KPS - Audio Typing and Transcription Services

Testimonials for my Audio Typing and Transcription Services.

2011-06-10T10:18:00.013+01:00

A selection of testimonials from satisfied customers of KPS Audio Typing and Transcription Services as listed on my LinkedIn profile:

“I've hired Lesley for transcription services and always found her very reliable and professional. She has always delivered a very high quality of service. She is also very personable and offers a good value service.” Senior Learning Developer

“Prompt, accurate, dedicated. She truly appreciates urgency and co-operation to get the job right and on time.” Barrister at Law.

“Lesley’s prompt service is invaluable to professionals wanting quick and accurate results. Highly recommended.” Partner in Legal Firm.

“Lesley has provided accurate and timely transcripts for me on several occasions when deadlines needed to be met. Her work, even under pressure, is of high professional standard.” Consultant/Trainer of Educational Media Production Training.

“When I found myself in need of transcription services for a social research project, Lesley was recommended by a colleague of mine. I found it quick and easy to develop a friendly and productive working relationship with Lesley and I am very pleased with the results. Interview transcription for social scientists is a specialised task, which fortunately Lesley is highly experienced in. From technically demanding interview material, Lesley returned transcripts completed to a high standard of accuracy and readability, that I could start work on without delay. I am pleased to recommend Lesley to those requiring transcription services and wish her continuing success in her role.” Research Associate, University of Manchester.

“Lesley is great to work with and be trusted to deliver high quality results on time. I recommend her every time.” Professor at UWIC.

“Her work is always precise, accurate and great value. Lesley is always helpful and flexible to our needs and quick turnaround times. We wouldn't want to trust anyone else with our transcription needs.” Video Producer.

“KPS provides a high quality service at a very competitive rate. I would strongly recommend Lesley to anyone who requires accurate and well presented audio transcription. Lesley delivers top quality work and is very flexible in her approach. She is willing to work unsocial hours to meet deadlines and her work is very good value for money.” Independent Documentary and Business News Producer.

“Lesley does a lot of transcription for my professional publishing service. She turns round audio tapes on complex technical issues in good time and with 100% accuracy. The vocabulary never escapes her. She produces high quality work and her service is excellent value for money.” IFRS Director, ESSEC Business School and Owner, Publishing Service.

“I used Lesley a number of years ago, she is extremely personable & professional, very conscientious with the utmost reliability. I would recommend her services to anybody wishing to make an impression via her eloquent & articulate writing skills for presentation purposes. She has a huge grasp & understanding of the necessity of being familiar with clients attentive needs & requirements, with the utmost of detail of any typing task.” Entrepreneur.

“Lesley always supplies accurate transcriptions, on time and on budget. She is flexible and easy to work with.” Independent Media Production Professional.

“I used Lesley for a number of complex strategy and technical papers, due to secrecy and staff illness. I was delighted with the quality and speed of the service, even when the subject matter was really difficult to understand. Although I can type quite fast myself, it proved very cost effective to send work to Lesley and get on with my main activity in the business. I will be using Lesley in my new business and recommend her highly.” Company Director and Lecturer in Innovation Management.

“Lesley delivers a courteous and professional service swiftly and at a good price.” Production Director and Lecturer in Film and Television Studies.

“Lesley is a pleasure to work with. One knows if Lesley is hired that the service will be excellent with fine attention to detail and delivered on time. She is one hundred percent reliable. I would thoroughly recommend her.” Managing Director, Media Company.

Friendship and little cardigans.

2010-10-07T10:34:00.034+01:00

Thank you Lorraine for being such a lovely friend and taking the time and trouble to knit some beautiful cardigans for my daughter Chloë and her boyfriend Chris's baby boy, Tyler James, who is due to be born very soon.

And finally, a lovely and beautifully crocheted blanket for the little fella!

And on the thought of friendship ...

False friends are like cocoanuts, found everywhere!
True friends are like diamonds, precious and rare.

