WAHM Forums

Hi everyone! I was wondering if anyone here has their own transcription business. I have 12 years legal transcription experience and would like to start my own business.

However, I have searched and searched the internet (and even bought a few ebooks only to find absolutely NO specific or practical information in them) trying to find some concrete and sound advice on how to start the business and get clients, advice on pricing, etc.

Has anyone here come across a GOOD book or program or have any information of their own that they would be willing to share? I am going to be offering my services locally and was hoping for maybe some form letters or contract examples. I'm not stupid, and I have a general idea of where I need to go and how I need to go about doing it, just was hoping for some hands-on stuff.

Anyone? :o

Thanks in advance!!
Jennifer

Jennifer,

Do you mean you have been working in a law firm doing transcription? If so, you may find there is a big difference between that and the audio and practices you will come across if you are running your own business.

Have you thought about applying to some of the transcription companies to start with? You would still have your own business but it would give you a better idea of what's out there, how much you can earn, and generally how the whole thing works. Then think about finding your own clients.

There are several places on the Internet where you can interact with, and learn from, other transcriptionists. Most of us do run our own business. My personal view is that you will learn far more that way than from books or courses or getting copies of standard forms. For a start, every client has a different way of doing things.

If you are thinking of medical transcription, that does need proper training. I'll leave that to the MT experts here to explain!

I have not come across any kind of resource like that and I used to look a LOT. If you decide to proceed and go after a few leads locally, write something short and to the point about why you would be better at the job than whoever they currently have doing it.

I've done a lot of marketing related transcription and I would suggest looking into that. Do some internet searches for some creative direct mail ideas. Because you're approaching a limited amount of people locally, it wouldn't be that expensive to do something that will really stand out. I transcribe for Bill Glazer who is a big marketing guy partnered with a guy named Dan Kennedy. They have a lot of resources out there. Look into Bill Glazer's direct mail ideas. I've transcribed some really interesting videos he's done.

I have my own general transcription company, but I still transcribe for companies as well because it's just not steady enough work yet. I started with a small handful of clients and just asked people for referrals after getting to know them a little better. So that might be something to think about to expand once you start out.

If you're going to be starting a legal transcription business I'm not sure how much of this applies to you, but I hope you can get something out of this rambling. :) Good luck!

Thank you for the answers, Alba and Nichole! Alba, yes, I worked for an attorney for 12 years and did heavy transcription work for him. I transcribed witness statements, insurance statements, administrative hearings, as well as the simple day-to-day legal documents.

I have applied and sent my resume to all of the companies I can find online and haven't heard anything back, with the exception of Way with Words. I took their inital test, passed it and was given the additional three tests to complete and was totally lost :( The quality was terrible (which was a part of the test) and the speakers all had very thick accents. There was just no way I could transcribe for them and make money so that hasn't gotten me very far.

I was just thinking that maybe I could start introducing myself out there and see if I could get some clients.

I know how to put together a professional image, I just thought maybe if someone had already done it, why re-invent the wheel, you know? ;)

Thank you for your input!

Good luck! It sounds like you have the experience to market yourself, so hopefully you can get some responses! :)

Hi jennifer,

There is a site where you can get resources like sample contracts, questionnaires and other forms to start your own transcription business. You can also get some great advice on the forum. Please have a look at it. http://http://www.virtualassistantforums.com/free-virtual-assistant-forms-contracts

Hope that helps you.
Jessie

I consider myself self-employed. I work for three court reporters in my state. I transcribe nothing but trials. I also work as an IC for Sten-Tel, which is an insurance defense and Workers' Comp defense firm. I work for various attorneys throughout the U.S.

Check with your local courthouse and find out who the court reporter is there.

There are lots of avenues, you just to dig and dig and dig. There are legal companies out there. I think Cyberdictate is one of them.

Good luck.

Awesome! Thanks girls!