“Where am I going to get clients?”
It’s a question lots of tax professionals ask as they ponder starting their own tax business.
Going it on your own may seem scary but being your own boss and setting your own schedule… Not so scary!
Building your practice is going to take a bit of time but if you know where to start it shouldn’t be that hard. Here are five easy ways to start building your client list as a new preparer.
1. Start with friends and family.
What better way to spread the word about your new business than announcing your new venture to family and friends? This circle of people will likely be your biggest group of supporters and cheerleaders so start there and ask for referrals.
2. Join networking groups.
There are so many networking groups out there so join a few that are affordable and start networking. Be sure to pick a group that doesn’t already have a tax professional in it so that you have the opportunity to gain clients from within the membership and then gain referrals from there. BNI’s are generally great networking groups to join. There is also PRO, your local chamber or small local groups you may want to join.
3. Develop a referral program.
Developing a refer-a-friend program is a great way to grow your client base. A referral program will incentivize the clients you have to refer their friends, thus easily growing your client list through your current client’s network.
4. Reach out to your professional network.
Are you on LinkedIn? You should be! Announce the big news to your network and ask for referrals there. LinkedIn is a powerful online networking tool that will help you gain more exposure and stay in touch with the professionals in your network.
You could also reach out to your professional network via email to announce that you have opened your own practice and are taking clients. You might even consider holding an open house before tax season (if you have a brick and mortar location).
5. Offer up free tax planning or other seminars.
A great way to get new clients in the door is to hold a free seminar on year-end tax planning or the new Affordable Care Act rules. It’s a great way to get people in your door who will likely become clients. You can promote your seminar on local news sites, through friends and family, on your social media sites and also through your networking groups.
If you don’t have a place to host a seminar, consider offering to speak at another group’s event.
Bonus idea: Get our Tax Practice Management Tools!
No need to reinvent the wheel, our Tax Practice Management Manuals and Strategic Planning Retreat Webinars will enable you to compete on a level playing field with national tax preparation chains. Our guides include policy and procedures manuals, marketing manuals and much more.
Growing your tax business is all about networking and building that word of mouth buzz. Once you have your first clients, offer them great service, incentivize service, and you’re sure to continue growing from there!
Further Reading
One Easy Tactic to Gain Client Loyalty and Increase Referrals
The Ultimate Marketing Plan Checklist
6 Things Every Tax Business Owner Should Do To Grow Their Business
Starting a new tax business this year and wondering how to gain clientele before the season? Check out our blog.