Business cards, flyers, brochures, intro letters (sm)
Posted By: midwestMT on 2008-06-26
In Reply to: Trying to Go out on My Own!!! - happyMTmomof4
network, network, network, persistence and lots of luck.
Read The Independent Medical Transcriptionist by Donna Avila-Weil .... worth it's weight in gold!
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Does anybody have any sample intro letters or flyers
they'd be willing to share? I'm just looking for something that you found effective when picking up your own accounts. I have a database of potential clients ready to go, but my flyer looks a bit cheesy. Thank you.
brochures/letters/flyers
Okay --everyone let me have it. I don't feel I am better than anyone but several of you have asked for me to E-mail you my brochure/flyer/letter that I use when contacting doctors and I am having a hard time doing so. It took me a long time to do the research, many hours/days and weeks designing my simple brochure that reflects me and my business and I guess I am scared that someone will scan it and just replace my name with yours and it took me a long time to do it. So am I wrong? I basically just have a logo, state what services I provide, price and what experience I have but it has worked for me. I don't like ignoring those of you who have asked but I am having trouble sending it to you. I have no problems offering any of you support, advice, tips on what I do but have trouble meeting this request and not thinking that any of you would simply duplicate it and guess it wouldn't be that big a deal so am I really a horrible person?
brochures/letters/flyers
No you are not a horrible person - and having owned my own Transcription Service for 15 yrs until my husband passed away 12 yrs ago....I WOULDN'T SHARE my hard work either!!
I think it is extremely kind of you to offer support, advice and tips. I can't fathom asking for another persons/business brochure, it is just not right and personally I think it shows lack of respect for you.
My two-cents...
Flyers/Brochures
Do what the rest of us have done if you want to design your own, buy the paper, write out what you want to say about your service, find a logo, business name, figure out how to put the two together and design your brochure. Or you can find a company that will design one for you when you supply all this information and pay them anywhere from $100 to $1000 depending on how fancy you want it to be. I put a lot of sweat, blood and tears into mine and I have been asked several times for copies and samples and guess after somone in the area used parts of it in their brochure after I have shared it, I just don't share anymore. If someone gets one through my mailings, that is different but I just don't mail off copies to others to "share" with due to the above fact. But they aren't hard to do, just takes time. And yes mine works as I have always signed on a new account when I do a mass mailing. But again, it reflects me and my company as yours should reflect you. Good luck, you can do it. Just start and it comes to you.
Patti
cold calling/flyers/brochures
I have gotten several accounts that have been with me for years but I do a random flyer/brochure and then let them contact me. If they do, after I go in, I go back with cookies and reel them in. Seriously has worked for three accounts that have been with me from 4 to 15 years. Good accounts too.
anyone know where to find samples of flyers to start your own business?
I want to make my own and would like to look at how a few are formatted. Thx.
Business Cards
I am interested in picking up some new accounts and really want to design a nice business card --besides the usual info what else can I put on there to make a good impression?
Thanks for your feedback -
Business cards, referrals....
have really worked for me. I have had to turn away two offices recently and am very happy with the work I have. Cold calling landed me a good podiatry account and doing mailers/faxes provided two other accounts. If your persistent, you will get all the work you want. Where I live (Tampa) there are so many doctors' offices!
Best of luck to you!
get business cards, pound the pavement....sm
go to medical center buildings and sell yourself with your business card, your resume if required, and your own self-confidence!! Good luck!!
you proofread all business letters you receive in the mail and have fits over the errors! LOL (nm)
Brochures
Are there any places on these boards that give samples of brochures for marketing for medical transcription? Thanks so much!
Thank you - brochures
Thank you for all your input, guilt is gone. I know that I don't have a patent on my brochure or logo but it is mine and reflects me. So it will stay here with me. I felt that anyone that needed that much help would not be able to provide the necessary committment and knowledge to get and keep accounts but that was just me. Like I have said I paid my dues for many years and now am reaping from my hard work and want to enjoy it without guilt. Have a good weekend everyone.
Flyers
Patti,
I am an IC with a desire to go on my own with local doctors. Would you mind sharing with me the kind of things you put on your flyer. Also, how do you go about getting the information from them about what kind of system they use. They usually have one don't they? I am a little familiar with dial in since I worked for a small MTSO on that kind of system, but I only know how it worked from my end. Do you find a lot of offices still use tapes and do most want printed copies of the reports?
Thanks for any information.
I sent out flyers...sm
I also bought a minicassette transcription machine. I live in a podunk little area where there are practitioners who still use the ol' tapes, so I thought that it would pay for itself when I received calls. It did. I sent the flyers a few months back and have received calls back from two clinics. One clinic was all online and had software for me to use to get in their computer. The other was tapes.
The Independent Medical Transcriptionist is a good place to get ideas. I would have liked a little less sensationalism in it (and I totally could have done without the Glamour Shots), but it's a pretty good place to start. The technology now is a bit more sophisticated than what they describe from their copyright date of 2002, but some ideas are timeless.
