Virtual Transcription Niche Start Up

[Virtual K]

I'm planning to officially launch my VA business soon and I've decided that I clearly want to focus on transcription and typing services (manuscript prep, etc.) as a niche. I understand the basics of what I'll need to start out with, but I'd like to get some specific suggestions from experienced VAs. Since typing and transcription work will be what I do on a daily basis, what office equipment, software apps, or on hand research materials do you recommend as a must-have before I begin? (Or what could you not do without for your transcription work?)

Thanks!
K

[SpireOfficeServices]

I too am thinking about adding this service. I'd be very intereseted in what other VA's have to offer to this topic.

[lsmapp]

Well I work in the legal VA niche, but I do a fair bit of legal transcription as part of that! My favorite thing to use for transcription is Express Scribe software - it works whether my lawyers dictate into a regular digital voice recorder or if they use Express Dictate. It's easy to access and free!

[bridiej]

I originally bought Start Stop transcription software, which works great, but recently downloaded Express Scribe and I find it much better - you can add notes to the audio files which is great when you stop halfway through and want to note where you left off etc.

I've been in this line of work for almost eight years, the other things I would recommend are a secure server for clients to upload their files to. Email is okay for smaller files but some can be huge and take forever to come through - with the server it's easier as it doesn't clog up your email. I just signed up with Files Anywhere although I've seen another one (possibly Fileshare?) that you can actually adapt to match your website and clients can log in from your site - costs more money though.

Depending on how clients dictate you may also want to consider some software to convert tapes into digital if you don't want to spend money on expensive transcribers, although I have three machines (mini, micro, standard) which I bought off ebay for a fraction of the new cost. I'd say conversion would be the way to go now though as the majority is digital these days.

Can't think of anything else you would specifically need.....

[typing-services-dot-net]

Hi I'm just starting out and was thinking about my niche being in copy typing. I used to do audio years ago and hated it and my speed wasn't very quick. Do you think there is a market for copy typing still?

[RhondaHolscher]

I offer a variety services transcription being one of them. I also use Express Scribe as it is FREE, and I love FREE! I also love Express Scribe. It is very easy to use and does handle many digital audio and video formats. I also like that it offers the ability to use hot keys. I know many transcribers would say you must have a foot pedal, but I honestly don't need a foot pedal. I love using hot keys.

Obviously you will need a decent head set, but that doesn't mean you have to pay a lot of money for one. I bought more expensive ones and went back to my cheap Sony TRH-1 headset. It was very cheap and I can hear very well in it. If you want to get a more expensive one you can. I have used my sons gamer headset and while quite expensive and also heavy and bulky the thing that is does that mine does not is it blocks out background noise fairly well. He uses a Triton and another one I can't think of the name of it. His have lots of wires, but I believe you can get them wireless for even more money. If you have a quiet area to do your work though background noise won't be an issue, if you do have background noise then I would recommend getting one that cancels out background noise.

I highly recommend getting the Express Scribe software though.

I only do digital transcription so I don't use other hardware for transcription.

Best wishes to you on the start of your new business venture!

[bridiej]

Express Scribe is great but having a "bought and paid for" alternative (like Start Stop) is a good backup - I recently took on some work for another transcription company who couldn't open the sound file format (can't remember what it was now) with ES but it opened no problem on SS.

There was a download that was supposed to make ES work but it wasn't working correctly either!

[eXPERT Business Support]

Hello, I know this is coming a few months late, and I am sure you have settled in by now with everything you need for your transcribing business.

But just in case, these are a few things that have helped me. I also do use Express Scribe, but I have found the program by Philips is even better. It is called Speech Exec Transcribe, and although very similar to Express Scribe, it tends to keep the sound clearer -- which is a definite PLUS! And as stated, a good head set is a must. I've gone through so many, and have finally settled on two, which I interchange. One is for my first go-through, and the other is for my second go-through. It's amazing how that helps pick up on words you may miss the first time around.

I've also invested in a few books such as The Associated Press Style book. In general, I find it's better to stick with one style and inform your clients that you follow the style guidelines set forth in the AP book (or whichever you prefer to work with). I refer to this a lot and it was worth my investment. In addition, I found that keeping a template library is invaluable.

Hope my small contribution helps you out a bit. Good luck with your transcription business and keep us posted on your success!

[lacombe]

Thank you ladies for the great suggestions.

The use of gamer headsets is something I hadn't thought of before.

[SimplyKath]

All good information to keep in mind. I, too, use Express Scribe but also have Start Stop which came with my medical transcription training so now I have both.