What Do I Do to Get Started
in General Transcription?

You should assess your skills-skills you have, skills you may need to brush up on and new skills you need to acquire. Once you're sure this is the field you want to get started in, it's time to look at the tools you'll need so you're starting out prepared.

The easiest way to start getting some work fast is to check the Internet for slightly larger general transcription companies and inquire about any overflow work they may have. Overflow is when a company has more work than they have people to do that work. That's where you come in.

Some companies may require you to take a short test, which is usually a five or ten minute audio transcribed according to their instructions. Others may start you out just by giving you some overflow that isn't deadline critical so they can assess your abilities, especially if your Resume shows previous transcription experience. Either way, once you're set up and ready to go, you could be working pretty steadily within a few days.

So in summary:

• See if this is what you really want to do. Check the types of transcription there are in the general transcription field.
• Assess your skills-see if you're ready to get started in this field.
• Go through the Tools Checklist and make sure you have the necessary computer set up, software and equipment, then apply at some of the larger general transcription companies or look for smaller ones that need overflow help.
• Once you're on your way, if you want to move your business up a notch or two and get your own clients, start with some business advertising and get noticed!

What Skills Do I Need to be a Transcriptionist?
Find out if you have the required skills to be an efficient and effective transcriptionist.

What companies should I apply with?
Getting contracted by one of these larger transcription companies may be one of the fastest ways to start earning some money from home with general transcription.

Transcription Tools Checklist:
Your Computer System
You need to make sure your computer is up to date, not more than five years old, if that.

Audio Playback Software
Turn your computer into an online digital transcriber unit with this software, headset and a foot pedal that plug into your computer.

Word Processing Software
You need somewhere to transcribe all of that information into and plain old Notepad, Wordpad or even Microsoft Works won't cut it.

Transcription Headset
Don't try to decipher your audio through computer speakers. No matter how good you think they, there is no substitute for a good noise-cancelling headset.

Transcription Foot Pedal
Keep your fingers moving on the transcript and let your foot do the stop-start-rewind on the audio.

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