Home Based Bookkeeping Business

How To Get Started

Gain access to the same resources I used when starting a home based bookkeeping business of my own. From deciding on a name, obtaining an EIN and purchasing software to knowing the types of expenses you can deduct for your home office.

It's hard to know where to start when first opening your own business. Working at home poses it's own special challenges and important things to consider such as time management issues. Following are a few of the top basics to consider when first getting started with your own home based business of any kind.

Business Cards and Business Stamps

Costs are always a consideration when first getting started. You can get free business cards at Vista Print. All you have to do is pay for shipping and handling. I started by getting 250 business cards. The free business cards come with the Vista Print logo on the back, which was definitely worth it to me when just getting started and money is tight. Of course, you can always upgrade at anytime by paying additional charges.

You can get free business stamps from Vista Print by just paying shipping and handling as well. They have many different templates to choose from. I took advantage of the free address stamp, utilizing it for my initial mailings and accounts payable. If you decide to go with the address stamp, make sure to include your website address on the stamp too. It's a great way to gain free name recognition and advertising, and turn a negative (paying bills) into a positive. 

Benefits of Business Cards

Business cards have long been a staple in professional networking and marketing. In the digital age, where information is readily available online, some might question the relevance of business cards. However, home based bookkeeping business cards continue to offer unique advantages and remain a valuable tool for businesses. Here are several benefits of using business cards:

1. First Impression and Professionalism: Handing someone a well-designed, high-quality business card creates a positive first impression and conveys professionalism. A business card serves as a tangible representation of your brand, showcasing attention to detail and a commitment to professionalism. It establishes credibility and demonstrates that you take your business seriously, which can significantly impact how others perceive and remember you.
2. Effective Networking Tool: Business cards serve as a powerful networking tool, facilitating connections and making it easier to exchange contact information. In social settings, conferences, or business events, exchanging business cards allows for a seamless transfer of information without the need to type details into a phone or search online. It ensures that potential leads, clients, or collaborators have your contact information readily available, increasing the chances of follow-up communication.
3. Convenient and Accessible Contact Information: A business card provides a concise and organized format for sharing contact information. It includes essential details such as your name, job title, company name, phone number, email address, and website. Having this information readily available in a tangible format ensures that recipients can easily refer back to it when needed, rather than relying on memory or searching through digital contacts. Business cards enable quick and direct access to your contact information, making it easier for people to reach out to you.
4. Branding and Marketing Tool: Business cards offer an opportunity to showcase your brand and make a lasting visual impact. By incorporating your company's logo, color scheme, and design elements, you reinforce brand recognition and make your business memorable. Well-designed and visually appealing business cards can spark interest and curiosity, encouraging recipients to explore your products or services further. Including a tagline or a brief description of your expertise can also communicate your value proposition and differentiate you from competitors.
5. Versatility and Cost-Effectiveness: Business cards are versatile marketing tools that can be distributed in various settings and situations. They can be handed out during meetings, conferences, trade shows, or even in casual encounters. Unlike digital methods of exchanging information, business cards do not rely on technology, ensuring their accessibility in any situation. Additionally, business cards are a cost-effective marketing investment. Compared to other advertising or promotional materials, they are relatively inexpensive to produce, making them a cost-efficient means of expanding your professional network and promoting your business.
6. Tangible Reminder: In today's digital world, where information can be easily forgotten or lost among countless online connections, a physical business card serves as a tangible reminder of a meeting or interaction. When recipients come across your business card in their wallet or desk, it triggers a memory and serves as a prompt to follow up or engage with your business. This tangible presence increases the likelihood of continued communication and potential collaborations.

Home Based Bookkeeping Business Software

Bookkeeping Business Software

I use QuickBooks Accountant Premier Edition and recommend you use the same for your own home based business. The accountant edition allows you compatibility with all the different kinds of QuickBooks home based bookkeeping business software including Pro and Premier. It also allows you to work with the Accountants Changes so that your clients can continue with their daily tasks while you make adjusting journal entries.

Through bookkeeping-basics.net, you can get a 20% discount and free shipping on Quickbooks Accounting Software. Or, you can also try to get a deal by purchasing new or used through eBay. Whatever you decide on, I would recommend purchasing the most current version out there.

Obtain an Employer Identification Number

You can apply for an Employer Identification Number online by going to www.irs.gov. I personally feel that anyone who has their own business, whether they have employees or not, should file for a separate EIN number. For the simple reason that it's much safer than using your social security number on everything.

You don't have to file for a ficticious name for your home based bookkeeping business unless you are not using any part of your real name in the name of your business. If you are making up a completely new name, you can do a search to make sure the name is not already being used and file online at www.irs.gov as well.

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