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Regular Transcription

No Special Training Required

Though medical transcription requires specialized training to understand medical terminology, general transcription does not. Are you organized and good at typing? If so, a transcription business may be perfect for you.

Who Uses a Transcriptionist?

General transcription services are needed by people who record audios that need to be reproduced in a print format. For instance, podcasts, teleseminars or webinars are just a few types of audio recordings that one might desire to have transcribed.

Basic Set-Up and Equipment Needed for a Work at Home Transcription Business

  • A quiet work environment
  • A computer
  • Transcription equipment

What Kind of Transcription Equipment Should You Buy?

Deciding on your transcription equipment will take a little bit of research. Take a look online at various computer software for transcription and also look for a pair of very good quality headsets. The right transcription program will have all of the settings that you need to keep the verbal recording under your control. A must-have is a good headset that enables you to clearly hear and understand the words you are commissioned to type.

All of this, and MORE, is covered in this handy Transcription Crash Course.

So, let’s take a look at what else you need to know.

Now, ask yourself… do I have a keen sense of hearing, a good command of the English language and fast typing skills? If you answered “yes”, then you might wonder what other skills you need. You should also be able to work well under tight deadlines, have a sharp eye for detail, be able to work independently and be able to withstand the repetition of typing, which can be a strain on the hands, wrists and the back.

Ideas to Help You Get Started in a Work at Home Transcription Business

Training in Transcription: While there is no specific terminology to learn and you can, technically, start a transcription business without any formal training, taking the time to learn a thing or two about the business always works to your advantage! You don’t want to fail because you didn’t do your homework, do you? Before you open the doors of your transcription business, spend some of your time browsing through online courses, especially the Transcription Starter Pack or take a Transcription Crash Course to be sure you’re ready for business.

Complete Business Plan: Your new business, like all successful businesses, will require a well-written business plan. This doesn’t have to be seen by anyone but you, but it will serve as your blueprint for success, so please don’t skip this important step. Start with a straight-forward outline of the services you intend to offer, then proceed with your vision, your marketing plan, your financial plan and your plans for growth. Be sure to investigate any potential barriers you may need to overcome and how you intend to contend with competitors.  This not only is a good exercise in keeping your focus, but your business plan will be an important tool to track your goals and your progress throughout your career.

Home Office with Proper Equipment: You’ll most certainly want a quiet and comfortable home office with a good computer and adequate, secure storage for your client information. You’ll be using some special transcription software and hardware to play and listen to the recorded material. The computer program you ultimately choose should have many settings to help you control the recording. You should be able to start, stop, rewind, and slow the recorded material to a comfortable speed so that you don’t get lost or fall behind in a document. Most importantly, you’ll want to use a highly sensitive headset so that the recording is clear and the words are easy to understand. These tools will be priceless to your transcription business.

Marketing Yourself: Some people prefer to join national transcription companies so the work comes to them. However, if you are good at networking and you like selling yourself, you may want to find your own clients and work directly with them. With podcasts popping up all over the Internet – and teleseminars spreading like wildfire, you’ll have a huge list of people to contact and offer your services to.

Website For Your Business: Besides your hard work, your new and growing transcription business will benefit tremendously from a great website. Use it to let the outside world know that you are available and ready to work! A website is ultra-useful for listing your services and letting clients know how to contact you. If website design is not your forte, please hire someone to develop a professional website for you. The investment is minimal when compared to the client reaction you will get from happy testimonials and other client referrals. Satisfied clients will always be ready and willing to refer other clients your way if you make your website easy for them to use and respond to.

Transcription services are in high demand in the US and, according to the Department of Labor’s statistics, transcriptionist jobs are growing at a higher than average rate. That’s good to hear, isn’t it? By becoming a transcriptionist, you have found a career that is easily managed from your home office; a career which gives you an opportunity to grow at your own pace. A very attractive opportunity indeed!

Recommended Resources:

To find out exactly what it takes to start a transcription business, step-by-step, sign up to receive your Transcription Starter Pack where you’ll find out exactly how to get clients, set your prices and grow your business.

The Transcription Crash Course is another great resource to teach you what you need to start a home transcription business today.

Our best to you in your new career!

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