There is a lot to do when it comes to starting and running a biomedical services company. Expanding out your client base, working up procedures, dealing with insurance and all the other things that come with running a small business can be daunting. This is especially true when what you really want to do is just turn a wrench! One resource that has been with me from the very beginning is MedWrench.com.
When I was first getting Maple Tree Biomedical off the ground, the website proved to be invaluable. Its knowledge base, service provider listings and the ability to connect with technicians from around the world has been a tremendous asset to my business. Let’s focus on a few parts of the site to illustrate what I mean.
When I was in college, a professor once told me, “It’s not about knowing everything; it’s about knowing how to find the answers.” Having a resource like MedWrench.com available allows me to expand the scope of my business. I regularly encounter equipment makes and models that I’ve never seen before, but with MedWrench’s equipment listings and forums readily accessible, I can quickly find the manuals and documentation I need. As a result, when a customer calls to ask if I service a particular piece of equipment, I can almost always say yes. This capability allows me to broaden my reach and ultimately generate more opportunities for my business.
Now raise your hand if you think you can service and repair everything. OK, don’t actually do that and shame on you if you did. I certainly can’t. One modality I haven’t touched since my time at METC decades ago is imaging. So, when a customer asks me anything X-ray, I immediately point them to the service companies section on MedWrench. A helpful directory of categorized businesses with different specialties can be a lot more helpful than an Internet search for “X-ray repair near me.” If you have such a business, I recommend getting listed. I’ll even be sending business your way when those calls come in.
One of the most valuable aspects of the platform is the human connection. Since becoming a Guru with MedWrench, I find myself on the site nearly every day. In fact, I was already using the platform long before becoming a Guru. It’s kind of how I got the title. It’s played a role in helping me get to where I am today. You’ll often find me in the forum section, doing my best to help answer users’ questions. I’ve had the opportunity to connect with BMETs, HTM professionals and end users from across the industry through those interactions. I’ve even picked up a customer to two through the forums which is pretty nice as well. I encourage others to join the conversation. Hop in there and see if you can help someone out. Some of the best connections I’ve made in the field started with a simple forum discussion.
In the end, the resources and community available through MedWrench have been incredibly valuable to my business. The equipment page and forums provide a place to find knowledge; the service listings for jobs I simply can’t handle, and human connections made through the platform have created opportunities to expand my business. For a small (OK fine, tiny) biomedical service provider, having access to this kind of support network makes a meaningful difference in both my day-to-day work and expansion opportunities. So thanks MedWrench!
