KimHaas.com Transcription Coaching, Blogs and ArticlesTranscriber Toolbox: Step 4 - Finding Work
Step 4:
Ready...
One of the first questions I'm always asked is where to find transcription work. There are unlimited resources where you can find transcription jobs if you just use a little creativity.
Potential clients can be found on web sites that create podcasts or hold webinars or teleseminars. Try contacting a few busy Virtual Assistants and ask them to keep your contact information in mind for times of work overload. A quick inquiry offering your services and asking the company to keep you in mind couldn't hurt and it just may net you a new client.
Local medical offices, churches and referrals are also good sources for new clients. You are only limited by your imagination! Try sending out postcards to potential clients in your local area describing the services you are offering and your contact information.
Get set...
Your Web Site
Creating an online presence is probably the best way to advertise for a small investment. Again, I won't go into all the in's and out's of creating a web site because that's a completely different field, but here's a few tips about what I should be included on your web site.
Experience and Testimonials
Experience is something that is very important to potential clients. By providing a listing of your experience, past and current clients, qualifications and of course client testimonials, you'll be demonstrating a track record of your experience in the field.
Testimonials are probably the most concrete method of convincing future clients of your work ethics. It's easy to get testimonials from satisfied customers - you just need to ask for them. Any customer who is satisfied with your work will more than likely provide you with a nice review you can post on your web site.
Services Offered
The services you offer may or may not be limited to just transcription. Depending on what your capabilities are, you may also want to offer editing services, copyrighting services, ghostwriting or a myriad of other services. Be sure to specify any requirements you may have for each service provide such as acceptable audio file types ad well as service details such as deliver formats and your average turnaround time.
Privacy/Confidentiality Policy
A privacy or confidentiality policy helps assure potential clients that you will treat any information you process in a professional manner. It is your responsibility to ensure that client files are kept safe at all times.
Some things you can do to ensure the privacy of client information by deleting all your files from your computer after completed documents have been delivered to and receipt of same is confirmed by the client. This would include not only the audio and completed document files but any emails and attachments from correspondence with your client as well.
You may have a removable hard drive or customer flash drive(s) that can be safely locked away in a fireproof safe at home where you store files for a short period of time until they are no longer needed. This helps to reduce clutter on your hard drive as well as keeps your client files away from prying eyes or possible computer hackers finding a way into your computer system.
No matter what precautions you take to ensure the privacy and safety of your client files, it is of utmost importance and a protection system must be put in place before accepting any confidential work. Your client may also have additional requirements such as a file encryption or storage methods that they feel comfortable with.
Be sure and place any privacy and confidentiality policies on your web site so your clients know what your policies are and how important safeguarding their information is to you and your business.
GO!!
Once you've got the basics down, it's time to begin the task of finding work. I've found that it's easiest to sub-contract work from another transcribing company (or two_). This is normally referred to as "freelancing" as you are free to work for one or more clients without any contracts other than perhaps a confidentiality agreement. Start off with one company to find out how many files per week/month they can provide you with and if you can earn enough to meet your goals. You can always add on more clients as you get more accustomed to working from home.
When you think you're ready and have gone through all the previous steps, you'll want to start applying for transcription jobs. We have compiled a listing of many companies that hire independent contractors. This list also contains ratings for each company and a pay score to let you know which companies are the best at paying their transcriptionists. Check it out here.
Feel free to use our Transcribing Directory for companies that hire transcriptionists.
As you gain experience and become a better transcriber, you can apply for the higher-paying jobs that require a faster typing speed and/or years of experience.
As mentioned previously, medical transcriptionists need specialized skills, knowledge and training. For this reason, I have separated the listings into groups of general, medical and legal transcription companies for ease in searching.
Please do not apply for a position unless you have the necessary qualifications. Doing so will exclude you from applying again in the future as most companies will not consider you once you have tested with them.
Also, check out Advertising & Finding New Clients
Posted by Kim Haas on 01/07 at 03:45 PM
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