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[BobRoberts]

First, I have not yet started an Internate Web Page for my solo practice.  I know, shame on me!  It is something that I will need to remedy.

Thoughts on using an e-mail address for my practice through Hotmail?

I've had a personal Hotmail address (paying for the additional storagespace) since 1997, and have always been pleased with it, never had any messages lost by the server, etc...  No security breaches that I know of and have been generally pleased with it. 

For my practice, I have always used the e-mail provided by my ISP.  My first ISP was a wireless (point-to-point) provider, that once in the 6 years that they were my provider, lost all of my messages at the server.  I did lose some of the electronic copies of the e-mails at that time because I had used Outlook for only a year at that time, so I lost around 3 years of Electronic Copies.  For me, though I live in suburburia, I was in some sort of Twilight- Zone-type of Broadband ISP void, where the point-to-point ISP was the only provider that provided broadband (here 760K/320K) service in my subdivision.  I keep good and complete client records, and had everything printed out, so it was more of an inconvenience than a problem.  It was convenient to keep this ISP, as my e-mail was through them...

A couple years ago, some trees grew between my home and the local point-to-point antenna and I lost the ISP service.  Fortunately, the local tele had (in the prior 6 mos or so) started DSL, so I switched.  However, when I switched, I again used the (new) ISP provider e-mail.  Though the first part of my e-mail remained the same, I still needed to have my clients switch e-mail, as the portion after the '@' changed.  I've since noticed significant decrease in Internet speed (one-half of what I used to get) and additional ISPs (i.e., through cable) have arrived.  By switching ISPs, I can get faster internet for significantly less cost...  So I'm considering switching again, but dreading inconveniencing the clients again with an e-mail change. 

Of course, creating a web-page with an e-mail is one way to keep the same e-mail if I change ISPs, however, I may no have a web page for another year...  So considering using Hotmail e-mail instead.  I can then theoretically switch ISPs without affecting my e-mail address (or needing to have clients change e-mail addresses for me). 

Do you think clients will perceive a Hotmail e-mail adressfor my practice negatively?
 
Thanks for your thoughts...

[khazzah]

Do you think clients will perceive a Hotmail e-mail address for my practice negatively?

Yes. IMHO, most clients will infer from @hotmail.com that you don't have a business address. More importantly, some will draw the additional inference that because you don't have a business address, you don't have the other trappings that are associated with an office: a docketing system, malpractice insurance, an admin assistant, etc. These additional things may or may not be true, but some folks will simply assume they are, and pick another practitioner if these things are important to them. 

Personally, I would go to the extra trouble of getting your own domain name. I don't think it's difficult or expensive.

Some clients will still choose not to hire you when they discover you are a solo and/or you don't have a business address. You can't do anything about that. But you can combat the impression that you're not "professional" by having your own domain name.

[BobRoberts]

Thanks Karen.  That was what my 'Spidey' senses were telling me...  I do have an office (ot home office), but no support staff.  Well, I guess I ought to get my own domain name and website...

Thanks again...

[bogert]

Well I think that you are having a good Idea..It may work for you!
Congrats In advance.