Being a freelance reporter has some amazing benefits, but one of the challenges is the schedule. In court, you know where to be and when - five days a week (mostly).
With freelance, it can be "catch as catch can," as it were.
It can be stressful. What can you do to alleviate the stress?
Know yourself (your production ability)
Know your market (understand the type of work available)
Manage your persona (marketing items)
Develop a strategy to become more "knowable" - advertise, participate/sponsor local events, speak at events, join clubs/associations.
Don't give up. All it takes is one or two clients to start the snowball. And be ready with great networking subcontractors when the eventual double-booking comes.
And always meet your deadlines.
Happy St. Patrick's Day! And another Monday. I'm still dragging with the time change so I'm starting later in the day than normal. But I'm excited to start a new week with so many projects, a trip to convention, some consulting gigs, some volunteering. I think that's what I love so much about what we do, y'all. Every day, every week, every month can be an adventure! Ain't it grand? (Now I just need to find time for a nap)
#stenographer #courtreporter #courtreporterlife #voicewriter #entrepreneurlife #smallbusiness #mishmash
You all know I love giving back... and I've been speaking at the local law school for many years now, sharing with the students who will be future litigators how they can work WITH court reporters to create a truly excellent record.
I love doing this - and if you have the chance, please consider doing it in your area. The "baby" lawyers appreciated it and the next generation of court reporters will too!
We all love rituals - girls nights, massages, regular workouts... but what about our working rituals?
Do you have any that ease you into your productivity? Perhaps alleviate any anxiety?
Our job as a stenographer (or captioners) is filled with stressors and if we can develop rituals for ourselves to help limit those stresses, think how healthy, happy, and productive we can become?!
I've started another 90-day testing challenge, and it will lead right up to the start of this year's annual convention in August (Little Rock!)
For 90 days, I will take a mock test and grade it, with the hopes of being prepared for a 200 testimony at 96 percent accuracy in realtime.
I've updated my software to use Speechmatics, which is significantly different from my Dragon so I'm relearning/unlearning my original dictation style and trying to modify so as to more efficiently use the new engine.
RVR-M is the goal. 200 words per minute testimony, 96% or better.
Join me! #practicemakespermanent #stenographer #courtreporter #voicewriter #certifications
