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#107786 - 08/16/08 01:33 AM
A l.ittle advice, please
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MariaMaz
New Member
Registered: 08/16/08
Posts: 7
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I have been an MT for over 10 years and have decided to go out on my own; however, I do not want the expense of having to purchase a dictation system. I just do not have the capital to spend. I would like to contact larger companies, hospitals, clinics, etc., and offer my services for overflow work. I would offer a competitive rate and could hire MTs at a decent rate and I would make profit in quantity and not by trying to make a killing in profit per line. I am not a pushy person and do not know the first thing about getting my foot in the door. I was thinking of attending Medical Transcription conventions - I think there is one in October somewhere, but I am not sure what type of companies or people attend these. Does anyone think that going to the convention(s) and networking would be a viable option to help me build my business? Also, how do I find out where the MT conventions will be? What about trying to find a good marketing firm to market my company without charging me an arm and a leg? Any ideas there? Any advice good or bad would be helpful. Thanks so much. I really value everyone's opinions and need some guidance. MMaz
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#107788 - 08/16/08 02:09 AM
Re: A l.ittle advice, please
[Re: MariaMaz]
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Julie W8
Member
Registered: 01/10/99
Posts: 3547
Loc: Los Angeles, CA USA
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The meeting in October is the AHIMA meeting. The last one I attended (2 years ago, if memory serves), there were over 80 MTSOs with booths - so you most certainly could meet other services and talk to them about subcontracting. Many of the transcription platform companies (TASPs) also have partnerships - they will feed you work, at a price they set, as long as you work on their platform. Some of them are out there getting accounts to put on their platform and they give that work to MTSOs who use their platform. I'm not sure there are partnerships for companies that aren't also bringing them more work, but you could ask.
I hate to burst your bubble, but most MTSOs are operating on the "we're not making any money but we make up for it in volume" pricing scheme. It's about all there is in MT these days.
Also, be aware that if you subcontract overflow from hospitals and clinics, you may still need your own platform or dictation system. Not all of them let you work directly off any system they may have. Again, you can always ask.
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#107800 - 08/16/08 12:06 PM
Re: A l.ittle advice, please
[Re: Julie W8]
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MariaMaz
New Member
Registered: 08/16/08
Posts: 7
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Thanks so much Julie for your response. I think that it will be worth my while to attend that convention because you never know who you may meet. Can't hurt. My theory is I can ask and the worst that they can say is no.
Do I have to sign up or anything to be able to attend and just walk through? It has been so many years since I have been to any business conventions - the last one was at the Jacob Javitz (sp) Center in NYC when I was working for an electronics company and that was quite a long time ago and I remember I had to have a badge. So, if anyone can give me any further info on the AHIMA convention I would really appreciate it. TIA!!
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#107803 - 08/16/08 12:42 PM
Re: A l.ittle advice, please
[Re: MariaMaz]
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Julie W8
Member
Registered: 01/10/99
Posts: 3547
Loc: Los Angeles, CA USA
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You have to sign up and it costs money. My suggestion would be to just buy a vendor hall pass, unless there are sessions you're dying to attend. IMO, the vendor hall has the best networking opportunity and there are people standing around in booths, just waiting to talk to someone.
http://www.ahima.org/convention/2008/
This year, it's in Seattle. Where are you located?
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#107845 - 08/16/08 09:02 PM
Re: A l.ittle advice, please
[Re: Julie W8]
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MariaMaz
New Member
Registered: 08/16/08
Posts: 7
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Thanks Julie!! This helps a lot. I really appreciate it.
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#107860 - 08/17/08 06:04 AM
Re: A l.ittle advice, please
[Re: MariaMaz]
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Redpen
Member
Registered: 12/31/69
Posts: 987
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Have you contacted your local Small Business Association? They offer assistance and sometimes classes in setting up a small business, marketing, developing business plans, etc.
The majority of small businesses fail, but seeking this sort of advice in advance can help you succeed. It can also help you understand what kind of business loans are available to help you fund the necessary start-up costs (lawyers, accountants, licenses, equipment, etc.), including a loan to buy or lease a dictation system.
_________________________
Redpen
(The Andrews School)
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#107876 - 08/17/08 01:14 PM
Re: A l.ittle advice, please
[Re: Redpen]
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MariaMaz
New Member
Registered: 08/16/08
Posts: 7
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I had never thought of that. Thanks so much and I will look into that right away. Any help I can get to start will be a HUGE advantage. Thanks!!
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#107923 - 08/18/08 01:40 AM
Re: A l.ittle advice, please
[Re: MariaMaz]
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Redpen
Member
Registered: 12/31/69
Posts: 987
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Also check your community colleges and adult ed programs. They might have a weekend class or something in setting up a small business.
_________________________
Redpen
(The Andrews School)
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#107957 - 08/18/08 01:15 PM
Re: A l.ittle advice, please
[Re: Redpen]
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MariaMaz
New Member
Registered: 08/16/08
Posts: 7
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Thanks and also the SBA has already gotten back to me answering some of my questions. That was a great idea and I did not even know that it existed. Thanks, again.
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