Medical transcription - Start-up Cost

Here's what you'll need start a transcription business or secretarial service and the estimated start-up cost for starting a secretarial service.

You can start your transcription and secretarial services with just a computer, printer, a few business cards, and a pack of paper. You can get additional equipment and supplies later.

Computer. Any computer will get you started. You don’t need a high-end computer to do word processing. However, if you want to provide graphic design or web design services, then you'll want to get the best computer you can afford. Cost: From $200 for a used computer to $1000-$2500 for a new computer.

Software: Most computers come with a word processing program. I recommend using Microsoft Word as soon as you can afford it because that's what most of your clients will have. Cost: Check with Microsoft for the current rates.

Printer: I recommend a laser printer but many secretarial services use an inexpensive inkjet printer. Cost: From $20 for a used inkjet printer to $600-$2000 for a laser printer.

Desk. You can get a small computer desk or use a table. Check local office supply stores such as Office Depot, OfficeMax, and Staples. All three have catalogs. Cost: $30 and up. You have a lot of choices for $100-$200.

Computer chair. Choose one that feels comfortable to you. The more expensive chairs are not necessarily the most comfortable ones. Cost: $30-$200.

Office supplies. You'll need at least one pack of paper to print your clients' work. Cost: $3-$7.

Telephone: I recommend getting a separate phone line from the beginning. Cost: Check with your local phone company.

Transcribers: We'll discuss transcribers in a future issue/

Business cards: Print your business cards on your own printer one sheet at the time or have a set of 500 or 1000 printed for $20-$100.

Business license. Cost: $20-$100 depending on the city and county you're conducting business in.
If you already have a computer, your start-up cost is minimal.

All the best success with your transcription and secretarial business!

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Looking for typing work at home? Start a secretarial service. The Secretarial-Business-in-a-Box provides instant tools you need to start and run a successful secretarial service. Free articles and business start-up newsletter http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com.

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Provided by Leva Duell, Start a Secretarial Service, http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com/ © 2004

Be sure to forward this blog to friends who are interested in starting a secretarial service. http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com/

Medical transcription - fictitious business name

Today, we'll discuss how to register your fictitious business name for your medical transcription service.

If you want to operate your medical transcription service under a name other than your personal name, e.g., John Doe doing business as "Medical Transcription Plus," the county, city, or state may require you to register your fictitious name. Registering your business name also prevents others from using it.

Procedures vary from state to state. In many states, you pay a registration fee to the county clerk at the county office. Some states require placing a fictitious-name ad in a local newspaper. The newspaper printing the legal notice for your business name usually files the necessary papers with the county for a small fee. Check your local papers and shop around as prices vary drastically. Papers with smaller circulation are less expensive. Your bank may require a fictitious-name registry to open a business account. Call your bank or local city courthouse to find out the procedure for your area.

Fictitious-name filings do not apply to corporations in most states unless the corporation is doing business under a name other than its own. You won't need to register a fictitious business name if your own name is part of your business name because the registration's purpose is to protect your clients by making it public knowledge who owns the business.

Sample of Fictitious Business Names

Professional Medical Transcription * Right Now Medical Transcription * SOS Medical Transcription * Express Secretarial Services * A Medical Transcription Professional * A-Plus Medical Transcription * Computer-Ready Transcribing * Dial-In Medical Transcription * Medical Transcription Specialist * Fast Medical Transcription * Hypertyper * International Medical Transcription * Jill's Medical Transcription * The Office Extension * The Medical Transcriptionist * The Medical Transcription Center * Medical Transcription by Marie * Medical Transcription Emergencies.

After selecting your business name, you can create your logo, letterhead, envelopes, and business cards.

Start a home-based medical transcription business visit http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com/medical-transcription.html

All the best success with your medical transcription business!

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Get the instant tools to start your own secretarial business NOW. "The Secretarial Business-In-A-Box" provides the following tools: - Who your most profitable clients are and how to get their business.- Proven marketing strategies to grow your business in record time - 16 ready-to-use postcards to promote your secretarial business - 7 proven letters to promote your secretarial business - Forms to run your business. Get the instant tools to start your own secretarial business NOW. Visit http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com.

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If you are interested in other home-based businesses, visit http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com/start-a-home-business.html

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Provided by Leva Duell, Start a Secretarial Service, http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com/ © 2004

Be sure to forward this blog to friends who are interested in starting a secretarial service or medical transcription service. http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com

Medical transcription - choose a business name

Today, we'll discuss how to choose a name for your medical transcription business.

Choosing a business name for your medical transcription is important. Select it carefully.

Be sure the name fits these criteria:

• Indicate what kind of business you are in
• Easy to remember
• Distinctive - stand out from your competition
• Catch the client's attention
• Create a professional image
• Inspire clients to buy from you

A Promotional Tool

The right name is an effective advertising tool. If it doesn't describe the nature of your business, potential clients may not realize that you offer something they need.

Choose a name that is simple and easy to remember. You want your clients to be able to pronounce it and spell it. They also have to remember it to call information when they lost your phone number.

The first letter of your business name will affect where you are listed in the Yellow Pages. Keep your name short - long name increases your advertising cost.

List Characteristics

List all the characteristics of your business. Find synonyms. Check several categories in the Yellow Pages and look for existing names you like. Play with combinations and variations of all of the above.

Brainstorm

Think, brainstorm and you will come up with ideas that fit your needs. The process of brainstorming involves the interaction among several people where each throws out ideas. Send a short survey to your friends and business associates. Have them vote from 1-10.

Try using any of these descriptions in a name.* Transcription * Transcribing * Medical Transcription

Should You Use Your Own Name?

Using your own name, followed by the type of service works well if you have a reputation in your specialty. An example is "Jim Smith's Medical Transcription" or "John Doe's Legal Transcription." Looking like a one-person organization makes your business more personalized. People like to deal with the same person rather than with different people each time.

Try your own name in combination with any of the above. Add words such as:* Professional * Excellent * Reliable/dependable * Fast * Express * Creative.

Test Your Name

Once you have chosen a few names, test them out on friends and family, potential clients and everyone you know. Ask them what kind of service they think you provide and what feeling they get about the name.

In our next blog, we'll discuss "How to Register Your Fictitious Business Name (D.B.A.)."

All the best success with your secretarial business!

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Resources

Click here to get free business cards printed. Shop Office Depot for Customized Business Cards, Stationery, and More!

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Medical transcription requires knowledge of medical terminology. Many people combine secretarial services with medical transcription. Get the instant tools to start your own secretarial business NOW. "The Secretarial Business-In-A-Box" provides the following tools: - Who your most profitable clients are and how to get their business.- Proven marketing strategies to grow your business in record time - 16 ready-to-use postcards to promote your secretarial business - 7 proven letters to promote your secretarial business - Forms to run your business. Get the instant tools to start your own secretarial business NOW.

Visit http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com.

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Recommended Home Businesses

Get paid $5 to $75 per survey. $10 to $125 per hour! Fill out simple 10-25 minute online surveys? Click here for details.
http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com/surveys.html

Start a home-based medical transcription business
visit http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com/medical-transcription.html

If you are interested in other home-based businesses,
visit http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com/start-a-home-business.html

* * * * * * * * * *

Provided by Leva Duell, Start a Secretarial Service, http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com
© 2004

Be sure to forward this blog to friends who are interested in starting a secretarial service or medical transcription service. http://www.startasecretarialbusiness.com