical when it comes to networking etc but I have to say the BNI has really worked for me.

40% of the income I now earn comes via the BNI - either directly from other self employed people in the group or via referrals received from them.

If you want pm me with details of your location I can see if their are any chapters in your area. You can attend meetings as a visitor for a couple of weeks to see what you think of the group before you have to decide to join or not join....

Good luck with the venture - just don't poach any clients from the Wicklow area

Joe

+1

have to agree , have a good look at BNI not only will it help you generaate business but you can get a lot of advice & support from fellow members which can be invaluable. Make sure you join a vibrant chapter.

smelltheglove

Well websites are a great help to me although we have completely different businesses. I wish you the best of luck though in achieving success and I am sure the business sites will help you.