Michelle Long - How to Start a Home-based Bookkeeping Business

I have many people to thank and acknowledge for their help in writing this book.

First and foremost is my family. Special thanks to my husband, Steve, and my children, Andrew and Jessica, for your support and encouragement while I was writing this bookespecially when deadlines were approaching and I questioned whether I could get it done. You helped me stay focused and determined to finish it, and I am so grateful for your support. I appreciate the help and understanding from you all!

Many people helped me write this book without even realizing it. Thank you to the bookkeepers, accountants, QuickBooks ProAdvisors, tax professionals, IT consultants, and others who participated online in my LinkedIn Group (Successful QuickBooks Consultants), Intuit Community Forums, the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB) discussion list, and other online groups and forums. Reading their questions and the advice and experience they share with each other helped me focus on the most important and relevant topics and concepts for this book. I would like to especially thank those who provided quotes that are included throughout the book and Jay Shah for writing an article about the accounting industry and cloud computing (included in the appendices).

Thank you, Intuit, for permission to include the Average Billing Rates Survey, sample engagement letters, and QuickBooks New Client Setup Checklist in this book. Those resources and others provided to accounting professionals via Intuit Academy and the QuickBooks ProAdvisor Program have helped me achieve success in my business. Additionally, I am honored and grateful to be a member of Intuits Writer/Trainer Network and one of the few national trainers for Intuits Whats New launch tour each autumn. I truly enjoy helping other accounting professionals learn more about QuickBooks and helping them grow their business.

To everyone at Globe Pequot Press: Thank you for allowing me to be an author for your home-based business series of books. I am thrilled to be fortunate enough to have the opportunity to write a book for your series. I appreciate your assistance and efforts to the book.

To the new home-based bookkeepers and accountants: Congratulations on starting your own business! I am sure this book will help you on the road to building your own successful business. Being a home-based business owner is not always easy, but I think it is definitely worth the effort. It takes some time and patience, but you can do it, and this book will help you.

Lastly Id like to thank all the clients who allow me into their worlds to share, learn, grow, and experience this passion of mine. I truly enjoy every minute with you and am grateful that you open your world and trust me to support you on this journey.