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As an IC, you are your own small business. As a

Posted By: sm on 2006-02-06
In Reply to: Help needed...are there any rights/repercussions for an IC... - Experienced MT

contractor you have NOT been in their emloyment.  You have worked as contract labor for them, whether it be 1 month, 1 year or 5 years.  They owe you absolutely nothing at any point in time of the contract.  However, should you contact their clients (as you mentioned below), there can be legal repercussions for you so I would seriously think twice about this before going forward.


As an IC, it seems you would know that you should not put all of your eggs in one basket. I would bet that most of us that are IC's work for at least 2 companies.  For the ones that don't, they probably work for 1 company and have their own accounts, OR better yet have all their own accounts.


TAT is of the utmost importance.  It only takes twice with me and I won't send anymore work to that particular IC anymore, which is my option.  I might give them a second chance IF their work was top notch.




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Small Business
According to what I read on the internet regarding corps, yes you can and you can be the only employee under I believe the S-corporation.  There are C-corps, S-corps, partnerships, proprietorships and LLCs.  That is the way I read the info.  Reading all info gives me a headache, members, stocks, annual meetings, and so on.   Yuck!  Really do not know if it is worth it.  If you go to MTT Jobs, I have noticed that many, many companies are now requesting employee status.  At first I thought it was so they could have control over you, now second guessing. They may not have a choice in the matter.
Just became IC myself. Do I need a small business license?
dd
Small Local MT Business
Hi Rachel,

What part of California are you in, and are you looking for any partners?

If so, please e-mail me.
I use Turbo Tax Small Business - sm

It will walk you through everything and prepare a schedule C for you as well.  I would recommend this if you are going to prepare your own taxes. 


Independent Contractor vs. Small Business?

I am negotiating a contract with a clinic to be one of two transcriptionists.  I have typed for this clinic for several years as a sub-contractor, but the current contract holder is not renewing the contract.  The clinic's lawyer is not comfortable with "Independent contractor" as the contract would be for one year and for the usual questionable definition of an IC. 


I tried to research this and just became more and more confused.. so I hope I can get a little advice here..  I do not want to be employed by the clinic - I prefer to be self-employed.  Do I make myself a small business and get a license?  I do plan to meet with my accountant to ask some questions, but I was hoping to get a little info here so that I would not sound completely stupid!  (Doesn't seem as bad to sound stupid here rather than in person!)  I am used to getting a 1099 and paying self-employment tax. 


Are you an Independent contractor or a small business?  I do not plan to have any employees..I just want to type for this clinic and get paid! THanks!


Any small MT business owners in CA out there? I need advice!!

I'm looking start up my own small bus., just a couple accounts, but I need to know if there are any HIPAA contracts or anything else that I should be providing for the doctor and myself to sign.  Any advice would be truly appreciated!!


Thnx, Rachel


Want to start my own small business, need advice..sm
Hi all.  I am looking to get started doing some transcribing on the side for myself, and perhaps turn it into a small business.  Right now, I only have the capabilities of doing tapes and using Word as my software to transcribe in.  I feel like I should look into digital and see how much the equipment would run, and how easy it would be to use.  Does anyone have any recommendations on something that is relatively inexpensive for a beginner? Should I stick to my guns and start out with tapes first?  Any advice would certainly be appreciated.  I have been doing this for 16+ years and I feel like I shouldn't have any problems getting some local work drummed up.  I am getting ready to type up some letters to send out and I guess I will go from there.  Thanks in advance!!!!
I need some advice on starting my own small side business. sm

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!


 


Even with a salary you're kind of a small business owner!
Even if you're paid a salary you are your own agent, so to speak. Why not hire a part-time helper and pay them a subcontractor rate. That's what a service owner does. You are no hero for not getting some help. MTs who have their own accounts have responsibility for 7 days a week coverage, but not all of us type 7 days a week. Put an ad in the job seekers board and pay someone to take up the overflow. You will burn out and not be able to work at all eventually. Good luck to you.
It is absolutely TRUE! Comcast and vonage not sure about, but AT&T small business says NOT ALLOWED!

Vonage nor Comcast work with all equipment (static, echoing, etc.) and I would be interested in learning more about what "the fine print" says for these two companies.  So, you must be misinformed because I have a sister who works at AT&T and no matter what package you buy, MT IS NOT ALLOWED.....and that is a FACT!   


