| I moved my life and my business to see if I could | | | | which transcribes DSS, WAV (larger file size, |
| truly be a Virtual Assistant, Virtually | | | | excellent quality) and WMA (inferior quality) digital |
| Anywhere>, over four years ago with my | | | | file formats. |
| husband, to live the dream in the South West of | | | | There is also a range of free transcription |
| France. | | | | software available, ranging from the DSS Player |
| What's the Secret? | | | | Lite to Express Scribe, which plays the excellent |
| It's bought heartache and tears (you've seen the | | | | quality MP3 or MPEG formats usually associated |
| TV programmes!), but also happiness and | | | | with music, as well as a host of other audio |
| inspiration, and my main Virtual source of income | | | | formats. |
| is through digital transcription. I can't help but | | | | I don't want my email blocked up with digital audio |
| thank the internet time and time again, for | | | | files! |
| without it, I would not be in business in France. | | | | So, how do I ensure that my clients get their files |
| Now many years ago as a PA Secretary, I used | | | | to me without blocking my email software as an |
| an analogue transcribing machine. Did you have a | | | | email attachment; well, I'll let you into a super |
| boss who used a Dictaphone to record his | | | | secret - there are internet companies out there |
| dictation on? Well, the recording was being stored | | | | that, for free, allow you to upload and download |
| onto a mini or micro cassette tape. I'd then pop | | | | files to their internet servers. They not only |
| the tape into the transcription machine and away | | | | compress your files during the file transfer for |
| I'd type with the help of my foot pedal and | | | | faster access, but they are totally secure, as the |
| headphones. | | | | file gets encrypted during this process too. What |
| So, how have times changed and what does it | | | | could be better, small and secure audio files? |
| take to work as a Virtual Assistant, Virtually | | | | Check out 'SendThisFile' for a highly |
| Anywhere. Well, I still have my analogue | | | | recommended service. |
| transcription machine, headphones and foot pedal, | | | | Time to earn your money - playing the audio |
| but I've also invested in the latest digital | | | | files? |
| transcription technology... | | | | Having downloaded the digital transcription |
| So, what do you need to work Virtually? | | | | software of your choice, import the audio file |
| There are many ways to skin a cat, and just as | | | | sent by your client. |
| many different digital recorders for my clients to | | | | Plug in your headphones and foot pedal (highly |
| use to record their property surveys, witness | | | | recommended for a speedier transcription, so |
| statements or management meetings. | | | | much quicker than using the keyboard to rewind, |
| I personally specialise in dictation transcription, | | | | play and fast forward). |
| enjoying the one-to-one client relationship that | | | | Open your Microsoft Word document (your client |
| results from working with small businesses. | | | | may even have sent you a template to work |
| Different digital recorders however create | | | | with so that you follow their typing format), press |
| different audio file formats, all of which have their | | | | the pedal and type! Remember always to proof |
| own advantages and disadvantages. One of my | | | | read and spell check your document. |
| favourites is the DSS (Digital Standard Speech) | | | | Yours Virtually... |
| audio file format, a compressed audio file | | | | So when you return your client's work and sign |
| developed by Olympus which does not suffer loss | | | | off your email, remember to say 'Yours Virtually', |
| of quality, but is still easily transferable via the | | | | your Virtual Assistant, and yes it can be Virtually |
| internet. | | | | Anywhere! |
| Olympus supplies their own DSS Player software | | | | |