Work from home – Gain the freedom to work from anywhere.

THE ANNUAL SCOPING INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

by Heidi

Every year as spring begins, we find ourselves at the threshold of scholarship season. At Scoping International, it is a time we eagerly anticipate, for it allows us to reaffirm our commitment to uplifting individuals worldwide through education.

We have held steadfast to the belief that education should be accessible to all, regardless of geographical location or economic circumstance. Whether you are a retired teacher, a digital nomad, or a devoted stay-at-home mom or dad, we recognize that the pursuit of knowledge knows no boundaries.

In a world where economic disparities persist and educational opportunities remain unevenly distributed, we envision a future where individuals from all walks of life can harness their potential and pursue fulfilling careers. Through our comprehensive Complete Scoping Course, we aim to equip aspiring scopists with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today’s digital landscape.

Our dream is simple, to foster a global community of scopists empowered to create their own paths, support their families, and find fulfillment in their work, regardless of where they reside or their financial means.

The annual Scoping International Scholarship Program embodies our unwavering commitment to this vision. Each year, we are honored to offer one full scholarship and two partial scholarships to deserving candidates. The application window opens during Q2 and the recipients are announced at the beginning of Q3.

We invite individuals from every corner of the globe to apply, regardless of their background or circumstances. Whether you’re embarking on a new career path, seeking to enhance your skill set, or simply yearning for a fresh opportunity, we welcome your application.

To apply, candidates are invited to submit a compelling personal essay of 500 words or less, sharing their personal journey and explaining why they believe they are deserving of the scholarship. Whether you choose to highlight your aspirations, recount your challenges, or articulate your passion for scoping, we eagerly await to read your stories.

Applications are distributed via email and to apply all you need to do is fill out the personal information and then attach your essay. The team at Scoping International carefully considers each application and then conducts interviews with the short list of candidates. We strive to award the scholarship to those that are deserving and committed. Please consider your participation seriously as it’s not our goal that these scholarships end up unused. We encourage you to spread the word to friends, family, and colleagues who may benefit from this opportunity. Together, let’s ensure that education remains accessible for all.

Typically, the Complete Scoping Course can be started at any time but please note that scholarship recipients must enroll and be prepared to commence the course by September 1 of the year they apply.

As we embark on this journey together, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each member of our community for your unwavering support. Your belief in our mission fuels our determination to make a difference, one scopist at a time.

For the latest updates and announcements, be sure to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @scopinginternational.

Thank you for joining us on this transformative journey.

Warm regards,

The Team at Scoping International

HOW TO BUDGET AS A FREELANCER

by Coralie

One big concern that comes up when one is considering pursuing a freelance career is what about benefits, like health insurance, retirement, vacation?

While the faculty here at Scoping International are not claiming to be financial experts, by any means, we do have a few years of freelancing under our belt, and we’re happy to pass along some gems we’ve gleaned from our personal experiences. Here are some tips to consider when deciding if scoping will work for you, especially if it is your or your family’s sole income.

Plan for the ups and downs

A factor that can cause a lot of hesitation when we’re deciding if we want to let go of the 9:00 to 5:00 lifestyle is letting go of the predictable income. While freedom and flexibility call to us, not knowing exactly how much will land in your bank account is definitely something that can give us pause, and that is a completely valid concern. There are ups and downs in this career, absolutely, and we will not deny that. But you’re the business owner, and just because your monthly income may ride bit of a roller-coaster doesn’t mean your daily heart rate has to.

After you’ve established what your monthly expenses are – your rent/mortgage, food, gas, phone bill, utilities, and so on – add on how much you need to save every month in order to have a buffer. We recommend setting aside at least three months’ worth of saving in order to cover those necessary expenses, six months, if you can do it, is even better. (Note: This is recommended by financial experts even if you are employed.) This is not money for a pair of shoes that just went on sale that you have to have. This is money you do not touch unless you haven’t earned enough to cover your monthly expenses. If you need to dip into this account, fill it back up the next time your monthly income is exceeding your expenses.

Budget in health care

In some parts of the world, you may have to cover your own medical costs. Do research regarding where you live to find a health care plan that covers your needs. Then add those costs to your monthly expenses. In places like the U.S., if you end up having a high-deductible plan, you may be able to take advantage of services like the Health Savings Account, where you can put away pre-taxed dollars to cover out-of-pocket medical costs, including deductibles.

Budget in your retirement savings

Once you have your buffer in place and your health insurance squared away, it’s time to tackle your retirement savings. In places where retirement is funded by the individual, there are sometimes programs that can help you increase that bank account. In the U.S., there are programs such as S.E.P.-IRA, Solo 401(k), and Roth I.R.A. accounts that can assist you in setting aside money for your golden years.

Budget in your vacation

Decide how much time you would like to take off, calculate your earnings for that time and spread that out over 12 months. Add in that cost to your monthly expenses, set up a vacation-time savings account, and pay yourself paid time off. And guess what? You decide how much time you take off every year. How cool is that!?

You’re the boss

And there are advantages and disadvantages with that. On the positive side, because you’re the boss of a job that allows you to decide how much you want to work, after looking over your expenses and taking our Complete Scoping Course, you have the ability to earn what is needed to cover your costs and decide when you will work to meet those costs. There is incredible freedom and power in that.