I get it. But in return for supporting the small business the poor folk get nothing in return.
I understand why you don't shop at Walmart. You support those who support you but it doesn't work that way for me. I can go to an independent shop and by a dishwasher, pay lots more for it and get nothing in return to supplement my support of their small business. Same for all the poor folk who are shopping in Walmart trying to stretch a paycheck. I am glad Walmart exists for those folks.
small mentality usually means small pocketbook
Still make more than you and I but that is deserved. They've put the effort forward and educated themselves.


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
.
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 one's biz is small I do not think you can....nm

Yes, you should get a small
social worker, psychologist, or whatever. You just have to wade in and start swimming. If you find the right account, that should help you start out.
Huge, I think it's small on my end (NM)
NM
$18,000+, small national. nm
 
Any small MTSO need PT help? sm
Okay, I have tried the big nationals and that did not work out for me.  I would like something for a few hours a day - would love to do family practice SOAP notes again or something where I can just type away and make some decent money.  I promise a fast turn-a-round and I am willing to work hard, but no complicated platforms and no set hours.  
Why not sue in small claims (sm)
You have a business contract with them. It's not a paycheck we are talking about. It's payment for services rendered. Are they going to send someone to your state to defend it? Probably not!
It's actually one of those small bldg. you
added to the house but it's on the same property as the house...I can't really describe what it looks like. I have only seen it a couple of times. Not sure if that would work. It doesn't have to be that. Just whatever would work. I am more interested in seeing what has worked for others. Just wondering. Thanks for your response.:)
my office is a small
table between the kitchen and the dining room. Books are in a closet right next to it. It helps so I can keep an eye on what my toddler is doing.
how did you get your print to be so small?


if you are for real, your best advice is read this board and take good notes.


 


Yes, small services (sm)

used to pay 11 cpl IC, have now sold out to squids who in turn pay 7-8 cpl.


And services left average 8 cpl, if you're really experienced you'll get 10 or 11 and get such bad dictation you'll get a headache you'll never forget. 


Small accounts
What kind of small accounts are you talking about? How do you find them? Thanks.

I know a couple of people who key as fast as you do, so it is possible.


small company
You just keep your eyes open all the time. Keep looking. You will find them. Opportunity comes knocking at the strangest time if you just keep looking.
A very very small family.
z
I had a small MTSO ask that once. sm
As I was heading toward the exit door, she asked me to send her every single one of the normals I used.

So, I sent her the exact ones she had sent me in the beginning, before I refined them to a fine tune, which had taken me hours and hours to do. I'm telling you, I had most tests for every doctor where I could just hop around and fill in the blanks. No way was I giving those hours of work away!
Thanks! The 16" look so small and the 20" so large! nm
x
small MTSOs

There's a great online resource for MTSOs of all sizes, varying benefits and pay, and variety of work.  It's called www.MTJobs.com.  Sign up to be on their mailing list.  There are usually at least 50 companies listed on each newsletter, which comes out twice a month.  Good luck in your search, and prayers for God's healing of your medical problems.  :)


should have said that this is for a small national not
an individual. We are trying to put some new things in place and want to make sure that we put the right things in place.
Small Nationals.
I guess just not the huge places like Medquist. I would like a little bit smaller. I am even interested in any companies that are great to work for and pay okay. I am not having that great of luck working for MTSO and getting paid good.
Thanks!!
thanks (small message)
just that I posted the link in the subject line and it was too long...no problem, though! thanks!
Small ear pieces
Try Lanier Healthcare.  They have a headset that has ear pieces that fit right into your ear without any hard plastic to deal with, just wires and the foam that fits into your ears.  They are the best ones I have ever used. 
Believe me, you are neither weak or small.
You are a very strong lady who simply wants the best for her family (including an abusive husband). You are the only one who can make the choice to stay or leave and it has to be your choice entirely. We can all give advice all day long, but the ultimate decision will be yours. We are here to listen, though, and to pray in your behalf for wisdom to make the right choice. Whatever you decide, don't ever forget that when it seems like you're all alone, God is always with you, leading and guiding.  
I have 2 - one large, one small
My first was a very nice rose in the upper-inner quadrant of my left breast. I thought about it for 17 years before I did it. It kind of felt like going to the GYN when I had it do. The guy was very professional and let me catch my breath from time to time. The more fill-in work, the more painful. The more it is just an outline, the less painful.

The other is something private but special to me to honor my kids on my lower back, but above the bikini line. That was much more painful but different guy and it went much faster as I cussed a lot more with fewer breaks.

If I ever get another one it will be a circle on top of the sternum with the leters DNR inside!

I have a small flower

a daisy, my favorite flower, in my bikini area where just about any bathing suit would cover it up.  I got it when ankle tatoos were really trendy and knew I A. did not want to have the same thing as everyone else, and B. might not want to show my tattoo to everyone, so I got it somewhere private. 


