What equipment/software do I need for this program?
The only thing you'll need to get started is a computer (Windows or macOS) with a USB port and good Internet service. I will send you the Easy-Start Transcription Tools Kit™ that includes a foot pedal, software, headphones, and references I use on a regular basis. Once you get inside the course, there's a module that addresses other things you'll need when you're ready to start working on transcription files; most of them are free or inexpensive.
You have images of CDs on here. Does that mean I need a CD player on my computer?
No. The CD images on here represent the practice audio files that are included in the program. They are digital and downloadable. You'll play them with the software that's included in the Easy-Start Transcription Tools Kit™ that will be mailed to you after you enroll.
Is there an option to get additional one-on-one coaching after my two years are over?
Yes! You can pay for individual calls on an as-needed basis from inside your student account. You'll also be able to attend the weekly live Q&A calls to ask me questions. If you can't attend the live calls, you can submit your questions and watch the replays later to see my answers.
What does "lifetime access" mean?
It means you don't have to keep enrolling annually. As long as the program exists, which should be many years, you'll have access.
Do I need to be able to type fast to be a Custom Transcript Design specialist?
When I finish the program, will I have to get a job working full time?
No. You will have complete control over your schedule and be able to work as many or few hours as you choose.
After I complete the program, will you help me find a job and/or clients?
I won't actually help you find a job like an employment agency would, but I do have two modules that are all about how to get a good job and/or start your own business. I'll even give you the exact emails I use in my business. I also post about job opportunities in our private Facebook group when I hear about them. I can also give you personal guidance during your coaching calls. Lastly, I give students a directory of 100 companies that hire work-from-home transcriptionists. That's a good resource too.
Will I be certified when I complete your program?
Medical and legal transcription require certification, but Custom Transcript Design doesn't. By that, I mean it literally doesn't exist. There isn't an association that certifies general transcriptionists. Custom Transcript Design companies will simply give you a test to see if you have the skills they need. If you come across a general transcription course that says you need to be certified, run. It's a manipulative scare tactic.
How do I know this is a legitimate coaching/training program and not a scam?
I understand your apprehension. Work-from-home scams are rampant. Here's what I can offer to show you I'm the real deal:
1. You can scroll up and watch the video on this page of me telling my personal story of how I went from living in my brother's basement with my four kids to running a successful Custom Transcript Design business.
2. You can see
reviews by people on the GT Boot Camp Facebook page. You can also click on the names of the people who left the reviews and see that they're real too.
3. You can check out my
Intentional Reach Custom Transcript Design business website that I started in 2008.
4. You can
follow me on Facebook. You can scroll through my posts all the way back to 2009 when I joined and see that I'm real, my businesses are real, and the people who have worked with me and know me best are real.
I just Googled and saw that transcription companies like Rev, SpeechPad, GoTranscript, and others don't require a course to work for them, so what do you teach that these companies are looking for?
You have to decide what your goal is first. Is your goal to get "a" job or to get a good job you enjoy and that pays all your bills? If your goal is to simply get "a" job, then you have a good chance of getting hired by those types of companies without any training. Heads up, though... Those fast/cheap companies are known in the GT field as companies to avoid if you're serious about making good money because the work is hard and the pay is low. If you just need "fun" money, that may be fine with you. If you need to support a family, it's not going to get you where you want to go. I recommend you
read this post where I talk about this in more detail.
You asked what I teach that those companies are looking for. The short answer is nothing. You don't realize it, but your question is kind of like someone asking the instructor of a culinary school why they should enroll in their school when they can already get a job as a cook at McDonald's. I don't teach you how to get a job working for those kinds of companies; I teach you all the skills you need to create a career that will allow you to do work you enjoy and make full-time pay working part-time hours.
I think I already have the skills to do this kind of work, so why should I hire you to help me?
GT Boot Camp is for people who need coaching/training, not for people who don't. If you believe you already have the skills to get hired and make good money as a Custom Transcript Design specialist, go for it. Start looking for clients, and see how it goes.
I have transcriptionists on my Intentional Reach team who have never taken a Custom Transcript Design course. That's totally fine. Credentials mean nothing in this field. I like to compare it to being an artist. It doesn't matter where you went to school; your portfolio will tell your prospective customers everything they need to know. It's the same with Custom Transcript Design. Your résumé doesn't matter nearly as much as your ability to provide high-quality service.
I'm in my seventies. Am I too old to be a Custom Transcript Design specialist?
Not at all! Since you'll work as an independent contractor, your age is irrelevant.
After I complete the program, will you hire me to work at Intentional Reach?
No. I avoid hiring previous students because of the conflict of interest.
What if I enroll in your program and find out I'm not any good at this? I'm scared of failing.
I understand this. I wrestled with the same fear when I started my Custom Transcript Design business. My recommendation is to look closely at the "This Program Is A Good Choice For You If" section on this page. Do you have decent computer skills? Do you know how to type (you don't have to be super fast)? Do you communicate clearly in written form? Do you like doing research? Are you self-disciplined? Be honest with yourself as you read each of those questions. If you can answer yes to them, then the odds of you failing are slim.
I want to enroll, but I'm nervous about figuring everything out on my own.
I understand and appreciate that fear. I remember how nervous I was when I enrolled in an online course. If you enroll in this program and commit to doing your best, I will be there to help you. I can help you get your equipment/software set up on a coaching call, or you can email me to ask for help. Unless it's the middle of the night, you'll usually hear back from me very quickly. Sometimes I'll even hop on a phone call with you to walk you through something that seems extra challenging. There is also an incredible group of people in our private Facebook group who will offer answers, support, and encouragement whenever you reach out for help.
If I change my mind after I enroll and decide I'd rather do something different, will you give me a refund?
I heard that you offer free consultation calls on Zoom. Is that true?
Yes, that's true. The purpose of the consultation call is so you can ask me questions; it is not a class or a sales call. If you have questions about the course, that's fine, but I will not try to get you to enroll when we talk. I can help you figure out if Custom Transcript Design would be a good career for you. I can help you understand how Custom Transcript Design specialists find work and get paid. I can talk to you about your current skill levels and let you know what you need to work on to increase the odds you'll get a good job quickly. If you're already a transcriptionist but struggling to make a living, I can give you advice on steps to take to increase your income. The calls usually last about 15 minutes. If you'd like to schedule one with me, send me an email at
ginger@gtbootcamp.com, and I'll get back to you to set up a time that works for both of us.
Contact me at
ginger@gtbootcamp.com, and I'll be happy to answer any questions you have. You're also welcome to call my cell phone at 217-504-3914. I'm in the Eastern time zone, so please keep that in mind when you call. If I don't answer, leave a message, and I'll get back to you.