Networking Plan for Bookkeepers – How to Beat Loneliness
Having a networking plan for bookkeepers is as important as maintaining a good business plan. As a freelance bookkeeper, you often find yourself buried in tons of paperwork, right? Organizing records and crunching numbers are not easy tasks. You often find yourself working through nights and even holidays, especially during tax season. So how do you keep yourself together? How will you ensure you still have a healthy work-life balance while also making sure you run a good business?
Networking is Connecting
Unlike the creative industries, accounting and bookkeeping are some of the more monotonous jobs. You work hours after hours scanning through and analyzing records and financial documents, which sometimes becomes a little too tiring. Understandably, because you need so much focus and meticulous records management, at some point, you will really start to feel drained.
This is why a networking plan for bookkeepers is important. It makes you connect with people. And connecting with people, in whatever way or means, is an excellent way to break a cycle. So taking breaks and networking will definitely be good for you. Otherwise, if you continue to keep to yourself and your work, there will come a time when loneliness may creep in.
Connecting to the world outside the four corners of your office has benefits. Not only will it be good for your mental and emotional health, but you also get to be attuned to the latest news and trends that can be useful in your business. Plus, you don’t know the great possibilities when you reach out and network. You may even land more clients and projects!
Networking Plan for Bookkeepers
Having a networking plan for bookkeepers is simple and easy. While it is true that you may need to exert some extra effort, the results are definitely worth it! You can do this. Take a deep breath and start reaching out more. Here are a few tips on how you can start networking and connecting:
1. Join a Bookkeeper’s Club
Of course, who else can understand you better than your fellow bookkeepers? Bookkeeping clubs, organizations, and associations are created to provide guidance and support to fellow bookkeepers. These associations connect bookkeepers through discussion boards or forums online. Here you can discuss relevant topics and even off-topic matters.
Imagine sharing an issue with fellow bookkeepers and then realizing they also have the same sentiment. You can then start solving problems together, learning from each other’s experiences. These interactions can develop into newly formed friendships, and before you know it, you will be meeting and having coffee together!
Here are some of the most prominent bookkeeping organizations in the U.S. you can check out:
- American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers (AIPB)
- Institute of Certified Bookkeepers USA (ICBUSA)
- National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB)
If you want to expand your network to a worldwide level, you can check out Digital Bookkeeper Association (DBA).
2. Explore Other Online Communities
Sometimes, you just need to clear your mind from everything related to accounting and bookkeeping, right? That is perfectly fine. Go online and find communities from other fields that interest you. This is probably where social media platforms excel the most; connecting people from all over the world through their interests.
If you still do not have a social media account, create one and start looking for pages that spark your interest. You wouldn’t believe how many pages are out there! Social media has communities of all topics and subjects, from dog lovers’ pages to arts and crafts to true crime stories.
A lot of friendships (and relationships) are started through social media. What’s even better is that you are not limited to your fellow citizens. You can also connect with people from other countries who share the same interests as you. Imagine the many stories you can exchange with each other!
3. Participate in Local Activities
Face-to-face interaction is still better than online networking platforms. It is more personal and sincere. You do need to get up from that chair and go out anyway. If your town or city is having a festival or any other particular activity, participate and have fun. Fresh air will do you good.
Talk to your neighbors or start a conversation with your local baker. There really is something special when you look people in the eyes while talking with them. With your line of work, human interaction is minimal, and it can get pretty isolating. So, it would be best if you saw people. You need human interaction. Plus, if it is a holiday festival, it can make you feel extra cheerful. Even if it is a Halloween event!
4. Host a (Networking) Party
Preparing for an event, no matter how small it is, will help you beat loneliness. This is a good networking plan for bookkeepers. And because you are hosting it, you get to control the entire event. You decide if it will just be an intimate dinner for family and friends or a bigger party where your invitees can bring friends too. A bigger party will reunite you with friends and family and is a good way to connect with others. This is also an excellent opportunity to market your business and find bookkeeping clients.
Conclusion
You absolutely do not have to feel detached from the world just because your work buries you with hundreds of paperwork. No, isolation and loneliness do not have room in your life. Taking little breaks helps. Finding a hobby or joining small classes like yoga or pottery making is a great way to keep a healthy work-life balance too.
And, as a freelancer who typically works for hours alone, human connection is important. So go out and see people as much as you can. If you are the type who enjoys online interactions as well, there are a lot of ways to build meaningful connections too. Let this networking plan for bookkeepers help you!
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