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Bartering with Accountants

by Jordan Godbey
3 replies
Hey Offliners,

I started my offline business in May of 2010 and did pretty well last year.

My cousin is a tech guy, but started a landscaping business about 4 years ago and told me

Business rule #1 : get an accountant
Business rule #2 : get a lawyer

Up until now, I haven't had any problems or felt the "need" to get either. (how ever.. I haven't kept track of my income/expenses or had to pay taxes yet for the first time either....)

What is your experience/advice on this?

Have any of you negotiated to do some SEO or build a site for your local accountant to get his services for free?


Thanks!

Jordan
#accountants #bartering #lawyer
  • Profile picture of the author AbsoluteDominance
    Jordan,

    While I haven't bartered with my accountant I have with several other professionals I work with. It is a great way to develop a relationship. One other thing you will want to focus on is being able to network with your accountant. Generally they are going to be serving dozens if not hundreds of good prospects that you can work with to help them improve their business. Make sure to ask him to refer you to his clients and you will have a built in sales funnel.

    Steve
    Signature

    Some times you just have to take life by the throat and shake a little more out.

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    • Profile picture of the author MattyD
      One of my first clients after I separated my first business into 3 different companies, three years ago, was an accountant. We worked on a bartered services basis - she does my business and personal tax returns, I look after her website. In addition to this, she's also paying me monthly for marketing her business online.

      I echo what Steve said above - you can leverage the accountant (or any other client that deals with other businesses) for referrals. I'm in the process of setting up a better referral system with her at the moment. She has already sent 3 clients my way in the last 12 months.

      It's a win:win relationship and if you cultivate it properly, it will last for a very long time!
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  • Profile picture of the author Jordan Godbey
    So do you both agree that I need an accountant?

    My cousin told me to send them the info on the checks that come in for me every month and also the expenses and they'll handle my tax stuff at the end of the year.

    I haven't had to do that yet, but don't want to be hit with a huge surprise.
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