Transcript proofreading is more than just a side hustle
Learning how to proofread transcripts, how to set up your business, and how to get clients takes work! You have to make time for it and be diligent to make your proofreading business successful. And while you can make some amazing money as a part-time or full-time proofreader, it’s not a “get rich quick doing nothing” business. You have to invest in yourself and stay focused.
When you first start learning something new, you have a lot of excitement and nervous energy. You get into a course, start learning, start checking things off your to-do list. And then a week or two goes by and that excitement starts subsiding as the work kicks in.
It happens to the best of us. It’s human nature. Something new and sparkly catches our eye, we start learning, and then the newness wears off and we’re left with…what?
When you’re in the middle of learning how to use your software, practicing proofreading transcripts, and getting details like your rates set up, it can be really easy to lose focus on your end goal of why you wanted to be a transcript proofreader to begin with.
But proofreading isn’t just showing up and reading and correcting errors and sending a project back to a court reporter. It isn’t just about invoices and proofing software and reference manuals.
Transcript proofreading is the tool you’re using to create the life you want to have.
And when you look at your transcript proofreading business that way, it helps you stay focused.
Why we do what we do
When my students enroll, I ask them right away why they want to learn to be transcript proofreaders.
The reason I do that is when you can write down why you’re here, why you’re wanting to invest in yourself and learn a new skill, you can see what your purpose is. And when you have a purpose, that will keep you motivated as you put the work in to build your business.
My students and grads have shared some amazing reasons why they want to be transcript proofreaders.
I want to get out of debt.
I want to travel the world.
I want to stay home with my kids.
I want to build an emergency fund.
I want to take my family on vacations.
I want to set my own hours.
I want to quit my corporate job.
I want to stop living paycheck to paycheck.
I want to live anywhere I want.
I want to supplement my retirement.
I want to spend more time with my family.
I want to show my daughter she can work for herself too.
I want to do something I enjoy.
I want to feel confident we can afford to start a family.
I want to prove to myself I can do this.
The list goes on! Maybe you can relate to some of those or maybe you have a completely different reason for wanting to be a transcript proofreader. What’s important is that your reason makes you feel fulfilled and motivated. (You can see some of what inspires my students and grads here!)
Getting where you want to go
While you’re busy learning how to proofread and set up your business, don’t forget the reason(s) why you started. Focus on what it is you want and how proofreading helps you make it happen – and then stick with it! The only way it absolutely can’t happen is if you give up.
Write your reasons why down on a piece of paper. Stick it on your kitchen window, your bathroom mirror, your computer monitor at work, the edge of your TV screen, save it as your phone screensaver – put it places where you’ll see them all the time. It’s a written reminder of why you’re learning a new skill and putting in the work.
Keep your eyes on the prize and GO!
I know starting your transcript proofreading business can seem overwhelming (I was there once too!). It’s why I made my course, Learn How to Be a Transcript Proofreader, very straightforward to follow with detailed lessons, step-by-step assignments to apply what you just learned, and an endless supply of support and encouragement inside my zero-drama community for students and grads.
Want to see if it’s a good fit for you? Tap below to watch my free workshop!
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