:) ♥ x

Typing of Audio Digital Transcription Video Footage

2010-08-26T21:23:00.001+01:00

It's not very often that I get the chance to show off my work, but yesterday evening I transcribed a series of short financial videos for a client. I was given plenty of notice for the job but knew that I would not be receiving the digital files until early evening which then needed to be turned around very quickly.

Below is a link to the videos. The transcript is available to download.

http://tiny.cc/TranscriptExample

It never ceases to amaze me how much has changed in the transcription industry since I first set up shop back in 1993. In those days I was struggling to hear the inferior quality of analogue cassettes and tapes, not to mention the dreadful earphones. I now use state of the art headphones which cut out all external noises and the recorded dialogue arrives in my home office via digital recordings, either as email attachments or uploaded via my website.

I expect that one day when voice activated software is sophisticated enough, folk like me will be redundant, but for the time being I remain gratefully and gainfully employed!

Baby Tyler James 4D Scan

2010-08-24T21:19:00.015+01:00

I have been very busy with work which explains the LONG gap since I last posted on my blog. However, last Saturday my lovely daughter Chloë Jade and her boyfriend Chris had a 4D scan of their baby who is due to emerge into our beautiful world around 19 October.

So without further ado, may I present Master Tyler James wriggling about inside his mummy. Hello little chappie!

I do believe he is smiling at us!

Not long to go now!

A Little Cross Stitch Update

2010-05-31T14:19:00.002+01:00

I'll be blowed! It's been over a month since I last posted a blog. Well, that's because I've been very busy with transcription work and there hasn't been much play time. Still, I have managed to make a little dent in my cross stitch project - a present for my daughter and her lovely partner for when their baby arrives.

I guess the bets are on - will I get it all done by the end of October this year?

Better keep on stitching then!

London Marathon 2010

2010-04-29T11:54:00.004+01:00

Sunday 25 April 2010, saw the little Kemp family and friends congregate in London Town to follow Kev's progress around the London Marathon course. It was a fabulous day and the man himself completed the event in 5 hours 29 minutes and 19 seconds.

Kev, Martin, Angela, Dionne and Sean snapped at Blackheath just before the registration process.

After dropping the intrepid runners off at Blackheath we boarded the coach for the short journey to Tower Hill, where we embarked and fortified ourselves with a full English breakfast!

Suitably nourished, we camped out just south of Tower Hill to wait for our friends to make an appearance. First of all Angela turned up and stopped briefly to chat. Having run a marathon just a week before she was pacing herself and taking things a little easier than usual.

Next up was Dionne. Looking focused, driven and running well, she too had run a marathon the previous week with Angela.

Last but not least Kev appears. He was in his stride at this stage and reluctant to stop but managed a wave and a big smile nonetheless.

After waving goodbye to Kev, our little group left Tower Hill and managed to connect with him at Poplar and then again at Westminster. Sadly we missed the ladies - they were simply too fast!

Well done Kev - you've done it again!

The atmosphere of this year's marathon was absolutely superb, there was fantastic support for all the runners, whether elite or fun, and of course the wheelchair competitors. The memories of a lovely day will linger for a long time.

For many more photos take a look at my online photo album.

Me a Grandmother? No no way José!

2010-04-12T14:18:00.003+01:00

I absolutely HATE the idea of being a 'grandmother'. Even the name seems so formal! I definitely don't feel very grand and these days am a mother in title only, seeing that my beautiful children have gracefully metamorphosed into thoughtful, independent adults.

No. I'm not going to be a grandmother, no way José!

I am very excited though at the prospect of another little person joining our family, not to mention thrilled to bits for my beautiful daughter Chloë and her partner Chris.

At times like this my creative juices bubble and I am about to embark on a cross stitch project for them.

I only hope I manage to get it done in time for D Day. Life is so full and time always seems to be of the essence these days, but where there's a will, there's a way. And I expect as I'm stitching I will gradually get used to the idea of being a grandmother.

Chloë and Chris's baby - 13 weeks and counting.

Spring is Sprung!

2010-04-10T17:30:00.002+01:00

Spring is definitely here and hopefully to stay. Today, I spent most of the day in our lovely garden with Kevin, getting stuck into the first BIG gardening session of the year. Sadly it wasn't long before I was sniffing. Yes, the hayfever season is upon us. But there's no way that's going to stop me from enjoying the sun, scents and beauty of the garden.

