6 Tips for Working with Clients

In this article, we’re going to offer you some tips on how to properly navigate the legal transcriptionist-client relationships to not only help you avoid misunderstandings but also keep business returning on a consistent basis. Here are six tips for working with clients effectively:

1. Be On Time

Probably the single most important piece of advice we can give you at the onset of a new client relationship and continuing through each and every job is that you need to turn in your work on time. This might seem like common sense, but it’s often something that can be ignored when production requests pile up and you start getting behind. Things come up and schedules change, that’s just a part of the job, but deadlines are usually written in stone. To be successful in this field, you must strive for consistent, 100% on-time delivery for every job.

2. Prepare to Conduct Research

One skill that we can recommend that you hone outside of your working hours is your ability to conduct research. While this is a skill that not only has benefits for legal transcription, it is one that most of us don’t often factor into our skill-building regimen. The more proficient you become at research, the quicker the turnaround on your jobs will be which will allow you to take on more, and more varied, clients in the future.

3. Know Your Limits

As you put more time into honing your skills, you’ll become more proficient at it and thus able to take on more work. That’s why it is important that you know your limits in the beginning and be realistic about your ability to produce pages. This will not only help you keep your on-time delivery consistent but it will also better equip you to discern what jobs to take on and which to decline.

4. Be Clear on Deadlines and Turnaround

When discussing projects with clients, be very clear and upfront about deadlines and what you can, and more importantly, cannot, do. Among the most important aspects of a client relationship, clear communication and forthright appraisals of your abilities will not only make it easier when you need some flexibility but will also mark you out as a true professional, and a reliable one at that.

5. Communicate Promptly with Clients

Things happen. Roadblocks arise and sometimes you need to communicate with a client that you are facing a delay or some other complication. Don’t ever wait until the last minute to communicate anything of importance to your client. More often than not, they will be grateful that you informed them of the situation and will be more than flexible in providing you with the assistance you need.

6. Proofread All Texts Prior to Submission

No matter how adept you are at transcription, you need to thoroughly proofread all transcripts prior to submission to the client. Not only will this save you from any embarrassment down the line if you have made a mistake, but it also keeps you in the habit of excellence and delivering high-quality work.

Summary

A major aspect of your workday and career is dealing with clients and managing their expectations as well as accurately advertising your own capabilities as a legal transcriptionist. Over promising and under delivering is just one among many cardinal sins that can sour a client relationship quickly and permanently. Ultimately, as professionals, it is up to each of us to respect deadlines, deliver top-notch work, and go the extra mile whenever possible to exceed our clients’ expectations and ensure a long-term and mutually satisfying business relationship.