subject: Finding the Right Transcription Companies [print this page] Transcription is converting speech into the written from. Transcription can be done real-time, listening to a speech and writing what was said on the spot, or it can be done from a recording like a recorded one-on-one interview. Before personal computers and the Internet became popular, most of the transcription done was through cassette recordings. The cassette would have to be physically picked-up by the transcriber or delivered to him. The cassette would have to be played on a cassette player while the transcriber writes or uses a typewriter. Once done, the transcriber would have to deliver the stack of typewritten papers or send them by courier. With personal computers and the Internet, transcription today has been made easier, faster, and more accurate, from virtually anywhere in the country.
It is through the Internet that transcription companies are able to solicit the transcription work from clients anywhere in the U.S. and at the same time, it is also through the Internet that the transcription companies are able to look for, and assign work, to transcribers who are able to do the work at the comfort of their own homes. The usual transcription work begins with the customer uploading an audio or video file to be transcribed; a transcriber working from home would then download and transcribed the file. The transcriber would then upload his transcription to the transcription company, who review the accuracy of the transcription and make any changes that are necessary. The polished transcription would then be submitted, or available for down loading by the customer.
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With the ease that general transcription work can be done, you might try working from home by being a transcriber. All you would need as a transcriber are listening and typing skills, a computer, and a high-speed Internet connection, and you can immediately start working from home. To make transcribing even easier for you, transcription software can be used along with a transcription foot pedal.
Although most transcription companies focus on medical transcription, there is also a big demand for general transcription. Unlike medical transcription which will require an investment on the part of the transcriber through at least six months of training and a certification, general transcription would only require a transcriber to be able to understand and write English without any additional trainings or certifications needed.
Search for transcription companies that are doing general transcription services. Compare the amount they are willing to pay for your services and choose the company that will provide you the most money for your effort. Look for companies that pay a premium on jobs that require a faster turn around time, on low-quality recordings, and give you flexibility on when you can take assignments. After finding the company for you, just do your job the best that you can, and I'm sure that general transcription can be a rewarding career for you, while letting you strike that balance between work and family.