The primroses are just lovely and so hardy, they seem to have bloomed forever.

The hyacinths are still going strong too and they smell just delicious. The tulips are waiting patiently in the wings just busting to burst into bloom.

Oh and look! Is that a defiant little Cairn Terrier I spy languishing lazily in 'her' garden?

If the weather holds I think a certain little family will be having a barbie tomorrow! Roll on summer ...

A little cross stitch helps the concentration.

2010-03-16T18:13:00.012Z

Angela must have sent some cross stitch thoughts my way yesterday. After a long day transcribing, my concentration was shot to bits and I felt a great need to clear my mind, so reached for the sewing and added a few stitches to my work. It was amazing - ten minutes later I felt ready to take on the world again.

I will have to get cracking if I want to finish it in this lifetime, especially bearing in mind that I have another 3 panels to complete. I am planning to use the cross stitch design to make into a cushion for my lovely daughter who is mad about butterflies. Don't give up on me Chloë Jade, I'll get there eventually!

University Transcription Project

2010-03-09T12:34:00.005Z

Today I had the pleasure of receiving 22 sheets of A4 paper in the daily post, printed both sides, comprising 2 contracts for 2 small university transcription projects, despatched to me in a large envelope with associated postage costs. Said papers requiring my signature and return to the originator before I could be paid for the tasks which had already been completed, on time and to specification as required.

One of life's conundrums methinks. Whilst it makes good sense to keep the good folk in the Post Office gainfully employed, not to mention boosting paper, printer and toner sales, providing administrative tasks for university staff and generally keeping the economy in good working order - the whole exercise is not exactly 'green'.

I wonder how many trees were used, and how big my carbon footprint was in terms of the transmission of said papers from A to B then back to A?

We do live in a funny old world don't we? I wonder if we'll ever get it right.

Our Silver Wedding Anniversary

2010-03-05T13:10:00.043Z

On 27 February 2010 my beloved Kevin and I celebrated 25 years of marriage. Sometimes a gal really can luck out and get the man of her dreams. I loved him from the moment I heard his voice in a crowded pub 28 years ago - my heart will ALWAYS belong to my Kevvy. I love you darling ... forever.

The occasion definitely called for a bespoke card ...

With some special words just for him ...

This is how much he means to me.

And a bit more ...

And here is the man himself with his silver yo-yo.

And to remind him of all the fond memories an engraving too.

Happy Anniversary to my darling Kevin. xxxxxx

University Transcription and Snoring Cats

2010-02-10T11:42:00.006Z

Today more university transcription is on the menu and there is something so therapeutic when the ancient pussy cat joins me in my office, settles down (after much 'paddling') on his fluggy thing in the cubby hole, and purrs contentedly. Well, that would be nice but actually as of writing this, he is SNORING very loudly! Still, he IS 18 and still going strong despite a heart murmur. Long live Harry.

Back to work then.

Dogs and Dads

2010-01-21T16:36:00.008Z

What a week it's been! My poor Dad had yet another fall on Sunday and ended up with a broken hip and some more metal inside his amazingly resilient system, this time a bolt to hold his upper femur in place. He had the surgery on Tuesday, is making a good recovery and his spirits are high. You go Dad, your emotional and physical strength and willpower are an inspiration.

This photo was taken back in 2006 and I'm sorry to say is the most recent one I have of my Dad. Beside him is a very young Megan Berrybone, she was just 1 year old at the time.

As if one surgery in the family wasn't enough for this week, today my beautiful Megan had anterior cruciate ligament surgery on her left rear leg.

Funny how animals sense stuff. When I dropped her off at the vet and just before her newest best friend Kelly, a lovely veterinary nurse, took her away, we enjoyed a parting cuddle. Normally nonchalant and undemonstrative, Megan just couldn't seem to stop kissing me and I had a strong sense that she needed a bit of reassurance.

