As I mentioned before, my first ever guest post is now live on Bridie's blog.
It should be of interest to people who outsource transcription or generally to podcast bloggers.
Its about how to record audio dictations (click here to read the article & comment).
So, please click the above link and share your thoughts!
If you liked this article, please share it on Facebook, StumbleUpon or Twitter. I’d appreciate it. :)
Monday, 27 December 2010
Saturday, 25 December 2010
Merry Christmas! (and Thank You!)
I'd also like to take this opportunity to thank you for reading and visiting this blog. It means a lot to me.
Thank you.
I also wanted to share with you some amazing things that's happened, directly or indirectly, because of this blog.
It has only been a little over 2 months since I started writing here (I started this blog in October 2010, to be precise). In this short span of time I was able to publish 50 articles on this blog so far. That in itself is a huge achievement for me.
A few weeks after writing here, a general transcription company contacted me out of the blue and called me into their office. We had a chat and it transpired that they really liked the blog. There was even a discussion of me helping them with their marketing/lead generation efforts. (I"ll keep you informed if anything developed out of that chat.)
One of my secret hopes when starting this blog was connecting with people with similar interests and passions. I am very grateful for having found new friends soon after writing this blog.
Bridie Jenner (@Bridies_Typing) of Bridie's Typing Services and Patty Juan, owner and founder of eXPERT Business Support Service are such friends.
In fact, this coming Monday, 27 December 2010, my first ever guest post (more accurately a series of posts) will be published by Bridie on her blog.
With all these happening in such a short period of time, I have a feeling 2011 will be much more fun and I really, really look forward to it.
Thanks, once again, for all your support and encouragement. This blog will be a success because of YOU!
If you liked this article, please share it on Facebook, StumbleUpon or Twitter. I’d appreciate it. :)
Thursday, 23 December 2010
How to Market your Services During Holiday Seasons
Do you market your services or products during holiday season? How do you market your services during holiday seasons?
It's that time of the year again when you start receiving sales promotions and discount offers in your email.
For example, today I received an email from my hosting company, WPWebHost (I have a couple of WordPress self-hosted websites) saying they are hosting a Mega Sale.
WPWebHost is giving upto 90% discount to bloggers who sign up for their Freedom and Buddy WordPress Hosting Plans.
Simply, go to their site and sign up using the promotional code, MEGASALE.
You can save up to $144 for a 1 year WordPress hosting plan.
Both Freedom Plan (50GB space | 500GB bandwidth) and Buddy Plan (100GB space | 100GB space | 1TB bandwidth) are tailor made to get the best compatibility and maximum performance for WordPress-powered sites.
The offer includes free domain name for life and 100 days money back guarantee.
If you are thinking about starting a website or blog or an online business you should sign up now and not miss the proverbial boat.
As a business, WPWebHost, is taking advantage of the holiday shopping season to promote their hosting services.
As their long-time satisfied customer I am very happy to recommend their services. Their customer care department is especially very helpful when I started hosting my sites with them.
Back in the middle of 2008 I was new to WordPress and hosting so I needed a helping hand all along the way and WPWebHost never failed me to this day.
Takeaway points:
- Promote your transcription services during holiday seasons by giving discounts to new customers
- Leverage your customer base to promote your services by giving them incentives to do so - a referral system could do the trick.
- Build up your social proof by being helpful and responsive to your customers needs and concerns
- Build an email list
- Start blogging now - sign up for the discounted hosting services and save money.
If you liked this article, please share it on Facebook, StumbleUpon or Twitter. I’d appreciate it. :)
Tuesday, 21 December 2010
How to Outsource Transcriptions Effectively and Efficiently (To-Do List BEFORE Outsourcing)
Effective and efficient outsourcing partnership begins with the customer doing some vital work on his part.
An outsourcing customer should know how he is going to save money by outsourcing transcription work. He has to know how much costs can be saved and how much his budget is for outsourcing transcription.