It made for good conversation in the delivery room lol!


I was thinking of getting another one, but would like a spot that covers up and is not that common. The big toe sounds like a neat idea. I hate toe rings for the discomfort, but like the look. 


Have you ever seen that SNL fake commercial on the tramp stamps (lower back tattoos) and the "roll on" to remove them?  LOL.  I thought briefly about getting one but they are too common. 


BTW the bikini area tatoo basically felt like if someone was taking tweezers and plucking hairs one by one. It was not that bad. It was actually harder dealing with it during the healing period because I had to wear clothes over the site.


Could not do without it. Small learning sm
curve, but worth it.
Two small MTSO (nt)
xx
Small national. nm
x
26 with 2 small children.
.
Just my small opinion...
I think being a wonderful dad is more than just an admirable trait in any man - BUT the kids will grow up one day and if he forgets to nurture your needs, what will the two of you do when they are gone? Sit on the porch swing and stare at each other because you have no common interests?? You have to spend time alone together nurturing one another. Find a common thing the two of you can do together.

If it is as nonstop as you say, then he has to try and cut some things out. It seems a bit out of hand! You are going to have to lay it on the line for him - in depth! Don't just sound whiny either. Tell you need some hubby/wife time every day; even if it is just to curl up on the couch together alone after the kids go to bed and watch late night TV or whatever. You have to keep the love alive - every day.
Thanks, Small MTSO
I knew it must be something like that.  Thanks for your reply.  Molly
What a small world!
My granny turned me on to them too!  And I, like you, used to be run out of the kitchen by them but being the good  Southern girl I am, I learned to love them!  So does everyone in my immediate family except 8 of my kids.  They can't stand them, but my 13 sisters and 9 brothers all thought it was a great day when mama would make them for dinner!  Yee haw!!!
small kids and the MT sm
yes - it can be done but just as the others have said, you're right to be considering going to part time.
When my youngest, now 2, was brand new I, too, used a pillow and a bolster-type pillow to nurse while I typed. That, however, was when she was teeny-iney and was feeding every hour or two.
As well, I worked part time and really needed to have my work done by 8 AM.
Good luck to you and enjoy the new baby when he/she comes. You'll do just fine.. ;-)
Small MTSO
11.5  to 12.5 cpl, put in 30 to 32 hours per week myself now.  Went down to part-time this summer to 22 to 24 hours.  First time in 18 years and felt good.  Just got two new accounts and so back up but will myself after paying IC's make 50K, down from last year but worked less.  Next year will be up to 55K+ unless I go part-time again in the summer if my IC's want to make more.  Will probably raise rates in January as have not done so in two years.    Patti
Small rewards
If you are able to split your shift then chose the hours that your body is at it's peak.  I work best in the early morning 5 to 10 and then 7 to 10 in the evening if needed.  Since I have my own accounts I can chose my hours but since I have been doing this for the last 18 yeares I know my peaks anf valleys and decided not to fight it anymore and just worrk those hours that I am most productive.  I also give myself small rewards of a break if I stay at it for so long or get so many lines done, if I get the lines done faster I get the break faster.  I then go outside walk around for 10 to 15 minutes, do stretches but do ont sit down in front of the TV.  That is a mistake.  But I know my most nonproductive hours are 2 to 6 p.m. and so I just gave up and only in an emergency do I work those hours in the afternoon.  I just listen to my body's time clock.  Have always been this way even as a child, could work hard as could be picking berrries before 11 or so and then was dead but if we went back out in the evening, I was go hung again.  So if you can chose the hours you can work or split your shift, then again split those up with a break inbetween and focusing for a smaller amount of time is easier.  If you have to sit there for eight hours I don't know the answer and I do feel for you.   Good luck.  Patti
Small Claims
If you go down to the courthouse they will help you step by step.  Or perhaps by now it is on line in your state.  If she is an MSW or LCSW the state will have a copy of her license and you can also get her address that way.  You make out the papers, at least I did, and provide the address to serve her at and they will mail them to her place of employment if that is the only address you have.  But the courts are helpful, at least they were in Oregon, and showed me how to do the business as well as personal.  Good luck.   May I ask why she said she wasn't going to pay you?  Just curious.
Small claims
You have a right to be paid for services rendered. If I were you, I'd go ahead and work until the date that you have already told them and then take them to small claims court for the amount they owe you. Of course, this is assuming that you have kept accurate records. You would need those in court. And, I'd also tell your other clients ahead of time what is going on to reassure them that you are doing this as a last resort.