Comments on: Four Professionals Who Can Help Your Business Succeed

By: Laura Spencer

Laura Spencer — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:13:24 +0000

Thanks Joyce!

As you can tell, I’m not a fan of doing every single thing all by yourself just because you’re self-employed.

By: Joyce

Joyce — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 19:10:05 +0000

Laura, I may be a little biased (I’m an accountant) but I think this is an excellent piece regardless. thanks for giving me something to point to when I try to tell aspiring freelancers & entrepreneurs that building a “mastermind group” is important to their future success (or failure).

By: Marketing Specialist

Marketing Specialist — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 17:56:31 +0000

I would agree with Colin that a good accountant is extremely hard to find, however, the few that I’ve worked with have been older – which I kind of like. I think there is something to be said for experience in such a complex industry with very unique rules and guidelines.

Something else that I’ve found to be a challenge is finding more than one attorney that gives the same or similar advice. My problem is always wanting a second opinion in areas I am unfamiliar with. It makes deciding which way to move forward a tougher challenge – at least for me.

By: Andrea Coutu

Andrea Coutu — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 05:26:31 +0000

If you’re shoppping for a marketing consultant, look for one who understands how to build relationships, so that you can turn members of the general public into raving fans.

By: Laura Spencer

Laura Spencer — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:34:35 +0000

Great comments!

Thanks to everyone who shared their stories. I could have, of course, added other professionals – but that would vary from freelancer to freelancer. For example, a freelancer who doesn’t specialize in writing web copy could probably use a copywriter. One who is unfamiliar with design could use a designer, and so on.

In the United States accountants and tax professionals can be the same person — or they can be different. It depends on your needs. I wrote this way because my Tax Professional specializes in taxes only. He wouldn’t have time to help with setting up a chart of accounts or bookkeeping tasks, for example. Other accountants may operate differently.

By: Judith

Judith — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:52:04 +0000

I certainly need a really good marketing specialist. This is the one area where I lack in talent, skills and quite frankly motivation to take me to the next level. I will start looking for an affordable marketing specialist right away. Great post Laura

By: theCount

theCount — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 11:50:09 +0000

The first 3 are essentials to any business large and small, I think though that a designer who is or is going freelance by choice should already have enough marketing chutzpah to succeed…

Book Keepers or Accountants over here (I live in germany) are pretty much one and the same thing, I just collect all my Paperwork, (receipts, billings and invoices) in a ringbinder and hand em over once a month…

Attorneys are probably the most difficult to find because they are so varied in their skill sets, I have a long term relationship with a Lawyer who knows who to call in for specialist stuff, the most important aspect of that relationship is Trust and that must be a mutual thing…

Yet again another nice article for freelance freshies.

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Fri, 12 Jun 2009 02:55:09 +0000

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By: Rita

Rita — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 23:52:59 +0000

Attorneys are ungodly expensive, but it’s always good to have one on call. I had one write up an E&O portion for my standard contract for clients, and it makes me feel better knowing that he’s there if I ever have any issues.

I also second hiring an accountant. Mine is also a tax professional — I’m not sure why the two were separated in this article? Do you do things differently in the US?

Another suggestion? If you’re not an absolute techie, have an IT person around. The money will be worth it.