From time to time we will profile some of our local success stores.

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BJ’s Medical Billing Service is a home based, woman-owned Limited Liability Partnership.  Initially SCORE of Grand Rapids was contacted requesting startup assistance in the following…
·         Computer System and Applications
·         Marketing
·         Marketing Plan Development
·         Sales
·         Telecommunications
Ms. Harper had 10 years of experience working for other medical billing firms and wanted to start her own business.  Having no idea on how to present and sell her business concept to prospective doctors, Ms. Harper was referred to SCORE of Grand Rapids by the Ionia Chamber of Commerce.  The first step between Ms. Harper and SCORE of Grand Rapids was to document all of the steps in the billing process for the typical medical practice.  This enabled her to identify all of the probable trouble spots that likely existed today for the doctors and their staff.  This helped Betty to develop fact finding questions to use when she called on the doctors.  As problems and needs were identified, Ms. Harper was able to show how her billing services would function and solve their problems.  The next step was back to the Ionia Chamber of Commerce to secure a list of area medical practices that may benefit from BJ’s Medical Billing Service.  Sales calls were made and now BJ’s Medical Billing Service has multiple clients up and running.  BJ’s Medical Billing Service is now profitable for Ms. Harper.  Success stories have been submitted to the local newspaper and will has (or will) appear in the Ionia Chamber Newsletters.

Marceco is a cell phone distributor established in 1995.  They employ 27 people.  SCORE of Grand Rapids was contacted to assist in the following areas…
·         Hiring additional personnel
·         Finance
·         Inventory
·         Management
·         Industry trends
·         Marketing
Ruth Den Herder relocated to Michigan, with a background in teaching.  She requested help managing and understanding her Father’s business, while they managed a serious medical situation.  Over the period of eight months SCORE assisted in an education process and offered advice on a range of topics including hiring, finance, inventory, management, industry trends and marketing.  They did not shy away from the difficult questions that must be raised when the president of the company has a life threatening illness.  SCORE helped us to avoid potential pitfalls, kept us focused on the most relevant tasks and information.  They introduced us to excellent professionals in the area and have helped us to set the stage for continued growth in the company.  With the help of SCORE, Marceco Ltd. has experienced top line growth of over 30% since April we are well positioned and enthusiastic about the possibilities for the future.