Good luck!
I haven't seen any brochures, but if you
look at the Job Seekers board and go to some of the company websites you would probably see what you are asking for.
Brochures Reply
Thanks so much Debra. I would appreciate that you very much if you could send me a copy. Gosh that is nice of you!
Mary
Examples of flyers
I am looking for examples of flyers to in the physican's boxes at the hospital for medical transcriptionist services. Does anyone know where I could find some good examples....or does anyone have something they would like to share with me (from someone that is not very creative making flyers/resumes). If you have something you wouldn't mind sharing you can email me at norma_OK@yahoo.com. Thanks for the help.
Professional flyers
I do flyers and they are very "professional" and so what if they offer a free car wash. I found that most office managers just want to "look" to see what it offers and I feel opening a letter is sometimes takes "too much time" while at a flyer they can just turn over and read immediately what it is about. Again, I think whether letter or flyers if you are at the right place at the right time, you can nab an account. And yes, have gotten several accounts that way and one has been with me for 18 years. So probably either works, I just prefer the flyer. But remember just like selling a house, it takes time and you have to put it out there to several hundred to get a bite. And once I get a bite I then go in and talk to them taking cookies or something. Also when I am looking for a new account I do several mailings about 6 - 10 weeks apart so I stay fresh in everyone's mind. I also inform my present docs and their gals and offer a small bonus to anyone that helps me land a new account I am sure that everyone has their way of soliciting for new accounts and it has worked for them and so they feel it is "the only way to go" but whatever route you take you have to get out there, be visible and that means to a lot of people as with that also you get word of mouth between offices.
Good luck.
Does anyone know where I can find samples of brochures for....SM
business proposals? I paid to be a member on another MT website, so I can find that information out, but no one has emailed me or responded to any of my posts regarding this question. I am trying to put together a brochure, so I can hand out to the local clinics in my area. I thought I saw a thread somewhere, but I can't remember if it was here or on the other MT website. If anyone can help, I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.
That's good to know...do they help design brochures too?? nm
NM
Flyers Fan too! Gotta cheer for the Steelers though! nm
x
Unfortunately it is legal..so yes it is business and they will continue with bad business practices
x
I made my business your business by posting and...
I totally respect everyone's opinions. It is easier for others on the outside looking in. That's why I pushed the "post reply" button yesterday. I trust my fellow MTs and I know the more I read from you all, the more confident I am becoming. I just need that final push, not from him though. I also wanted to let you all know that the physical abuse while I was pregnant was documented by my doctor and the hospital. I only wish I had known then that it is a felony to abuse a pregnant woman. I also photographed my face from a couple of weeks ago and told several people in my circle. I had such high hopes for us. Now...not so much. I'm not saying that I won't try to get him to church, but I realize that God can only do so much for someone who isn't listening. j
Business is business. Internet forums are
.
cards
I just replaced my sound card, as well. I like the updated version of creative sound blaster... SB X-FI Audio. It is expensive, but worth the quality sound.
air cards
I use a Verizon wireless air card and it will not let you use a router. I can obviously unplug it from one pc and use it on another but not at the same time on both. I had asked about this when I signed up for it and they said that you have to have different cards on different computers to be able to use at the same time. I hope this helps.
Anything I should know about sound cards.
:
credit cards
Don't charge unless you can pay the piper.
credit cards (sm)
Yes, this is what I am referring to. I have been receiving these notices in the mail lately basically stating that the credit card companies can do whatever they want, i.e., raising interest rates, miminum payments, etc. This was attached onto the new bankruptcy bill that was passed in October. These changes will take effect I believe in Jan 2006. I am getting rid of all of mine. I have a good FICO score of 765 and have opted out of these new changes with the intent of paying off these cards. Hope everyone else is paying attention. Happy Thanksgiving!!
Then, do not get any more credit cards,
bank in this country, go to the doctor at all, have insurance, buy a Dell computer, or do any customer service calling. Boycott .. look around they are everywhere .. ;-)
debit cards
 do they automatically take the money out of your account the second you use it. I looked at my account online and it is very low. DH has been using the DC and it has not shown any of the transactions dh made this weekend. Just wandering if it had already took those out but hasn't shown it yet on-line or are we going to be bumbarded tomorrow. If dh don't get his paycheck in Wed and quick me may be in trouble
Here's the way these cards work...sm
They put a hold on your account the second the card is scanned for the amount it is scanned for. The processing of the charges goes through usually within hours to a couple of days depending on your bank.