According to his budget, he will be able to find and choose the right transcription company for his firm.
Choosing the right transcription company also depends much on how they want to integrate the transcription workflow into their system. It may be wise to visit your transcription services provider to get to know them personally and face to face.
Before you start outsourcing, provide your chosen transcription company with the necessary instructions and guides you want them to follow. This is also the time to fix the price and delivery systems and methods of sending and receiving files. It also important to provide contact persons for emergency and exigencies.
To-do list before you begin outsourcing transcription:
Effective and efficient utilization of outsourcing resources will enhance your productivity and equal effective delegation of tasks. It will allow you to focus on your core strengths and the vitals. It will also allow you to live a more balanced lifestyle. Research show that CEOs who spend more time with their families, regardless of corporate success, are more happy and fulfilled.
If you liked this article, please share it on Facebook, StumbleUpon or Twitter. I’d appreciate it. :)
An outsourcing customer should know how he is going to save money by outsourcing transcription work. He has to know how much costs can be saved and how much his budget is for outsourcing transcription.
According to his budget, he will be able to find and choose the right transcription company for his firm.
Choosing the right transcription company also depends much on how they want to integrate the transcription workflow into their system. It may be wise to visit your transcription services provider to get to know them personally and face to face.
Before you start outsourcing, provide your chosen transcription company with the necessary instructions and guides you want them to follow. This is also the time to fix the price and delivery systems and methods of sending and receiving files. It also important to provide contact persons for emergency and exigencies.
To-do list before you begin outsourcing transcription:
- Send templates of various documents they may have to type – letters, reports, standard statements, memos, witness statements, etc
- Provide style guides – fonts, font size, how to name files, how to fill in reference numbers, using American or British spellings, American or British styles of writing names, etc
- Provide contact email ids, address details, titles and designations they may have to include in their transcripts List of abbreviations and names of individuals, companies and businesses.
- Provide your expected turn around time (TAT). If there are documents you need urgently make sure your chosen transcription company has the resources and means to deal with such assignments. Of course, such assignments will cost you more.
- Communicate clearly and explicitly the acceptable level of quality, if possible in writing. Decide and communicate what to do if such acceptable level of quality is breached.
- Communicate clearly and explicitly your need for confidentiality (especially for legal transcription) and data security.
- Providing some or all the above will spare you a lot of hassle or editing when you start outsourcing transcription, apart from time and money. You will be able to integrate transcription process to your workflow more efficiently.
- Never hesitate to voice your concerns with your transcription provider anytime during outsourcing. Also, acknowledge their efforts.
Effective and efficient utilization of outsourcing resources will enhance your productivity and equal effective delegation of tasks. It will allow you to focus on your core strengths and the vitals. It will also allow you to live a more balanced lifestyle. Research show that CEOs who spend more time with their families, regardless of corporate success, are more happy and fulfilled.
If you liked this article, please share it on Facebook, StumbleUpon or Twitter. I’d appreciate it. :)
Monday, 20 December 2010
Sermon Transcription: Spreading the Word
Sermon transcription is another transcription niche which entails transcribing sermons, speeches, talks, Bible studies etc.
Pastors and frequent preachers and speakers can get their video or audio recordings transcribed into text so they can used it again as articles, blog posts, newsletter editorial, or simply for safe-keep.
Transcription Helps Spreading the Word (of God)
Lets say, you gave a sermon this morning in a relatively small town, to a small group of people. In 30 minutes you changed a dozen thoughts, transformed a couple of hearts and even saved a few lives.
It was an excellent sermon - a sermon you are proud of and you took more than 5 hours working on it. All folks loved it and congratulated you after the service.
After that ...what?
That's it!??
Oh no! It can't be.
There must be a better way to utilize the sermon to reach out to thousands everyday, change lives and save more souls.
Yes there is, and its called sermon transcription.
