| After purchasing equipment, hiring medical | | | | voice. As an active member of a trade organization, |
| transcriptionists, and obtaining clients, there is still one | | | | MTSOs can help shape industry policies and |
| more important step in completing the process of | | | | regulations by voting on key issues. Furthermore, |
| starting up a brand new medical transcription | | | | members are encouraged to join discussion groups, |
| service-locating and joining the appropriate trade | | | | policy councils and local chapters to influence industry |
| association. | | | | standards, vendor relations and have a say in annual |
| Joining a trade association can be an incredibly | | | | conference details. |
| valuable resource to a new business owner because | | | | Model behavior-Consumers and other industry |
| it immediately connects him/her with other business | | | | professionals view members of trade organizations in |
| professionals within the medical transcription industry | | | | a more positive light than their non-member |
| in addition to providing a multitude of other benefits. | | | | counterparts. Those who belong to an |
| Wealth of information-One of the greatest benefits | | | | industry-specific association are perceived as |
| medical transcription service owners (MTSOs) can | | | | businesses that have a strict code of ethics, high |
| gain from an industry specific trade organization is the | | | | standards and stay up-to-date with the latest |
| opportunity to take advantage of education within | | | | industry tools. Most members tout their association |
| the industry at a discounted price or in many cases | | | | membership by including the organization's logo on |
| for free. Most trade organizations have regional | | | | their marketing materials to show their clients that |
| meetings and/or national annual conferences. During | | | | they are serious about their business practices. |
| these meetings, members have the opportunity to | | | | Save money-Most trade organizations offer their |
| rub elbows with industry executives in the exhibit hall, | | | | members professional discounts on goods and |
| learn about the latest medical transcription industry | | | | services offered by vendor affiliates or programs |
| developments from vendors and earn continuing | | | | presented by the association. Membership benefits |
| education credits. Most importantly, conferences give | | | | can range from discounts on office equipment, |
| the entrepreneur the unique opportunity to exchange | | | | shipping and trade show admissions to reduced |
| challenges, solutions and opportunities with other | | | | insurance rates and price cuts on flights and hotels |
| business owners in similar situations. Paying | | | | affiliated with the organization. |
| membership dues often provides discounted | | | | Mingling capabilities-Membership directories, local |
| admission, reduced hotel rates and in some cases, | | | | chapter meetings, webinars, conference calls and |
| deals on flights. Also included with the price of | | | | annual trade shows are all great ways to gain new |
| membership is access to newsletters, e-newsletters, | | | | contacts within the medical transcription industry. |
| trade journals, industry guidebooks and online | | | | Exchanging success stories or talking about specific |
| discussion forums, which offer immediate up-to-date | | | | business challenges among other medical transcription |
| industry information and business advice for free. | | | | businesses keeps well-rounded and prepared when |
| Ability to speak up-A membership also comes with a | | | | similar challenges arise in their own workplace. |