| As a Virtual Assistant, one of the services you | | | | Real-time transcription requires that you and the |
| may want to consider offering to your clients is | | | | client are available at the same time. This does |
| transcription. While it sounds easy enough (you | | | | not allow time for editing, or breaks |
| listen to an audio tape and just type what you | | | | As with any task you perform for your client, |
| hear), it's much more involved than that. | | | | you will need to ask some important questions |
| There are advantages and disadvantages you | | | | before you get started. |
| should consider before making your decision to | | | | You should be ready with a checklist of some |
| offer transcribing services. | | | | kind, because finding out certain information ahead |
| According to the Merriam-Webster Online | | | | of time will save you time and aggravation. Some |
| Dictionary, the official definition of transcribe is "to | | | | questions you should ask your client before |
| make a written copy of" or "to make a copy of | | | | transcribing: |
| (dictated or recorded matter) in longhand or on a | | | | What will the client ultimately do with the |
| machine (as a typewriter)." Now before you drag | | | | transcription (i.e. create an article or ebook)? |
| out your trusty old typewriter, you will need to | | | | What form is the audio in (DVD, mp3, cassette, |
| make sure you have a few things first. Most | | | | micro-cassette, etc)? |
| importantly, you will need a good computer with a | | | | How will you receive the audio (mail, email, etc)? |
| high speed internet connection and both | | | | Does the client want a hard copy or just the |
| transcription and word processing software | | | | electronic file? |
| installed on it because that old typewriter just isn't | | | | What form do they want the final product in |
| going to do the trick anymore. Some other | | | | (Word, PDF, etc)? |
| equipment you will need is a quality headset, a | | | | Do they want verbatim or do they want umms |
| comfortable chair in a quiet room, and if you're | | | | and other unfinished thoughts edited out? |
| serious about doing transcription, a foot pedal | | | | How many speakers are there? |
| (preferably the USB kind). Depending on the | | | | Do any of the speakers have accents? |
| format used (DVD, mp3, cassette, | | | | Are they just looking to have the words put on |
| micro-cassette, etc), you may need additional | | | | the paper or are they looking for something that |
| equipment for audio playback. Of course, to be an | | | | is proofread, edited, and in the final draft stage? |
| efficient transcriptionist, you must also have a | | | | Does the audio include any confidential |
| pretty decent typing speed, good listening, spelling | | | | information?o Will the client require a |
| and grammar skills. | | | | Non-disclosure Agreement in addition to the Virtual |
| Here are some of the points you will want to | | | | Assistance Agreement?o If it is medical |
| take into consideration before you decide to offer | | | | transcription, will there be HIPPA compliance issues |
| transcription services: | | | | involved? |
| Advantages: | | | | If you do decide to venture into the realm of |
| Pricing is pretty straightforward (by the word, | | | | transcription, make sure you have all the |
| page or audio minute/hour) | | | | necessary tools in place to make your journey a |
| Sharpens your listening and typing skills | | | | positive experience. Take your time when |
| Opportunity to learn about new and interesting | | | | creating your proposals and make sure you |
| topics | | | | understand all the details of each transcription |
| Can turn into a long-term client as transcription | | | | project. If you are not sure of the terms of the |
| can easily lead to other projects (editing, | | | | project, contact the client for clarification. |
| proofreading, article writing or creating an ebook) | | | | You don't want to get in over your head and |
| Pre-recorded audio gives you the flexibility to | | | | disappoint your client and yourself. |
| transcribe anytime (excellent for those who are | | | | Consider taking on a couple small "trial" project |
| trying to juggle a 9-5 job too) | | | | before officially offering transcription services on |
| With some additional education, you have the | | | | your website. |
| ability to specialize (i.e. medical or legal | | | | Volunteer to transcribe a meeting or two for a |
| transcription) and charge a higher specialized rate | | | | church or civic group to gain some experience. |
| Disadvantages: | | | | You might even suggest a trade and get a client |
| Some equipment and/or software may need to | | | | testimonial for your business! Either way it is an |
| be purchased (headset, foot pedal, etc.) | | | | excellent opportunity to try out transcription, and |
| You must have a decent typing speed or you are | | | | see if it is worth adding to your business. |
| not going to make much of a living doing | | | | If you have the typing, spelling, and grammar skills |
| transcription | | | | that transcribing requires and you are willing to |
| Sound quality, multiple speakers, accents, people | | | | invest in some equipment to get started, then |
| talking over each other, and audience interaction | | | | transcribing may be for you. Transcribing can be |
| can significantly slow down the transcription | | | | frustrating and tedious at times, but it can also be |
| process causing frustration and reducing | | | | a rewarding, interesting, and flexible service that |
| productivity | | | | you can offer to your clients. While it has |
| Templates provided by client may be difficult to | | | | advantages and disadvantages, always keep in |
| work with | | | | mind transcribing is a perfect springboard to |
| Transcription is not multi-tasking friendly; you will | | | | additional services you may want to market to |
| need to concentrate so no telephone calls or | | | | your clients to keep your business flourishing. |
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