Below is a list of tips and advices for transcriptionists who are servicing customers on a daily basis. We hope this will help you improve your transcription services and perhaps, how you view your transcription tasks.
Transcribing
- Become a faster typist
- Learn to use all fingers correctly when typing
- Always review your work
- Use Google search when in doubt
- Try and get a sense of the subject or context of what you’re transcribing, as soon as possible.
- Always ask for instructions if and when not given by client.
- Follow instructions and style guides
- Ask the client when in doubt as to formats
- Be consistent with your language, spelling and noun usages.
- Formats should be consistent and compliant with client’s templates.
- Transcribe in a quiet place
- Brush up your English Grammar now and then
- Make a note of uncommon words and phrases for future reference
- Become an expert in a niche
- Never hesitate to try other niches
Transcription tools
- Use an up-to-date computer
- Get an good broadband internet connection
- Have a power back up
- Get a good pair of headphones, if possible with noise cancelling features
- Get a good foot pedal
- Get a comfortable ergonomic chair
- Install a good dictionary
- Install a good transcription software like Express Scribe
- Run spell checker after transcribing every file
- Backup your computer and your files regularly
- Install and run an antivirus on your computer regularly
- Use Dropbox or the like to share files with clients and colleagues
- Set up a transcription blog and build a portfolio of your own
- Use Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter to generate leads
Health & Productivity
- Eat healthy foods
- Keep yourself fit and alert
- Drink lots of water
- Don’t drink alcohol before or while transcribing
- Don’t smoke (too much!)
- Get a good night’s sleep
- Get up from your seat at least once an hour; take frequent breaks
- Concentrate your full attention on a job at hand; do away any and all distractions
- Don’t surf the net while transcribing
- Don’t check your email while transcribing
- Don’t open your Facebook and Twitter accounts when working
- Don’t take unimportant phone calls while transcribing
- Don’t overwork
- Socialise whenever you can – offline!
- Be positive and optimistic
- Sit upright with your feet comfortably on the floor
Professional Ethics & Discipline
- Be professional in all dealings and dress like one.
- Don’t disclose client details in any circumstances
- Be open to suggestions
- Be open to learning new things every day in every way
- Always be gracious and honest with your clients
- Write short emails
- Keep records of your transcripts and their lengths (or time spent where applicable, for invoicing)
- Always maintain your integrity
- Become a good listener
- Never give up or give in.
- Help your colleagues when they need help
- Be understanding to new transcriptionists
- Balance your work-life
- You can always contribute to society – give back.
- Develop a policy on information retention and security
- Set goals – personal and professional
- Network with other professional transcriptionists and freelance transcriptionists
- Be patient – with yourself and others
- Client is always right
- Always strive for 100% quality.
General
- Keep your finances in order
- Work more; earn more
- Spend less; save more
- Read the newspaper, read current affairs and watch TV programs that improve your knowledge of cultures, economy, history and technology.
- Read books, magazines and blogs on various topics
- Keep learning new things, your education does not end with high school or college
- Never hesitate to give a try at other transcription niches other than your expertise.
- Getting into freelance transcription? Discuss with your family first. It takes a hell lot of time and space.
- Always keep your resume up-to-date.
- Life is short; do what you love!
Hope you love these tips. Please share some more tips with us!
