Home Business Hotline
Medical / Legal Transcription

Heather,
I am thinking of taking a home study course in legal transcription. When finished I would be working from home. Do you have any input on this idea? Could I make money? The price of the course is reasonable, and would take a couple of months to complete.
Margie

Dear Margie,
Legal/medical transcription is one of the better known work-from-home opportunities. For people without on-the-job transcription training, companies and community colleges will offer transcription courses --and sometimes promise large profits.

It's true that you can make money transcribing. Before you sign up for your courses, ask yourself the following questions:

1. Is this something you *want* to do, or are you doing this because you think it's a "hot" business? Do you have a passion for transcribing notes? Fantastic! Not sure? Consider starting another business. The *worst* thing you can do is create an at-home business that you won't or can't enjoy.
   
   
2. What research have you done? Does your local market need more legal/medial transcriptionists? Have you talked with doctors, attorneys, etc. to determine if they may be interested in your services? Have you chatted with someone that is already in this line of work?
   
   
3. What is your background? If you have a medical/legal background, great! You're halfway there. If you don't have an applicable background, consider how you are going to market your services. Many doctors or attorneys prefer someone with some related on-the-job transcription experience.
   
   
4. What do you know about the company offering the course? Unless you're taking classes through a community college, check up on the company. A couple of calls to the Better Business Bureau and the Attorney General's office can put your mind at ease--and keep you safe from scams.
   
   

Researching your home business idea takes some work, but the end result is worth it: A home business you'll love!
Heather

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Heather Martin is a freelance writer, and owner of SuccessWorks, a home business consulting firm. Heather is offering a special discount for Dollar Stretcher readers - $5 off each consulting session. E-mail Heather at SuccessWks@aol.com for more details.

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