When starting out it’s often easy to get so excited when a new client comes along, that we forget to ask for all the information. Sometimes it’s simply a case of not knowing what information we need – till we start the job, or perhaps until it’s delivered, assumed finished.
A discussion recently on my forum was about transcription work for a client. Some felt transcription was simply a typed copy of a voice recording, others felt it should have some formatting. Some talked about it being proofread, spellchecked and grammar checked.
All of these are correct but not all are necessary, depending on the client’s needs. So, if doing this kind of work for a client, it is best to find out what their expectation is – some clients will just want a straight typed document and nothing else. Some will have specific formatting requirements and will feel the job is incomplete if not handed back to them in this format.
Not all clients are forthcoming with their expectations and this may be because they assume that what they want is ‘standard’ based on previous experience. But this is not the case so it is important for you to ask as many questions as possible to get a clear idea of what your client is expecting for a finished job.
Shannon says
That is pretty sound advice. As a new transcriptionist I really wouldn’t have asked myself. I would have just looked at what the instructions were and if none on formatting, I would have just done it whatever way I felt comfortable with.
Kathie Thomas says
I guess that shows a couple of things Shannon:
1. Voice of experience – we learn along the way.
2. Business ownership – we need to take control as we’re no longer employees and need to be able to provide the best support service we can or we lose the client when someone better comes along.
Glad to be of help!
Teri Kempe says
I suggest a simple job sheet should be completed for all transcription jobs which includes:
The name of the client and who the bill should be sent to (not always the same)
The subject matter of the transcription, any proper names and technical terms.
The template required (just Q&A, or some other special format)
TAT (turn around time) or completion date.
It is easy to prepare a jobsheet as a table in Word that clients can complete and email to you.
It impresses the client that you are professional too!