What equipment for starting own business?

MY SHRINK KEEPS ASKING ME IF I HAVE TRIED GETTING MY OWN ACCOUNTS VERSUS WORKING FOR A NATIONAL....(we are working on how to better handle life stressors).  (MQ?)  Anyway, I always tell him, yes, I have thought about it and I do know of two MTSOs as aquaintances.  I told him I am getting closer and closer to sending letters out to these MTSOs letting them know I am working as an MT and ask if they have any overflow work, to keep me in mind.  I told him I thought that would be the first step as I don't have a clue as to what equipment they use and how you go about the whole deal versus what I am doing now (wav files over internet). 

I am sure some of you who are or were MTSOs could clue me in as to how it is done, equipment wise, and what is involved.  I already know about the tax issues as we have had two small businesses previously. Is it still done with tapes that you pick up and what kind of equipment for that, or can it be done over the internet as per the nationals?

Thanks,

In the dark here.

• What equipment for starting own business? - sis
  • It just depends on what the client wants. - see message

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I've been in your shoes, though many years ago, and I had 12 years experience before I had the guts to go solo. 

There is so much more that you need to know beyond the specialty you'll be transcribing.  You need to know how to run a small business.  Things like zoning laws - I kid you not; there are still places where it is technically illegal to work in your home.  Do you need a license?  Do you know the tax implications?  Do you know the insurance/liability implications?  Are you adequately capitalized?  You'll need backup equipment, supplies and something to live on until you start getting paid.  Banks don't like to lend to small transcription services because they so often fail.  As another poster said, contracts are difficult, if not impossible to enforce.  Are you aware of regulatory issues like HIPAA (especially for the speciality you have chosen)?  Are you technically savvy?  Not all offices use tapes with pick-up/delivery of work anymore.  Do you know what you need to make to live?  Sure you could undercut the competition, but can you live on what you'd make?  Do you have someone you trust to cover for you if you are sick, the power goes out or you just want a day off?  There's so much more, but I'm sure you are getting the picture.

Look for a business college, junior college/city college or regional state university in your area that offers classes for small business owners.  Is there an office of the Small Business Administration (government agency - your tax dollars at work) or SCORE (Service Core of Retired Executives) in your area that offers classes?

You are looking to do a tough thing.  I'm not sure I'd want to do it again, but I don't regret the years I did it.  Give it some more thought.  Best of luck to you.

Need some advice, please.  I am starting a small company and I want to market myself to be able to take overflow work from larger companies (or hospitals/clinics/medical centers) to give and send out to my group of MTs and QAs.  I do not want the hassle of trying to approach the large hospitals, clinics, medical centers, themselves and I do not have the capital to purchase my own dictation system or program. 

I was thinking of going to the MT conventions and networking there but was not sure who/what companies attend these conventions.  Does anyone have any ideas or can anyone point me in the right direction?  I would appreciate any advice anyone could give to me.  TIA

Maria Maz

You could do all kinds of stuff (do a Google search under virtual assistant, there are some webpages that explain stuff).  U-Haul I believe also hires people to do phone customer service from home.  If you look on guru . com they have people who advertise for odd jobs and lots of them are virtual assistant kind of stuff.

Just some ideas.  You could also do daycare, pampered chef, that kind of stuff.  :)

First of all, I have worked for several nationals in the past few years, and equipment has always been provided.  I currently have a f/t position with a national that I use my own personal computer for, they just put their software on it.  I had what I needed already, as far as foot pedal, Expander program, etc.

I have just been sort of rolling ideas around in my head about possibly starting up something small perhaps on a p.r.n. basis just to bring in a little extra income.  As I am still just mulling this around in my mind, my questions are:  How do I go about getting started? Do I try to purchase equipment first, or start out using tapes? I am worried about spending the money and not having any takers, so I am thinking, I should send out some sort of letters first; but, without having the equipment already, how do I tell them I plan on doing their transcription.  Maybe mention tapes first, and tell them I have plans to go digital after I get up and running? These are all just things I wonder about.  If anyone has any ideas, please feel free to email me with any advice. 

I have been an MT for 16+ years, but as I said, I have always had all of the stuff provided for me and just don't know how to start. 

Thanks in Advance!

I have done some research and are willing to share if you want to E-mail me and maybe between the three of us we can figure this out as I have 3 different accounts that I want to switch over to digital.  So E-mail me and we can share info.

Patti -- pjsword@aol.com

Does anyone have a doctor who is already using something like this:  http://www.mdtablet.com/demo.asp

I have such mixed feelings about this (EMR).  On one hand, I think the technology is awesome, and I think it makes so much of sense to have our medical info. available electronically (pretty much immediately) instead of a doctor having to request a hard copy and wait for it to be mailed or whatever (like when you change PCP doctors or go to a specialist or whatever). 

On the other hand, is every doctor going to be running around with one of these handheld devices in his/her pocket, with all this medical info. on people?  What if they lose it?  How secure and accurate is the info. really?  And of course I won't even go into the effect EMR will have on our jobs as MTs. 

BTW, I saw this "MD Tablet" thing in the background when I was watching a story on Nightline.  The story was about how the super rich in America are pretty much oblivious to the state of the economy, and still carry on with their usual lifestyle, spending money lavishly.  No cutbacks for them to worry about.  The one rich guy they were showing is involved in this MD Tablet product. Ever feel like, as MTs, we are sooo on the wrong side of things?  LOL

I have a second computer available, but I'm seriously considering getting a second Dictatphone system. I've already had headsets and foot pedals go on me.

Anyone else?

transcription equipment company. 

I know I am of the "old school" but I think that you do need to have some basic equipment on hand when you are advertising to do transcription.  You don't have to have everything but a basic microcassette is not that much money.  Any account that I have gotten -- though it was years ago -- asked me what equipment I had and if I did not have what they needed --they searched elsewhere.  That is why I invested in my transcribers starting with the micro, then standard and then mini.  All accounts had me start within a week of talking with them.   Last year when I was thinking of expanding and had a couple of inquiries when they found out that I was not immediately set up to do digital -- though I told them I would buy the equipment and get set up -- did not hear back from them.  So I think you need the basics so that you are ready to go when they ask.  Since she has been working for a national already, she has her foot pedal and can do digital, just get a transcriber for the tapes --most of the smaller offices still go with the tapes.  But again, I am of the old school and have not looked for new clients for a while.  But I sure would not advertise or attempt to get accounts without the equipment and being ready to go at a minute's notice since they might use me for overflow and I could get my foot in the door.  A client does not like to hear,  I will be set up in a week for you or ten days.   Though they can say it, when they want your service and you are solicting for the business you had better be ready to do it.  Just me.

Is anyone using the Voice Solutions DA-128?  If so, could you look at the power source and tell me the input and output voltage specs?  I recently moved and lost my transformer!  I need to find a replacement in order to work! 

Am IC who does transcription for local MDs -- want to go digital - Should I purchase the equipment or should ask MD to do this??  help

Hi,

I'm thinking of setting up so a local physician can call in to dictate and I can transcribe her work for quick TAT. I've been working for services for the last few years, so am out of the loop as far as equipment. I've researched the Dictaphone Straight Talk system, but I wonder if there is something else "out there" that would be better, cheaper, etc. Any information or suggestions from anyone would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Karen

Now you're talking about things I don't understand or know about. Digital transfer of voice files would be great but I need info on equipment, software, etc. I need to know what equipment is best, wha software to use, recommendations, etc.  I need the what, how, who, where, how much on this. I have researched, but I'm getting confused. I thought maybe someone with such a system could provide suggestions, locations, where to buy, etc. 

Thanks again,

Karen