I have now been out of work for 6 months. As bad as the economy was/is I just could not work for the "New Manager" that was brought in late 2008 one more day. I stayed for 18 months, even after every other person who had to report for this guy had walked away (or died from the stress)
I have done a little on the side to make some money, but have decided that I need to get real, and get busy and start my own IT Consulting company. I have a MBA, and have worked in the technology field for over 20 years. Tech writer all the way to IT Manager, IT Director/Security officer.
The past 5 years I have specialized in Health Care IT. HIPAA, EHRs, and RIHOs. The government has put in place a "deadline" of 2014 to have most medical practices on Electronic Health Records and for the, to be paid partially based of the "meaningful use" of these systems. Most small doctors offices can not afford a full time IT person, not to mentions a IT Manger who has gone through the entire process from gathering requirements, request for proposals to full implementation of a new system.
I want to offer these services. I figure, if I keep my prices down, and can work for 5 to 10 offices I can make more than I could working for one office, and help others at the same time.
I think that I went and got my MBA back in 2003 so that someday I could have my own consulting company. I sort of have my business plan together, and have my first "test" customer.. no pay., but plenty of experience. But I realize I do not know very much about how to start a business, questions about taxes... llc... all kinds of stuff that I do not even know what questions I should be asking.
On a more personal note, I am more or less scared. My hubby and I can make it for 8 more months on our savings. OK., I blew it the past 6 months hoping for full time employment. I can not get that time back, so need to get busy and get busy NOW.
So, I was hoping that someone on Daily Kos has done something like this before and is willing to be a mentor to help me get started.
Thank you