A sermon need not be and should not be limited to the church-goers that day in that small town. It could be used to reach out to many thousands. Everyday. In many ways.
If that 30-minute sermon was recorded and transcribed, it can be:
As you can see, a sermon transcript can be used in many ways. It doesn't have to limit its work to only the day it was preached . It can be used as a mission tool to reach thousands of unsaved souls who are online, looking for that 'something' that's missing in their lives. Google doesn't have the answers but if Google can usher that lost soul to your sermon transcript. The Angels in Heaven will rejoice. And Jesus smiles.
Image: VectorOpenStock
If you liked this article, please share it on Facebook, StumbleUpon or Twitter. I’d appreciate it. :)
Pastors and frequent preachers and speakers can get their video or audio recordings transcribed into text so they can used it again as articles, blog posts, newsletter editorial, or simply for safe-keep.
Transcription Helps Spreading the Word (of God)
Lets say, you gave a sermon this morning in a relatively small town, to a small group of people. In 30 minutes you changed a dozen thoughts, transformed a couple of hearts and even saved a few lives.
It was an excellent sermon - a sermon you are proud of and you took more than 5 hours working on it. All folks loved it and congratulated you after the service.
After that ...what?
That's it!??
Oh no! It can't be.
There must be a better way to utilize the sermon to reach out to thousands everyday, change lives and save more souls.
Yes there is, and its called sermon transcription.
A sermon need not be and should not be limited to the church-goers that day in that small town. It could be used to reach out to many thousands. Everyday. In many ways.
If that 30-minute sermon was recorded and transcribed, it can be:
- Used as a blog post - thereby its value only increasing everyday. It will have the potential to reach thousands of people - everyday. And you don't have to expend any effort anymore.
- Your sermon transcript will work 24/7 for as long as the blog is online to save lives.
- People will be able to share your sermon (now blog post) easily.
- The sermon transcript can also be posted along with the sermon recording online for ease of reference.
- Some people prefer reading to listening or watching.
- A sermon transcript will improve the SEO of a blog or website.
- You will readily have material for a (physical) book or turn it into a small ebook for download.
- You are spreading the Word of God in the internet, changing lives and saving souls.
As you can see, a sermon transcript can be used in many ways. It doesn't have to limit its work to only the day it was preached . It can be used as a mission tool to reach thousands of unsaved souls who are online, looking for that 'something' that's missing in their lives. Google doesn't have the answers but if Google can usher that lost soul to your sermon transcript. The Angels in Heaven will rejoice. And Jesus smiles.
If you liked this article, please share it on Facebook, StumbleUpon or Twitter. I’d appreciate it. :)
Sunday, 12 December 2010
Go Niche: 2 New Transcription Niches to Explore and Explode your Business
Ask a common man if he's heard of transcription, he's likely to reply with a question "You mean medical transcription?".
Although very similar to podcast transcription media transcription is also a new transcription niche. This niche is like an unexplored goldmine. Huge media houses will be the clientele here and the rates will be the best in the business.
If you liked this article, please share it on Facebook, StumbleUpon or Twitter. I’d appreciate it. :)
Medical transcription is as old as transcription itself and most of the Indian transcription companies offer medical transcription services.
Therefore, the new start-ups and small transcription businesses (STBs) should consider other (new) niches to explore and expand their business.
With so many transcription companies in the medical transcription business its frankly difficult to differentiate - which is very important in business.
To differentiate you either have to price your services very cheaply or hire cheaply. Both are not the best options for any business.
The best way forward would be to specialize in a new market or niche. Even with only 4-5 employees excelling in this new niche your transcription company could carve a niche of its own and stand its ground.
You will be able to price competitively and therefore hire generously. In turn attract better talents and personnel. And, thats always good and sound for business.
Lets look at some (relatively) new transcription niche you could explore (and laugh all the way to bank!)
Podcast Transcription
Podcast transcription is a relatively new transcription niche. It may include transcription of audio podcasts and videos that are (or have been) published online on websites and blogs.
