Getting started in your
own home based transcription business will not be as tricky as you
might expect. Of course, you need to be trained in becoming a
transcriber and complete a course. At some point in time you will
need a certification to help you attract even more customers.
Remember, no matter what kind of transcription service you wish to
start you will need to learn the basics of transcribing and apply
them to your work. This is one kind of work where excellence and
precision are a must.

As you set out to open
shop you will want to look for the right kinds of Equipment. Here
is a partial list of things you need:

1) An office area
2) A good computer
3) A good word processing
program
4) Earphones transcribing
machine
5) Phone dedicated to the
business
6) A toll free phone
number
7) The proper
transcribing software
Cassette Recorder
9) Message Recorder to
take messages

A Spell-Checking Program

You must be able to
locate the correct spelling for legal and professional terminology
on whatever projects you are working on. Knowing how to spell
medical words, or use the correct legal wording in transcription
is all-important to you and your business. Life as a
transcriptionist is exacting and demanding. Your customer expects
the best from you at all times. Anything less than your best is
not acceptable to your client.

On-line resources to
help you locate any necessary legal forms or packets you may use
amount of information available on the Internet so let it work for
you.

One of your primary
interests in your business will be to establish competitions
rates. Here are some suggested rates Nationwide average Per hour
projects $10 - $15 per hour

Rush jobs not by
job             $3.50 per hour

Additional
pages                   $ .20 - .25 cents per page

To stay viable check
out the rates others are charging for similar work. If you need to
adjust your rates according to what they charge for the same work.
If you are working with out of state customers, make sure to check
out the rates of providers in their area. Each section of the
United States and Canada is different. What a person charges for
work in Kansas is more than likely cheaper than the same work in
New York. If you will take the time to get a general idea of the
rates for transcribers in that area then you can create a more
competitive market where you live.

You can search on-line
for pay scales in various areas of the US and Canada so that you
can get a good rule of thumb for your rates. Lookup the classified
newspapers in some of the major areas of the United States and
compare them. This should give you an adequate opportunity to set
your rates near the rates of any transcriber working on the
Internet.

Many persons use email
to correspond with their employers once they have a job. It is not
out of the question to think you may find work as a subcontractor
almost anywhere in the world. E-mail has changed the way many of
us do business. It is not uncommon for files to be sent back and
forth everyday between business and contractor. E-mailing your
work saves shipping costs and mailing charges and a great deal of
time. It allows for quicker delivery time and turn around on the
project may be significantly quicker. Some of the clients you work
for will want everything processed by e-mail due to the quick turn
around time. Work with the e-mail system and make it work for you.

Some companies will ask
you to sign a contract with their company before giving you any
work to do. Be sure that you know what you are getting into before
you sign anything. Be clear with the client that you are working
as an independent contractor and that you are not an employee of
their company.

Remember, that you are
not getting any benefits from the company you are transcribing for
and that you are a neutral party. Should you find yourself
transcribing for the competitor of someone you work for, remember
that you are a professional; every project is secret and
confidential. Never discuss the work you are doing with one
company or group with another company unless you have discussed
doing so with your client.

Should you sign a
contract, know what you are signing and think about what you are
getting into. Ask questions. Most businesses owners or
representatives don't mind you asking questions to clarify any
problem areas that may arise. Although most companies don't need
you to sign a contract, there are always a few that will ask you
to do so.

Be sure you can deliver
the "goods" before you agree to do transcription work. If your
client is expecting a project to be completed at a specific time
then you need to deliver it on time. Should you find yourself lost
in a sea of work then you may wish to network with others who are
in the business. It is a good idea to find people you can use to
help you when you have too much too do. It is a good idea not to
over extend yourself. A comfortable workload is healthy, trying to
do too much will cause you a lot of problems and potential hazards
or misunderstandings.

Your Resume

Most employers will
request you to send them a copy of your current resume. Although
your resume need not be lengthy, it should cover the basics "about
you" and your business. When you are ready to send out resumes you
may find that companies will request you to send an e-mail with
the resume in it. With so many viruses attacking e-mail programs,
the standard has been to place your resume in the body of the
e-mail and send it. Still, you will want to check with the
employer and ask if they will accept your resume sent in a file.

Letter of Inquiry

When you locate a
potential client or employer then you will want to send out a
letter of inquiry to them and tell them a little about yourself
and why you are writing. This letter need not be pages and pages
long but a few simple paragraphs stating your qualifications and
contact information.

If you have your own
website then you can direct them to that site so they can learn
more about your business. A website can provide you with an ample
number of customers. The wave of the future is working through the
Internet so it just makes sense to have a site of your own.

Sample letter of inquiry

To Whom It May Concern

I located your business
on http://www.sxcxxtxx.com , and would like to inquire as to
whether or not you have a need for any additional off-site
transcriptionist? I work as an independent contractor with over
____years of experience. My average typing speed is _____wpm. I am
employed full time as a ___________and am seeking a part-time
transcription position. I feel sure my qualifications and my
experience will enable me to do the best possible job for you.
Enclosed are my references and a brief sketch about myself. If you
would like to know more about me visit my website at: http://www.gggeeww.com.

If you are in the
Panama, Florida area, I'll be glad to pick up cassettes for
transcription. Completed projects can be delivered in person, via
mail, or e-mail, depending upon your needs. If I can be of service
to you, feel free to call me at (554) 123-4567.

Business Tips

Here are a few business
tips you will want to try for yourself:

Place your "Work
Wanted" ad in major newspaper and in major job banks on the
Internet. Respond to company ads seeking 01 site transcriptionist
and ask them if they would consider contracting you to do the work
off site. Offer them a considerable discount on their first
project so that they will want to give your service a try.

Offer discounts and
specials - In other words come up with a seasonal special, no
matter what the season so they will save money. If they refer
another client to you then give them a 20 - 30% discount on their
next project.

Keep accurate records.

Build a client file of
contacts, information, and other information about each group you
work for.

Go on-line and search
the major newspapers for jobs. Contact them with your letter of
inquiry and resume.

Build a website to
promote your business.

Join organizations and
civic groups that might bring in potential jobs.

Give your business card
out wherever you go.

Continue to take
workshops and build your credentials. Education and learning new
methods of working are always helpful and look good on your
resume.

Contact on-line
vocational - techs and community colleges about refresher courses
and continuing education courses.

Contact local
professionals and tell them about your business. Use word-of
-mouth to help get the word out about your business. Look for
firms that are advertising for clerical help and contact them.

Use your local or town
newspaper for contact information of potential customers. Make a
list of businesses to contact. If possible "drop in" to the most
promising businesses and talk to them.

Generate a colorful
brochure or fliers to hand out. The name of the game is exposure
and the more information you get out about yourself the more
business you will get.

Check discussion groups
on the Internet in the areas of medical, legal and other
transcription and share ideas with people on-line.