Funny also how your mind is very selective of what it chooses to remember at any given time. As Megan was showering me with affection my heart just melted and the frustrating memories of all her disobedient and defiant terrier ways just seemed to fade away.

Several hours later I picked Megan up. The op was a success and she is now snoozing peacefully on her fluffy thing in a nice warm living room. Hopefully with time and care she will make a full recovery. I have a sneaky suspicion this little Cairn Terrier will soon be living up to her name and checking out those rocky cairns on Lakeland fells once more.

Love you Meggie.

Legal Transcription

2010-01-16T17:34:00.015Z

Today finds me working on legal transcription.

I have been transcribing immigration determinations for an Immigration Judge since 2001. As it turned out, this line of work was a very lucky break for me; for once I just happened to be in the right place at the right time, knew the right person and had the skills which they were looking for.

For the most part, typing assignments and transcription projects arrive via word of mouth and repeat business, although I do continue to work hard canvassing, networking and advertising. As a self-employed transcriptionist I can never rely on work simply materialising out of the blue - even though sometimes it does! But despite the occasional period of uncertainty, as far as I'm concerned the advantages of autonomy and independence far outweigh any disadvantages.

As well as legal immigration work, transcription of legal documents for solicitors and barristers is now an important part of my portfolio and over the years I have carefully built a valuable list of referees along with the reputation for being trustworthy, reliable, completely confidential and of course efficient.

Life is so much easier now that most of my clients dictate and record on to digital media. Gone are the times when bundles of tapes arrived at my door in all sorts of shapes and sizes. These days virtually all my work arrives electronically, either as an email attachment or a digital file, securely uploaded via the internet.

Once I've finished my current legal obligations I shall be typing out research material for a UK academic. Well, as the old saying goes - variety is the spice of life and I can't argue with that!

It's a dog's life.

2010-01-15T12:41:00.022Z

My beautiful little Cairn Terrier, Megan Berrybone, is going to the vet on Monday. She is limping badly on her rear nearside leg and I expect that she will have to undergo an operation to sort it out. In August of 2008 her rear offside leg was diagnosed with an anterior cruciate ligament rupture and was operated on two months later. The op was a complete success and it wasn't long before the fellwalking doggie was back in action again but I suppose it was just a matter of time before the other one went.

Megan is a hunter and cannot resist chasing after the multitude of rabbits found in our local fields. As a result of charging about left, right and centre, constantly changing speed and direction, her little ligament protested wildly and eventually gave up the ghost. The vet said this was a common complaint with hunting dogs, and in fact basketball players and footballers were also prone to this type of injury.

When she was first diagnosed, the vet suggested hydrotherapy in an attempt to avoid surgery and soon an oversized paddling pool found its way into the Kemp outhouse, a doggie life jacket was purchased and an exercise regime for Megan Berrybone instigated.

Megan soon became a proficient swimmer and was doggie paddling for two 15 minute stints each day, eventually even without even the aid of her lifejacket, but sadly the hydrotherapy did not save the day and she ended up having surgery.

My heart aches madly for my special, often smelly and for the most part defiant and disobedient mutt. She is such a beautiful creature and really doesn't deserve this in her life. Hopefully though it won't be long before all her little leggies are back in working order and she can enjoy the delights of walking, swimming, sniffing and rolling in 'stuff' to her heart's content.

Here she is doing the 'I'm sooo beautiful' pose!

Bless her.

Stevyn's Story - Those Dancing Days

2010-01-10T21:03:00.023Z

It seems like a million years since I wrote an account of my son's antics in the dance world but the reality is that it was only eleven or so years ago. Stevyn has long since hung up his dancing shoes and is now a grown man and one of life's beautiful human beings, but in my motherly eyes he will always be 'my little boy'.

Here is a portrait of Stevyn created by one of his artistic friends in 2007 when he was 18 years old.

Time to reminisce a little then ...

The Music and the Mirror and the Chance to Dance

It is four thirty in the morning on a grizzly Tuesday in May 1998. The Kemp family sleeps peacefully when suddenly the silence is shattered by the wailing alarm. As I heave myself out of bed reluctantly and life gradually comes into focus, gentle butterflies begin to flutter in my chest anticipating the excitement of the day ahead.