Although the BBC, for example, has been providing transcripts of its TV and video contents online for years other content producers like webmasters, bloggers, affiliate marketers, the make money online brigade etc are still catching up.
Media Transcription
Media Transcription
Media transcription involves converting documentaries, films, podcasts, television shows, reality shows, news, talk shows, radio broadcasts, interviews, video taped events, raw footage etc into text.
Although very similar to podcast transcription media transcription is also a new transcription niche. This niche is like an unexplored goldmine. Huge media houses will be the clientele here and the rates will be the best in the business.
Do you know of any transcription business catering to these two niche transcriptions in your city? If not, why not you?
I believe these two niches are relatively easier for transcribers too as audios or videos are professional recorded in studios for public consumption they should definitely be easier on the ears. As long as you read news and watch news channels their context will be easy to grasp too.
If you liked this article, please share it on Facebook, StumbleUpon or Twitter. I’d appreciate it. :)
9 Factors Affecting Transcription Rates (OR, How to SAVE MORE Money outsourcing transcription)
One big reason why law firms, individuals and businesses outsource transcription is to save costs. Outsourcing transcription saves not only money but time and resources for businesses. Below are tips on saving more money with effective outsourcing techniques.
1. Audio Length
Transcription rates are based on Audio Minutes. 1 Audio Minute = 60 seconds of audio/video recording.
This means that no matter how long it takes to transcribe a recording, you would still pay by length of the recording and not the actual hours worked.
Quick tip: Before recording dictations, make notes of the important points, be concise and to the point.
Quick tip: Before recording dictations, make notes of the important points, be concise and to the point.
2. Audio Quality
Professionally recorded high quality audio is the easiest to transcribe and therefore costs the least.
Audio with background noise or recording issues is difficult to understand and may require several rounds of proofreading to ensure accuracy; such audio therefore costs more.
Quick Tip: For those who record regularly, it may be a good idea to invest in a DVR or some other form of recording equipment. This will help generate high quality audio that will bring down transcription costs.
3. Accents
Recordings involving heavy accents generally require a native speaker of the accent (or a very experienced transcriptionist) to transcribe them accurately. For this reason, accented audio can costs considerably more depending on the accents involved.
The Australian, Irish and Scottish accents are considered to be some of the most difficult ones to transcribe and cost the most. More neutralized accents such as the US accent are easier to understand and cost lesser.
Quick Tip: Get someone with a more neutralized accent to dictate your recordings.
4. Subject of the Recording
A recording on a technical subject like finance, real estate or healthcare would likely have terms and phrases that are not commonly known. These terms need to be researched to ensure correct spelling and context. For this reason, recordings on technical subjects take longer to transcribe and cost more.
Quick Tip: To improve the accuracy of transcripts on technical subjects, it is advisable to provide a list of commonly used terms to the transcription company. This will reduce transcription time and improve accuracy.
5. Number of Speakers
A single speaker talking at a steady rate of speech is easy to understand and transcribe. However, if a recording involves multiple speakers talking simultaneously (at a dinner meeting for example), it becomes difficult to catch all that is being said. Identifying each speaker by name also becomes a challenge in such cases. Multi-speaker audio therefore costs more to get transcribed and yet does not always meet accuracy requirements.
Quick Tip: When planning to record a multi-speaker audio, spend some time choosing a good microphone and DVR. Also instruct the participants to speak one at a time and mention their names before speaking.
6. Proofreading
Transcription is a 3-step process:
- Preparing a draft
- Proofreading
- Editing & formatting
The draft is an 85-90% accurate transcript prepared during the first round of listening to the audio. This draft is then taken through multiple rounds of proofreading to fill in the blanks and correct errors. The cost of transcription goes up with every round of proofreading.
