Ten Simple Tips for Better Transcripts

Even seasoned transcriptionists can do at least one thing to further improve their transcription skills. Make your current best even better by following these ten simple tips for improving your transcripts:

Sharpen your English skills.
Take online quizzes and tests at least once a month. There are free tests on websites like Brainbench. If you're used to transcribing in US English, take a test in UK English. You might be pleasantly surprised as I was by the results. I came out in the Top 10 when I took the Brainbench UK Written English test two years ago. I also landed the top spot for test takers from the Philippines.

Sharpen your typing skills.
Pretend you're a newbie and Google 'typing freeware' or browse Download.com. Get new typing software that works for you and type away! Find out what your weak spot is (words you often misspell, for example). I personally enjoy word games and typing games so these are great ways to refresh and learn before tackling that next project.

Learn a new writing style or format.
Review or read about a format you're unfamiliar with. If you're used to the Chicago Manual of Style try reading about other formatting styles. This will enable you to apply for transcription jobs from buyers or clients who prefer that particular format.

Learn new tools.
I constantly search the world wide web for new tools, preferably freeware. Download new tools from Download.com so you can create even better transcripts. I love using Net Transport for downloading audio/video files, OneLook Reverse Dictionary and Ditto clipboard software for easier copypasting. These are great time savers!

Follow the rules.
Every client has a different set of rules that you must follow. If you gain a new client, stick to his or her rules and resist the urge to do your own thing or to follow the rules that your previous client has given you. When in doubt, ask. Take note of lessons or skills learned from your new client.

Learn from your past mistakes.
If possible, get a copy of edited or corrected transcripts so you can learn from your mistakes. Find out what your weaknesses are and learn how to best overcome them.

Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up. Thomas A. Edison US inventor (1847 - 1931)

Take time for self-improvement.
Even five-star providers or freelancers need a break. Devote 15 to 30 minutes each day for personal development. Learn a new type of exercise one day and practice a relaxation technique the next. Find out what suits you best and what time works for you. What's important is that you take time for yourself so you can give your best each time you're working on a file.

Take onsite projects.
Take an onsite project, if available and if your schedule permits, just to gain more experience and possibly even more contacts with prospective clients. If you're experiencing some downtime in your online business, find out if there are transcriptionists in your area (or elsewhere in the world for that matter!) with an overflow of work that they'd be more than glad to delegate to someone else. I got a text message yesterday from one of our team leaders that her friend needs home-based medical transcriptionists! :)

Learn from others.
Get tips from other transcriptionists. Find out what tools (online dictionaries, word expanders, etc.) or techniques they are using. Read related blogs and listen to relevant podcasts. I can recall many times where the right piece of information landed on my lap just when I needed it most.

Share with others.
If you're a gifted speaker or teacher, look for ways to share your knowledge in your community or even online through Skype. Your knowledge expands even as you start sharing your knowledge to other people. Volunteer your time and provide free service to charitable organizations. This is one great way to further sharpen your skill and get good feedback for your sales letters or business blogs and possibly even business referrals.

What's your own top ten tips for better transcripts? Please feel free to share them in the comments section below or write about it and leave a link here. I'd be more than glad to learn from you. :D

Net Transport free version download link: http://www.oldversion.com/Net-Transport.html
Ditto: http://ditto-cp.sourceforge.net/