General Transcription

Setting Up Your Own General Transcription Business

Are you looking to start your own home based business? A general transcription business may be the perfect home based business for you if you are a good listener, can type well and follow instructions. General transcription basically involves listening to an audio file and then typing (transcribing) the words in a written format based on the client's specifications.

As companies become more and more advanced in the way they are using the Internet, audio technologies are being used increasingly. Because of this upward trend, there is now a huge demand for people who can do general transcription and turn audio information into written information. This is where your general transcription business come in.

Your general transcription business can cater to companies that frequently do recorded teleseminars and other similar projects. These companies are in need of people who can transcribe their seminars so they can make the information available online. Other types of projects that require general transcription include online videos, web conferences, podcasts and tutorials.

 What skills and equipment are required to become a general transcriptionist?

So how does one get started in the general transcription business? If you're a good listener and you have good typing skills, you can become a general transcriptionist. It's also essential that you are able to follow instructions since every client will specify exactly how they want their audio file transcribed and formatted. For instance, the client may instruct you to ignore specific words or phrases and not include them in your transcribed copy, or the client may require you to deliver your transcription in a specific format.

You'll also need a professionally designed website for marketing your general transcription business. You can market your service by approaching prospective clients and making them aware of your transcription service. Make sure that your website looks professional, both in design and content, to make a good impression on potential clients. Make your rates competitive and give potential clients a way to contact you.

As for the equipment, you need a computer, Internet access, a word processing program, headphones and a program that will let you play audio slowly. Although not a requirement, you may want to invest in a foot pedal so you can stop, rewind and fast forward audio recordings using your foot. A foot pedal can make transcribing faster and easier since you won't have to stop typing on your keyboard if you need to stop or rewind a recording.

A general transcription business is the ideal home based business you can try. The hours are flexible and you'll only need to take note of when your clients need the finished product. In addition, starting a general transcription business really won't cost you anything. You already have a computer with computer access and a word processing program. For an audio player, your computer comes with it already and there are free programs available that will let you play audio slowly. Perhaps the only start up costs involved in starting a general transcription business would be the foot pedal and domain name and hosting.

What's Next

1. Educate yourself. Learn what's required to get your own transcription business up and going. Get your transcription business guide here.
2. Establish an online presence is by launching an attractive website for your work at home business. Take your free website builder trial and get started.
3. Get clients. Learn how you can get instant exposure to hundreds of potential clients for your business by clicking here.