Quick Tip: If you intend proofing and editing the transcript yourself, you can ask your transcription company to simply provide a draft, which costs much lesser than a fully proofed and edited transcript. Just make sure they duly time stamp all the blanks or put periodic time codes in the draft that will help you while editing.
7. Editing & Formatting
The final step in transcription is editing the text for grammar, punctuation, sentence structure etc. along with formatting the layout for easy reading. This step generally adds an additional 1-2 hours to the total transcription time (depending on the length of the transcript). Transcription companies generally factor in the cost for this work in audio hourly rate rather than charging for it separately.
Quick Tip: Editing & formatting costs can be saved if the transcript is for personal use and doesn’t need to look perfect.
8. Your Contract
All factors considered, a single hour of clearly recorded audio/video can take 3-4 hours to transcribe, 1-2 hours to proofread, and another 1 hour to edit & format. In effect, one audio hour can take up to 4-7 hours of work. This means that if you’re paying $60.00 for the transcription of a one-hour recording, you’re actual paying $1.00 per hour.
Quick Tip: If saving cost is the sole reason for outsourcing transcription work, find the cheapest possible transcription provider. A freelance transcriber may be a better idea than a transcription company.
Quick Tip: If saving cost is the sole reason for outsourcing transcription work, find the cheapest possible transcription provider. A freelance transcriber may be a better idea than a transcription company.
9. Location of your transcription provider
It’s a known fact that hourly wages differ widely in different economies of the world and naturally that affects transcription services as well. Transcription rates can be anywhere from $3.00 to $0.25 per audio minute depending on the location of the transcription company and the experience level of the transcriptionists. The quality of transcripts can also be drastically different depending on how much you pay.
Quick Tip: While hunting for the best deal in the global market, it may be a good idea to ask for a quote from several companies, sample their work and check credentials before making a final decision.
BONUS TIPS: Outsource your transcription works to a company providing FREE transcriptions for the first few days/weeks/audio hours to save money, test their quality and over all efficiency.
If you liked this article, please share it on Facebook, StumbleUpon or Twitter. I’d appreciate it. :)
Thursday, 9 December 2010
Make More Money as a Part-time Transcriptionist working from Home
I've written much about freelance transcription and its potential.
However, the truth is that freelance transcription work is difficult to find. Especially when there are so many scams and get-rick-quick-working-from-home sites.
A couple of months ago, I applied to a company called Cripton, a transcription company based in Mumbai, who employ freelance transcribers.
Fortunately, I was accepted and have now signed the contracts and started working for them.
If you are interested in making more money working as a freelance transcriber I highly recommend Cripton, especially if you are an Indian transcriber.
Cripton is highly professional and has high standards.
So, go to their website at Cripton.com and click on the button Openings for Home-based Transcription.
You will be taken to a page which has as below:
As a freelancer for Cripton, you will need to transcribe audios ranging from conferences, symposiums, seminars, interviews, online ads, song lyrics, movie subtitles, presentations, lectures/speeches, medical research files, focus group, and workshops.
DESIRED PROFILE:
You need to have:
BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH US
Good luck!
If you successfully applied as a freelancer with Cripton get in touch with me!
If you liked this article, please share it on Facebook, StumbleUpon or Twitter. I’d appreciate it. :)
However, the truth is that freelance transcription work is difficult to find. Especially when there are so many scams and get-rick-quick-working-from-home sites.
A couple of months ago, I applied to a company called Cripton, a transcription company based in Mumbai, who employ freelance transcribers.
Fortunately, I was accepted and have now signed the contracts and started working for them.
If you are interested in making more money working as a freelance transcriber I highly recommend Cripton, especially if you are an Indian transcriber.
Cripton is highly professional and has high standards.
So, go to their website at Cripton.com and click on the button Openings for Home-based Transcription.
You will be taken to a page which has as below:
As a freelancer for Cripton, you will need to transcribe audios ranging from conferences, symposiums, seminars, interviews, online ads, song lyrics, movie subtitles, presentations, lectures/speeches, medical research files, focus group, and workshops.
