quality remote transcribing: get “in the zone”

Ready for remote transcribing?  Plan ahead, for smooth sailing!! 

Remote transcribing is very different than classroom transcribing.  Believe it or not, it’s often easier to get distracted when you’re working from home than when you’re working in a classroom full of people.  There’s no one there to look over your shoulder or help keep you focused on your task. 

That’s why you should consciously take steps to get “in the zone” before every remote assignment:

• Create a work space where no one (including kids and pets!) can disturb you while you’re doing your remote transcribing work.
• Put up a “Do Not Disturb” sign, or use a similar system to let others in the home know that you are working. 
  • Many transcribers start out thinking, “My family/roommates will understand…”  But eventually, they end up having to sit down and talk with the family/roommates and explain that the closed door means, “I'm in another universe!  Stay away.” 
  • Also, the people who live with you must understand that you need quiet in order to do your job.  You might feel you can just ignore voices on the other side of a thin door, but in fact, those sounds do affect your thinking. 
  • Be proactive and print out that “Do Not Disturb” sign!  If you have kids, you could even have them draw up the sign for you.  :-)
• Establish a routine.  Take a few minutes before every remote assignment to clear off your desk or work space, turn off your phone ringers, close down any programs running in the background on your computer (e.g. IM, Windows updates, etc.), take some deep breaths, and get yourself into transcribing mode.
• Some people who work from home like to change into professional clothing, as though they’re going to campus or to the office.  That helps them get into the right mindset.  Changing out of your house robe will help you feel ready to work, and that helps you focus.

These things will help keep your attention where it needs to be: in the classroom, with the reader!

Kate