It's NOT Always FUN

Providing and running a transcription service is not always fun.

It's like any other business.  It has its ups and downs.

Sometimes the audio recordings are so bad all you hear is static.  Sometimes the deadlines are so unrealistic they give you ulcers.

Sometimes you have to deal with disgruntled transcribers who couldn't care less about you or the clients.

And then there are clients who pay a month late and some who don't pay at all.

So why do it at all?

I guess its true that some people are meant to do somethings and thats what it is for me.

I love transcribing and running a business. 

Inspite of all the trouble there are the perks: extra cash, being a business owner rather than just being an employee, the act of serving other individuals and businesses and interacting with them. I love it. Priceless.

The big picture is I'm doing my bit.

While TranscriptionPRO is still far from being considered a success.  It is still successful in giving me the chance to prove myself.

I'm living the life I wanted to. And thats enough.

Online transcription projects: Communication is Key

One of the hurdles (and advantages) of running an online transcription service is that all your transcribers are in different time zones. Some are 5 hours behind you and some are 3 hours advanced.

Managing transcription projects can be a big problem in such situation.  It's therefore a must to have constant and clear communication to and fro.

This often means emailing to and fro multiple transcribers multiple times a day.

Deadlines and relevant information must be communicated and reminded from time to time.

It's a must for transcribers to update their managers the status of their work at least once a day.

If there's any problem with the transcription, that has to be reported as soon as possible.

Nothing should be left to chance or even worse, assumed. Any doubt or confusion with regards template, client instructions and any other detail must be conveyed instantly.

It's also useful and can save time to mention whether a particular transcript needs editing or not, when submitting your final transcript to your manager.

While working on online transcription projects is fun and rewarding it can be rather challenging at times.

Communication is key to succesful transcription projects.

What's your experience like running online transcription projects?

What to blog about as a lawyer or a law firm

2013 will be a year of content marketing aka blogging (and its cousin, social media).

The effectiveness and value of blogging cannot be overstated.

If not for blogging I, for one, will not have a business.  Think about that!

Blogging has become a favorite and often necessary tool to market a business.  It's affordable and easy to implement.  However most lawyers and law firms are still groping in the dark.  They simply don't know what to write about and share on their blawgs!

Below are my suggestions to lawyers and law firms.

• Share your success stories.  

If you're a good lawyer with some repute I'm sure you must have a few success stories to share. Sharing such success stories will build your credibility.

• Share the latest happenings in the legal field.  

This may include conferences, new updates on certain laws and regulations. Or, what's happening around your practice.

• Showcase your expertise.

Write and publish case studies and by commenting and weighing in on current legal issues pertaining to your field of practice.

• Show 'em you care

Show people you care by addressing their concerns and answering their questions without expecting them to hire your right away.  Build connections and nurture leads by being human.  We trust people who care, deeply.

These are just a few examples.  I'm sure once you start blogging you will find it easier and perhaps might even enjoy.

About the author:  Carey Suante is the founder of TranscriptionPRO Services, one of the fastest growing professional transcription services providers.  If you want to write to him, just send an email to carey AT transcriptionpro.net

3 Reasons Indian Transcription Companies (Often) Fail

India is one of the earliest transcription outsourcing destinations in the world.

A number of large companies from the transcription and voice recognition space did set up back offices to take advantage of strategic resources.

However, most Indian transcription companies fail or are just about surviving with only a handful of clients and employees.

Why?

#1.  Over emphasis on competitive pricing.

The very reason transcription services is outsourced to India is killing the industry.

Because of competitive pricing transcription companies are forced to recruit from the cheapest labors they can find.  Which often means you have transcribers who are better suited for other things working for Indian transcription companies.

They simply could not attract the talent to sustain the competitive nature of transcription business.
Indian transcription companies should learn to assert themselves not just with the cost aspect but with quality and results.

Instead of having cheap transcription rates Indian transcription providers should focus on quality output and efficiency.

Being cheap is not enough.  Quality empowers everyone.

#2.  Archaic transcription management

Most Indian transcription companies follow a two-level process: TC-ing (typing out first draft) and QC-ing (proofing).

While this two-level method of transcription may sound good to most customers and is often just a value proposition. It's hampering growth.  Not only does this practice devours the man-hours of Indian transcription companies and thereby reduces margins, it also creates a group of transcribers (TC) who are made to think inferior, paid less and less valued.  Worst, these group of transcribers do produce inferior quality transcripts. Therefore, inefficiency creeps into the business crippling growth.

#3.  Management who don't transcribe

Since most transcribers in India ARE  NOT from the most prestigious schools and colleges they often lack spoken and written English skills.  And they are most often from small towns and villages.

The management on the other hand are often fron affluent background with good education.  They therefore do not transcribe but manage the transcription companies.

This often creates misunderstanding and miscommunication.  Management has no understanding of the transcription work and the transcribers.

Conclusion

Inspite of India being a major outsourcing destination Indian transcription industry is in need of a serious rethinking and change.

Indian transcription companies need to change the way they work.

Transcribers of the highest caliber are required to produce high quality transcripts.  There is no more room for substandard transcription services.

Author - Carey Suante is the founder and owner of TranscriptionPRO Services. 

Small Business BIG Dreams

Around six years ago I had a dream.

A dream to start my freelance transcription business on the side, while working fulltime.

That small seed planted without waiting for the right time, enough money and adequate resources is alive and kicking.

It has earned twice my fulltime salary a couples of times and may even do x6 in 2013, I hope anyway!!

This small business is my BIG dream.

The BIG dream is to build a business that's big enough for me to hire employees and can support my family and some.

It may not be long before it's registered as a company with fulltime management and staff!!

This is indeed a GIGANTIC dream for a pastor's son like me.

Takeaway - Dream BIG; DO IT!!