DESIRED PROFILE:
You need to have:
- Minimum of 3 years of experience as a transcriber (medical/legal/business)
- Good command over the English language—writing, comprehension and grammar
- A flair for handling accents from all around the world (esp. Southeast Asian)
- Good online referencing skills
- Strict adherence to deadlines
- A good home transcription setup with backup power and broadband internet connectivity backup (above 512 kbps)
BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH US
- There is no obligation to work solely with us. You are free to choose the amount of work you can handle at your own preferred schedule.
- We offer the best rates in the industry with highly attractive quality allowances.
- On-time payments.
- If you are interested, send in your resume along with a cover letter to.
Good luck!
If you successfully applied as a freelancer with Cripton get in touch with me!
If you liked this article, please share it on Facebook, StumbleUpon or Twitter. I’d appreciate it. :)
How to outsourcing transcriptions for FREE!
Outsourcing transcriptions can save you a ton of money, time and at the same time allow you to get more out of life!
And, all these can be for FREE!
Another word for outsourcing is delegation. Delegation has long been a business tool for professionals and businessmen because it works.
A person can only do so much a day.
Why not leave the time-consuming and less creative processes of your work to others? This will leave you with more time to deal with the core competencies of your business. Thereby, getting more work done.
Or, you simply get to spend more time with your family, friends or even yourself.
It has been proven again and again that people who spend more time with their loved ones are happier and more fulfilled than those who don't.
Our days are numbered. Unless the very reason you are born is to work, we'd all like to spend some of our days with our beloved ones.
Where to outsource transcriptions for FREE.
Almost all transcription companies I know allow for clients-on-trial transcriptions for free. In some cases these may extend to even a week of free transcription.
Just go to a transcription company website and look out for words/buttons like Free Trial, Special Offers, Test our services free, etc.
You should definitely take advantage of free transcription offers to acquaint yourself with the process of outsourcing, delegation and see for yourself the advantages of outsourcing, namely saving money, time and living a more fulfilled life.
If you liked this article, please share it on Facebook, StumbleUpon or Twitter. I’d appreciate it. :)
And, all these can be for FREE!
Another word for outsourcing is delegation. Delegation has long been a business tool for professionals and businessmen because it works.
A person can only do so much a day.
Why not leave the time-consuming and less creative processes of your work to others? This will leave you with more time to deal with the core competencies of your business. Thereby, getting more work done.
Or, you simply get to spend more time with your family, friends or even yourself.
It has been proven again and again that people who spend more time with their loved ones are happier and more fulfilled than those who don't.
Our days are numbered. Unless the very reason you are born is to work, we'd all like to spend some of our days with our beloved ones.
Where to outsource transcriptions for FREE.
Almost all transcription companies I know allow for clients-on-trial transcriptions for free. In some cases these may extend to even a week of free transcription.
Just go to a transcription company website and look out for words/buttons like Free Trial, Special Offers, Test our services free, etc.
You should definitely take advantage of free transcription offers to acquaint yourself with the process of outsourcing, delegation and see for yourself the advantages of outsourcing, namely saving money, time and living a more fulfilled life.
If you liked this article, please share it on Facebook, StumbleUpon or Twitter. I’d appreciate it. :)
Wednesday, 1 December 2010
Allot vs A lot
Allot vs A lot
Allot – distribute, assign
Eg: The moderator allotted 20 minutes to each speaker.
A lot– A large amount.
Eg: There is a lot of noise in the classroom.
If you liked this article, please share it on Facebook, StumbleUpon or Twitter. I’d appreciate it. :)
Allot – distribute, assign
Eg: The moderator allotted 20 minutes to each speaker.
A lot– A large amount.
Eg: There is a lot of noise in the classroom.
If you liked this article, please share it on Facebook, StumbleUpon or Twitter. I’d appreciate it. :)
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