Start-Over Success
Baby Boomer Business
Under $1,000:
Bookkeeping

Do you not have an accounting degree or CPA designation, but you love to work with numbers?

Does the idea of helping others with the numbers part of their business appeal to you?

Then building a bookkeeping business is for you. There is a good income potential and you can grow by hiring employees or independent contractors. So, stick around…

EXAMPLES

You Can Become a Bookkeeper and Start Making Money in four Months.

What are the Differences Between a CPA and a Bookkeeper?

As you can see in the lists comparing Accounts and Bookkeepers, there are several differences. To build your business, at this point in your life, if you haven’t already spent the time and money for school ($20,000+) and 2 years of experience, that’s probably not the best idea for you. No problem! We focus here on Start-Over Success. 

As a bookkeeper, while you don’t make as much As a bookkeeper, on an hourly basis, you can build your business and grow it into an agency. 

As you’ll see, being a bookkeeper is simple enough. (Not “easy” but simple.) You can build a $100,000-a-year income and a business you can sell. 

You Can Earn $100,000 annually after your first year

In just over a year, Zack Pescarello replaced his $100,000 job. 

How Much Can You Earn as a Bookkeeper?

Sure a CPA (certified public accountant) makes more on an hourly basis than a bookkeeper. But there are downsides. It takes a college degree, two years of experience, and the costs and opportunity costs associated with those.  

You must make sure your expertise is top-notch. Zack Pescarello strongly recommends that you become a Quickbooks ProAdvisor.

How much you make depends on how much you will work at your business, the systems you set in place to streamline your work, and doing effective marketing.

 

Check Requirements in your State, There Are None

For Bookkeepers, There Are No Requirements or Restictions

BOOKKEEPING. Bookkeeping is the easiest, quickest service for getting to income. There are no city, state, or national requirements for the certification or licensing of bookkeepers. Of course, you must know (or learn) how to do the bookkeeping work and then it’s all about marketing, marketing, marketing until your schedule is as full as you want.

Compare starting a bookkeeping business to being an accountant or tax preparer:

ACCOUNTANTS. Some cities and states require training including testing, certification, and or licensing. (Some of the classes are free; more on that later.) To get the CPA (certified public accountant) designation requires more schooling (like, four years)), tests, 2 years of experience,  licensing, and a surety bond. 

TAX PREPARATION. Some cities and states require training, certification, and a bond for tax preparation. 

In-Person vs Virtual Bookkeeping

For years, bookkeeping With was done face-to-face. Like with many other businesses and situations, the pandemic opened our eyes to new, virtual opportunities. 

Begin by realizing that prospects and clients don’t care about how you do your work; they care about what results you can deliver to them. 

Bookkeepers take care of the numbers and reports, so clients can focus on their business and have peace of mind knowing that all the numbers stuff is taken care of. 

When you work as a virtual bookkeeper, it’s more efficient for you and your client. What’s not to love?

For you, operating virtually means you can work with clients anywhere in the country. Expanding your market can expand your income 

Veronica Wasek, 5-Minute Bookkeeping on YouTube

So, you like the idea of virtual consulting, but how do you operate your online business?

It’s one thing to know bookkeeping and financial principles and how to use Quickbooks, it’s another to actually work with clients and another still to work with clients virtually. 

There are documents you’ll need from clients and they shouldn’t email them. There are systems and processes that make it easier for you to make money.

There are tech tools, document management, client uploading, a monthly bookkeeping process, and team and client collaborations. 

Download 5MB Academy’s  Free Virtual Bookkeepers Toolbox 

What Do You Need to Get Started?

COFFEE FIRST 🙂 

COMPUTER & SMARTPHONE
Internet Access 
Phone Service

TRAINING FOR BOOKKEEPING:
Intuit Certification with Coursera (Free)
Bookkeepers.com (Free intro. Classes $2,500)

TRAINING FOR QUICKBOOKS
Quickbooks (free for bookkeepers) 
Quickbooks ProAdvisor class, test (it’s hard), and certification

WEBSITE
($3/mo with Bluehost)
WordPress & Theme (Free)
Email Marketing Platform (Start from $0 to $15/mo) 

SOCIAL MEDIA & MARKETING (Free)

TRAINING FOR VIRTUAL  BOOKKEEPING
Download 5MB Academy’s  Free Virtual Bookkeepers Toolbox 

Where Can You Get Your First Clients?

  • Family & Friends.
  • Post a notice about your business on your personal Facebook page. 
  • Set up Facebook & LinkedIn Business pages. 
  • Join Facebook & LinkedIn group(s). It’s usually okay to share your business promotion one day a week on a Facebook group.  On LinkedIn, with a free account, you can directly contact people in the group you’re in. DO NOT SPAM. Don’t sell. 

Fine Points on YouTube

The Start-Over Success businesses I talk about on this site are all the types of businesses that need bookkeeping. I’m just sayin’.

Choose Your Niche, Who Do You Want to Work With?

ASK YOURSELF:

  • Who is already in your circle? Shopkeepers, hairdressers, restaurant owners, mechanics, and tradespeople, if they own a business they have books to be done. You can help.
  • Do you already have strong connections with people who can be helpful with referring business to you and vice versa?
  • Ask yourself what you expect from clients in terms of interactions, punctuality, clear communication, and more.
  • You don’t have to work with everyone who wants to work with you. Being selective about clients you take on can contribute to enjoyment while reducing stress.
  • As you focus on a niche, you’ll be able to develop systems that are both efficient and easy to use for all your clients. 

    NOTE: All of the businesses I present as opportunities for Start-Over Success need bookkeeping done. I’m just sayin’

Always Be Marketing for Your Bookkeeping Business

Know this: When someone feels the need for a bookkeeper, where do they search online? 
Google. 
That tells us that your website and SEO, driving traffic with backlinks, and more should be a focus. 

  • Google My Business
  • Get Reviews and Testimonials
  • Network with compatible businesses: attorneys, real estate people, printing and office supply stores, etc.
  • Become a resource with valuable content on your website
  • Develop a compelling lead magnet “product” or offer to encourage people to sign up for your email or to take the next step with you. Maybe you want them to call to schedule a consult or discovery meeting.
  • From Twitter & Pinterest, link to your website 
  • Get people into your Sales Funnel with a call to action and lead magnet product. (Consider offering a free initial consultation. Use Calendly.com. Free to start) 
  • Join SuccessCenter.com – post articles and get backlinks for SEO and networking with other businesspeople. 

What's Next For You?

 Becoming a successful bookkeeper requires:

  1. Training, doing great work, and giving clients an excellent experience.
  2. It takes using tools and apps so you can be more efficient.
  3. Marketing makes a huge difference.

Once you’ve mastered these three skills, you can hire more people and earn more. You’ll be building a valuable business that you can sell. 

Once you’ve secured your income, you can invest in real estate, the stock market, and more.