It all started around five years before when the children began after school activities; Stevy decided on swimming, Chloë ballet and they each watched the other in action. My first born, who suffers with permanent ants in pants syndrome, was uncharacteristically rapt as he absorbed the ballet class. Predictably by the next term he was enrolled and practising his pliés in full ballet regalia – to you and me, white leotard, dinky little blue shorts, white socks and of course white ballet slippers; pristine for one class only!

Far from being a fleeting fancy, tap, modern, national and jazz dance followed on and are now firmly established on the menu; fed with Stevyn’s seemingly bottomless pit of enthusiasm. Dancing has become a way of life as has the endless expense of dance shoes, leotards and costumes as they expire with regular monotony.

The only real trough so far was when Stevy’s peers discovered his love of dance. But even the most terrible taunts have so far failed to stifle his spirit. One evening we were talking about the teasing when Stevy said simply: “I just don’t understand why they’re so nasty to me about my ballet – who do they think will lift the ladies if there aren’t any men dancers?” I could have howled.

So here I am now, grappling around in the eerie half-light for my underwear as the raindrops pitter-patter erratically on the dormer window in time with my butterflies. Soon I will wake up my son and take him for his audition with the Royal Ballet for a place with the junior associates.

The journey to Barons Court is uneventful but I notice a sparkle in Stevy’s eyes, a spring in his step and his excited babble accompanies us all the way to the upper school where we are herded to a studio, which is to be home for the next few hours. An assortment of budding Rudolf Nureyevs change briskly and are whisked off by Madame, reference number pinned firmly to their fronts.

An hour later we are invited to their world, reached via a labyrinth of corridors smelling faintly of resin; piano sounds hanging in the air like a thin mist. While some of the boys are discreetly ushered away, Stevy’s group is asked to see the physiotherapist and do some more dancing. A motley pack of parents march back through the maze for another tense wait until eventually our treasures reappear – the audition is over! Madame informs us that we will receive a letter in a few weeks with the results.

Life returns to normal, briefly. The week speeds towards Saturday and another early start, this time five thirty am. With a strange sense of déjà vu I rouse the Kemp family for our trip to Leamington Spa and Stevy’s first festival dance. My nervous system is by now jingling about like a seriously deranged set of wind chimes. With Stevy safely in costume and make up, Dad disappears to organise delivery of music tape. Chloë and I commiserate with one another at the state of our nerves but nonetheless thoroughly enjoy the routines of thirteen novice dancers before number fourteen comes on and does his bit. A tap routine created by his teacher Sue, carefully and regularly rehearsed in the street to get the idea of the stage size, much to the amusement of the neighbours! I shall never know quite how I managed to hold back the tears of joy when Stevy was awarded second place.

Several weeks later the eagerly awaited letter from the Royal Ballet arrives and with kind and gentle words explains that they are unable to offer Stevy a place with the junior associates. A tidal wave of disappointment crashes over me, immediately followed with another of dread and panic – how do I break the news? I subdue a mass of contradicting emotions and with a stomach full of knots am surprised at how calmly I tell Stevy the bad news. Time passes, the tears dry and fade; my little star shines and dances on. I am delighted yet mystified at Stevy’s resilience and drive, that even after this first horrible knock in the world of showbiz he has bounced back so smoothly.

Dance summer school is embraced with enthusiasm and on the last day proud parents are treated to Bugsy Malone sketches by our mini molls and gangsters. My gorgeous Chloë participates too and dances beautifully alongside her brother. A few weeks later Stevy auditions at our local drama group and gets the part of TC the cat, in Dick Whittington – stardom at last! Just around the corner, the autumn festival at Royston looms and Stevy is again awarded second place qualifying for the regional finals of the All England Dance Competition.

It’s 1999, the King Rat is dead, TC is redundant and Panto put to bed for another year! The Milton Keynes Festival is next on the agenda, where Stevy will perform his tap routine as well as an Austrian national folk dance, followed by the school show and next batch of dance and singing exams. As I look back I wistfully remember a lanky five year old at his first dance class and feel a surge of motherly love and pride at how well he’s done.