Here's the #1 pitfall of debit cards - and my fiance just learned this the hard way after I had already warned him. We went out to eat 3 weeks ago and the waiter ran the wrong ticket on his debit card. Our total was around $40. The waiter rang the table next to us which was a larger group of people and their charges were right at $100. We caught the error when he brought the ticket to be signed. His boss immediately ran a credit; however, the banking system wouldn't post the credit to his account for 3 days. This means that for 3 days he had $60 less available than he should have had available. My mom also had an episode once where she and some friends went out to eat and the waiter hit a wrong button, charging her $127.00 instead of $12.70. Sure they ran a credit right away but for 3 business days she didn't have access to the difference in the amounts. While neither of them were in danger of bouncing checks over these clerical errors, if they had been running low on funds then they would have had checks bounce and it wouldn't have been their fault. I refuse to have a debit card for this very reason. By using a credit card if there's a mistake made then at least you have access to regular cash while the correction is being applied.
USB wireless cards are available.
You can get a wireless card that plugs in directly to a USB port. Just go to any tech store. We have both Dell and Lynksis versions on various machines here. There is usually an installation cd with the device.
Sprint Air cards
I agree with the above poster, however, I know that when I visited North Carolina a little over a year ago, my cell phone coverage was terrible. The thing to remember with air cards whether they be from Sprint, Verizon or Cingular is that the speed that you get with using one of these is very dependent on how close you are to a cell tower. I have the USB air card from Sprint and can use it with either my desktop or my laptop.
I used phone cards until I got my
digital phone set up. They worked fine, but were a pain as I would disconnect if I had to proof something so I would save minutes. There is a phone service that charges 2.9 cents, but I can't think of the name right now.
Christmas Cards
I send out cards, but a lot less than I used to. I used to send out at least 50, but now because of the rise in postage, I've cut it way down. I noticed last year we got a lot less cards too. Maybe nobody likes us anymore. LOL.
This is not true if you have multiple cards. sm
While it's true you need to have lines of credit to show history, NO ONE will tell you to keep open many accounts, because many open accounts represents POTENTIAL debt.
2 cards - FEMA and Red Cross
They haven't gotten to the FEMA ones, I don't think yet, but the Red Cross ran out of their cards today in Houston at the GRB after people stood in line for about 6 or so hours. They thought there would be rioting. Yeah, we are having a great time here in Texas.
I use debit cards and keep the receipts on the
desk until the item has cleared the bank. I check the accounts online EVERY morning and balance each while I am waiting for DQS to load. Once a check or debit clears I toss it.
This way mistakes (mine or others') can be caught before they become disasters, any by knowing exactly what the balance is I know what I can afford to spend that day.
Debit cards with logos on them
Where do you get debit cards from with the Visa or Master Card logo on them? My bank only gives out a Star Debit Card without any logos on it.
What do you think about sending out Christmas cards with
a business card inside to solicit for local accounts? Tacky? Different? Original? I've got a list of small locals I'd like to solicit but was waiting until after the new year. Then I found a couple of boxes of Christmas cards that I bought on clearance last year. Why not kill two birds with one stone? Unclutter the Christmas box and send holiday greetings to potential clients?
Proscript sent out gift cards (sm)
for dinner when we caught up a new account. Our transcription director is always writing encouraging and informative memos, though I do miss Rick's unique input.
E-cards are free from Hallmark (sm)
And they have a lot to choose from: funny, sappy, holidays, birthdays, whatever. I love to e-mail my friends e-cards and I love to get them too. Go to the Hallmark website and click on e-cards. You could send them to her daily or weekly or whatever.
I also think it will just take time for your sister to adjust. I think you are wonderful to care the way you do and have the concern that you have. She is very lucky to have a sister like you.
Love gift cards
I worked for a company who gave out visa gift cards, gift cards to local spas, gift cards to office supply stores, and to book stores. I also think campany logo desk accessories are a great way to promote company loyalty. You could have a choice of different things like mouse pads, mugs, and such for the smaller bonus.
I do send out Christmas Cards...sm
My youngest was sick the other day at school so I picked him up. While he was resting on the couch, I took that opportunity to start my Christmas cards. I got 20 or so done. Will finish during this week - about another 10-20. I love getting snail mail Christmas cards and think it is a wonderful change of pace (even my next door neighbor sent us one in the mail) from getting emails all day long. This also gives my family a chance to see them as opposed to getting them via email.
Cards that say donation to charity sm
St. Jude's Children Hospital has them, it reads that a gift to the hospital has been given to the hospital in their honor. Very nice, not too personal and no hint that some return gift is expected.
For a business ad?! A business that deals
''Transcriptsis'' x2
''with good track record''
''serve our clients of all sizes'' (I know what they mean, but I just think the wording is funny)
''strive to achieve highest possible quality'' (once again, they never met an 'article' that they didn't hate)
''all departments including H&P...'' (or a comma, for that matter)
If she gets to hawk her "discount medical cards"
can I solicit my Avon and scented candles businesses here?
which credit cards have the lowest interest now?
Looking to consolidate some bills, looking for the credit card with lowest interest
A few cards short of a full deck nm
   
Uh-oh! The cards are telling me to take the rest of the week off. See ya! nm
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