How to connect with sole traders?

[geek84]

Good Morning Folks

I am thinking of starting up a bookkeeping business and want to offer my services to sole traders (sometimes called one man businesses).
Could someone be kind enough to advice me how I can connect / get in touch with sole traders?

Thanks in advance

[technodup]

Phone them?

Apologies if I'm missing some sort of wider question, but phoning them will give the quickest response.

[Frimley111R]

Internet search for plumbers, electricians and builders - I'd do this. Call them.

[Mr Overheads]

Go to as many small business networking events as you can find e.g.
4N
BNI
Chamber of Commerce

Also seminars run by accountants, lawyers etc.

You'll soon gain a reputation as the person that can help with sole traders books and referral swill come to you.

Here's a list of all the organisations in the Leeds area, many will have events in your location too.
https://auditel.co.uk/consultants/overheadmanageme...

[garythesign]

You could try advertising in your local community magazine.

my previous bookkeeper had loads of business by doing this.

if i remember it only cost her £50 year

[Autopilot]

technodup said:

Phone them?

Apologies if I'm missing some sort of wider question, but phoning them will give the quickest response.

Yes, completely missed the wider question

The wider question is more to do with knowing who the sole traders are so the OP know's who to target....so he can then phone them, email etc etc etc

Anyhow, when I opened my Limited Company, I was inundated for weeks with very targetted 'junk' mail offering the services of Accountants and all sorts, literally everybody wanted a piece of me, well my business.

Based on this, I assumed you could get information from Companies House so had a quick look online and found this......

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploa...

Have a quick read and click about on the links as it looks like what you might be after.

Cheers

[Eric Mc]

We are moving into a new era regarding how businesses, especially small businesses, keep their records. How an external book-keeper (and the accountant) can get involved in the "new way" is actually still being thrashed out at the moment.

Read up on the Making Tax Digital threads to see what is happening and the effects these changes have on day to day record keeping.

[MitchT]

Don't know where you are but many cities have buildings in them consisting of "co-working" spaces where self-employed individuals pay a monthly fee for a work space. Each of those people is a potential client of yours. Try looking up companies like Bruntwood and The Office Group to find the sites.

[KevinCamaroSS]

Autopilot said:

The wider question is more to do with knowing who the sole traders are so the OP know's who to target....so he can then phone them, email etc etc etc


Based on this, I assumed you could get information from Companies House so had a quick look online and found this......

https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploa...

Great for new companies, but no good for sole traders/partnerships.

[technodup]

Autopilot said:

Yes, completely missed the wider question

The wider question is more to do with knowing who the sole traders are so the OP know's who to target....so he can then phone them, email etc etc etc

Should have made it a bit clearer then.

As above, (some) trades, hairdressers, cafes, web designers etc are likely to be sole traders. I'd likely target small businesses without worrying about their legal definition in the first instance.

I'd also avoid 4N and BNI like the plague, unless you want bored to death by tedious bawbags.

[geek84]

Good Morning Folks

Many thanks for your replies.

I'm very sorry for this late reply - my elderly mother has not been feeling well.

Although you kind folks have provide me with numerous ideas, any further ideas would be greatly appreciated.