Good luck little Stevy – I hope all your dreams come true, wherever life's journey takes you …

(January 1999)

Here is Stevyn posing with his friend Becky (left) and sister Chloë just before performing his Austrian national dance at a dance festival.

Taking centre stage as the King in his dance school's production of The Emperor's New Clothes.

I'm so blessed to have such happy memories. :)

Transcription Services for University Research

2010-01-03T11:01:00.008Z

It is the 3rd day of the New Year and all is well. Today is a beautiful sunny day with wall to wall blue sky but crisp and cold. Although it is a Sunday, the year has started on a busy note and today finds me transcribing university research material for a PhD student. The quality of the dialogue on the recordings is not so good and I have some foreign dialects to grapple with, but after years of experience I seem to have found the knack of making sense of the haze of words. Concentration cap on then and down to work!

Adieu 2009

2009-12-31T20:31:00.015Z

I'm not sad to say goodbye to 2009, it's been a tough old year.

On a positive note, I have been blessed with a good and regular supply of work, but on the personal front it's been one of the most challenging years I can remember, full of heartache, stress and ill health. That said, I've managed to survive in one piece both physically and emotionally, determined to not just survive life's adversities but be the stronger for them. I am looking forward to 2010 with great optimism and the hope that life will be a little less complicated.

But it's not all doom and gloom and even a bad year has its highlights. Our beautiful garden gave me so much joy this year. It was a haven of peace to escape to when times where tough.

Kev ran the Bungay Black Dog Marathon back in April. We stayed in Felixstowe the evening before and enjoyed a saunter along the seaside. It was nice to get away for the weekend.

And as well as meeting up for some wonderful walks, I managed to visit my friend Lorraine twice. We did lots of walking and talking, with the odd glass of wine and Sloe Gin thrown in! Here we are relaxing in the pub after a great walk in the Peak District.

Which was well deserved for all the OFC members who met up for this brilliant walk organised by Angela. Thanks again Angela, you dun good! Here we all are at the trig point at Burbage Edge.

My wonderful husband Kev and I managed to pack in quite a bit of walking too. We visited the Lake District twice and I think the hiking highlight of the year for me was our walk in the Lake District, taking in Green and Great Gable. This beautiful photo of me and Megan was taken on Green Gable.

Oh yes, the Kemp barbecue saw some action! Here we have our daughter Chloë, her lovely boyfriend Chris, Kev and son Stevyn enjoying the fruits of Kev's labour after slaving over a hot barbie!

We did have an excellent family Christmas to end off the year. So adieu to 2009 and bring it on in 2010.

That's it for 2009, from me and my better half. High hopes for peace, goodwill and all nice things in the coming year.

He loves me. :)

2009-11-22T14:08:00.008Z

I am in the middle of an exceptionally busy November. It IS hard work but then the really good things in life take time and effort. I have been transcribing one digital file after another but what's this I see! My lovely husband has brought me a beautiful bunch of flowers to say how much he loves me and appreciates all my hard work. Thank you Squidgy One, I love you too. :)

A Mother's Love

2009-11-09T10:14:00.010Z

A friend of mine had a baby recently and it took me back to when my own beautiful daughter was born, 19 years ago. Life has not been easy for her but she has steadfastly persevered, and I am so very proud of all she has achieved. Earlier this year I was moved to write a poem for this beautiful and special person who will always be 'my little angel'.

A MOTHER'S LOVE

Though you search high and low
You won’t ever see it.
Try reaching and feeling
It just can’t be touched
Listen hard - can you hear it?
Or smell it, or taste it?
What’s the point of this thing then,
You might dare to ask.

Well - it touches your senses
And lights up the dark.
Gives you comfort and hope
And a joy in your heart.
You can never hide from it,
Or ban or deny it.
This thing is eternal,
And can’t be destroyed.

When everything else
Is confusing and dark.
Feelings befuddled,
No answers about.
This thing gives you strength,
And will always be there -

From my heart to your heart

My love ... says ‘I care’.

