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Ask Judy Question #15
Dear Judy: How would I go about soliciting business to enter into the
transcription market? Suppose you had the infrastructure in place to handle a
transcription business, and all you needed now was the business -
how would one go about soliciting business and introducing
him/herself without face-to-face contact? Any direction would be
appreciated.
Signed...Hopeful Transcriptionist
Dear Hopeful: Run, don't walk, to MedWord and study this excellent site that helps committed people become fine medical transcriptionists. See how you can benefit from the site. Although it targets teaching medical transcription, it has tremendous resources, and is excellent for people who want to learn how to be professional transcriptionists. You didn't mention whether or not you knew how to use the equipment or the culture in which transcriptionists work.
Do a search on a good search engine like Google. Type in "transcriptionist" and use this as a basis to study existing businesses. See what they have to offer, and get a feel for how they present themselves. Take notes on the various niches they have. Decide clearly which way you will go. Some people are generalists, but most will work in either the medical or legal fields.
Will you have a Web site? If so, start laying out plans, and make sure it absolutely shines with professionalism. The quality of a Web site reflects the quality of the services offered. You may want to have someone else create the site according to your ideas, or you may wish to create it yourself. You must decide how much time you have to do these things.
From your comments, it appears that you plan to work virtually. I'm sure you've checked out good organizations like International Virtual Assistants Association and StaffCentrix. You will find it necessary to network constantly, both with professional organizations and with lists that can help you find clients (or help potential clients find you). IVAA and StaffCentrix both offer strong group networking. Bring a problem before either group and you will find help.
You'll need time to work through all these hurdles, but you can do it. Be patient, be realistic about giving yourself plenty of time before you begin to bring in an income, and don't give up.
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