My beautiful daughter - Chloë Jade Kemp

A Shaggy Dog Story

2009-11-04T10:50:00.013Z

On Monday - 2 November 2009, Megan Berrybone celebrated her 5th birthday. She is a dark brindle Cairn Terrier with one floppy ear and adopted the Kemp family at the age of 6 months, stealing our hearts and trailing a wake of joy, laughter, panic and havoc behind her mischievous little body ever since. She arrived into our lives with her brother Benji who sadly passed away with an aneurysm a day after his first birthday.

Megan's vocabulary includes NOOO, sit, stay, wait, bread, ice cream, chicken, din-dins and walkies. She responds occasionally to her given name of Megan but is also known as Meggie, Berrybone, Smelly, SweetiePie, Pops, Tosh; all of which is no doubt very confusing for her but she seems to cope well!

Here is Megan and her floppy ear aged 6 months posing with her dearly departed bruvver Benjy.

Ah yes, and here we are back in 2005 having reached the grand age of 1, celebrating with some Ben & Jerrys.

By the age of 2 Megan had become an experienced fell walker although she is not too proud to ask for a leg-up when negotiating the steep, scrambly bits.

Having a fun time in the snow.

Megan in 'her' chair - now if only she could type ...

Spectacularly unimpressed with her cake to celebrate her 5th birthday.

Until it was time to get stuck into it that is!

Happy birthday Megan Berrybone - we all love you.

Life Journey of a Transcriber

2009-10-29T08:34:00.019Z

In the summer of 1993 when my children were 3 and 4 years old and I was thinking about returning to the workplace, a friend and neighbour who worked for a well-known employment agency suggested that I might like to earn a few pennies by becoming a home audio typist for a large national building society. I jumped at the opportunity and was busily typing documents for at least a month before my newfound employer decided that it would rather have the work done in-house. However, by this stage I had begun the process of alerting the authorities that I was self-employed and decided that, despite this setback, I would continue as a sole trader.

First of all I chose a printer who helped me create my logo and printed a supply of business stationery but he also pointed me in the direction of my local business advisory service which subsequently proved to be so instrumental in getting me on my feet. This government run agency not only educated me on the pros, cons and general pitfalls of winging it on my own, but insisted that I provide them with a business plan and attend a range of seminars. Having satisfied itself that I was serious about my business venture, I was fortunate enough to get a grant from the government to help get me on my feet and purchase equipment so vital for my work.

Armed with newfound knowledge and enthusiasm I set to the task of marketing my target audience which turned out to be legal companies, university research departments, market research companies and film and television production organisations, all requiring recorded dialogue to be converted to the written word by the process of transcription.

At first I was transcribing dialogue recorded on a variety of audio tapes which arrived at my home office in all sorts of shapes and sizes. These days though, pretty much everything happens over the internet and I am sent digital audio files which I use with my transcription software. The finished transcripts are then usually emailed back to the client.

I prefer to remain independent and do not outsource any of my assignments. Over the years I have made some valuable contacts who are always happy to endorse my work and act as referees. These days, my office is equipped with the latest technology which is a must to stay ahead of the game! It is now 2009 and to coin a phrase, I simply haven't looked back.

There were some tough times, mainly in terms of generating the business but I stuck with it and am now reaping the rewards both financially and in terms of the autonomy I enjoy, and of course my children grew up with a mum who was always about, which as far as I am concerned is the biggest bonus of all.

A rose from my garden.

The Blogging Adventure Begins

2009-10-26T21:12:00.028Z

How does one begin a blog? Probably just dive in I guess! Here goes ...

I'm currently working on a HUGE project for an exceptionally special MBA student along with my regular work. Putting in lots of hours and feeling a little frazzled, so decided to take the Squidgy One and faithful doggie out for a run. I managed just over 3 miles and considering it's been almost a year since I last had my running shoes on I was very pleased.

I'd forgotten how much better it feels when the endorphins get going. Hopefully I won't feel too creaky tomorrow.

Signing off with a photo I took back in September, a lovely memory of a beautiful bouquet of flowers from the Squidgy One. :)