That being said, there is no payroll department deducting these costs and putting them into accounts for you. You have to have the discipline to do that for yourself. And, yes, it takes a lot of self-control to set that money aside and be wise with it. Remember, you are paying your future self, whether it’s to have a month off to travel Southeast Asia or to set up your 55-year-old self to retire early, whatever your dream is, you are worth the planning and sacrifice it takes now to reach those dreams. And now, with your new freelance career, you have more power than ever to make those dreams come true.

Start Module 1 of the Complete Scoping Course for free today to take your first step into freedom.

Start for free here

HOW TO STAY HEALTHY AND ENERGIZED WHILE WORKING AT A DESK

by Heidi

In today’s fast-paced world, many of us spend long hours sitting at our desks, whether for work, studying, or browsing the internet. Prolonged sitting can lead to various health issues, including stiff muscles, poor posture, and decreased energy levels. Incorporating simple stretching exercises into your daily routine can help counteract the negative effects of sedentary desk work and promote overall well-being. That’s what we try to do at Scoping International, but let’s face it, we all can use some helpful reminders to get up and move. Here are some effective at-home desk stretching exercises that will help you stay healthy, energized, and productive. Give them a try right now.

Sitting for extended periods can cause tension and stiffness in the neck and shoulders. To relieve this tension, try the following exercises:

Neck Roll
Sit up tall and gently tilt your head to one side, bringing your ear towards your shoulder. Slowly roll your neck in a circular motion,bringing your chin to your chest and then to the other shoulder. Repeat 5-10 times in each direction.

Shoulder Shrugs
Lift both shoulders towards your ears and hold for a few seconds. Relax and repeat 10-15 times. This exercise helps release tension in the upper back and shoulder area.

Sitting with poor posture can lead to rounded shoulders and a tight chest. These stretches will open up your chest and improve your upper back mobility:

Chest Opener
Stand or sit up tall with your arms extended behind you, interlacing your fingers. Gently squeeze your shoulder blades together as you lift your hands away from your back. Hold for 15-30 seconds and repeat 3-5 times.

Seated Twist
Sit with your feet planted firmly on the ground and your spine tall. Place your right hand on the back of your chair and twist your torso to the right, using your left hand to support the twist. Hold for 20-30 seconds and repeat on the other side.

Typing and using a mouse for prolonged periods can strain the wrists and forearms. These stretches will help alleviate discomfort and prevent repetitive strain injuries:

Wrist Extension and Flexion
Extend your arm in front of you, palm facing up. Use your other hand to gently bend your wrist, pointing your fingers towards the floor. Hold for 15-30 seconds, then flex your wrist, pointing your fingers towards the ceiling. Repeat 3-5 times on each hand.

Forearm Stretch
Extend your right arm straight in front of you, palm facing down. With your left hand, grab your fingers and gently pull them towards your body until you feel a stretch in your forearm. Hold for 15-30 seconds and repeat on the other arm.

Sitting for long periods can lead to tight hips and a weak lower body. Incorporate these exercises to keep your lower body active and flexible:

Seated Leg Extensions
Sit on the edge of your chair and extend one leg straight out in front of you. Flex your foot and hold for 10-15 seconds, then point your toes and hold for another 10-15 seconds. Repeat on the other leg for a total of 3-5 sets.

Hip Flexor Stretch
Stand tall and take a step forward with your right leg, keeping your left leg behind you. Bend your right knee and lower your left knee towards the ground. Lean slightly forward to feel a stretch in the front of your left hip. Hold for 20-30 seconds and switch sides.

These few simple stretches can improve your overall health, and the welcomed break from staring at the computer screen will even give your eyes a “stretch.” Incorporating these at-home desk stretching exercises into your daily routine will allow you to continue being productive and limber while pumping out the pages. A healthy body is a happy body.
Tell us which stretches you like doing at your desk.

EASY TIPS FOR SURVIVING IN A WORK FROM HOME DESK JOB

by Heidi

In today’s digital age, more and more people find themselves working in sedentary desk jobs from the comfort of their homes. While the flexibility and convenience of remote work are undeniable, it also presents a unique set of challenges, particularly when it comes to maintaining self-care routines. Sitting for prolonged periods, lack of physical activity, and the blurring of boundaries between work and personal life can take a toll on both our physical and mental well-being. However, with a mindful approach and intentional habits, it’s possible to thrive in a sedentary desk job while prioritizing self-care.

Scoping International wants the best for our students and graduates. We are here to support you and make sure that your new scoping career enhances your life. So in this blog, we’ll explore practical strategies and effective self-care practices that can transform your work-from-home experience.

Prioritize Ergonomics: Creating an ergonomic workstation is crucial for maintaining good posture and reducing the risk of physical strain. Invest in a comfortable chair that supports your back and promotes proper alignment. Adjust the height of your desk and monitor to ensure that your screen is at eye level. Consider using a standing desk or incorporating movement breaks to break up long periods of sitting.
Incorporate Physical Activity: Counterbalance the sedentary nature of your job by incorporating physical activity into your daily routine. Schedule regular exercise breaks throughout the day, such as stretching, yoga moves, or short walks. Utilize fitness apps or online workout classes to stay motivated and engaged. Even small activities like taking the stairs instead of the elevator or doing household chores can make a difference.
Practice Mindful Breaks: Take intentional breaks during your workday to recharge your mind and prevent burnout. Engage in mindfulness practices like deep breathing exercises, meditation, or simply stepping away from your desk and focusing on the present moment. Use these breaks to disconnect from work-related stressors and engage in activities that bring you joy, such as reading a book, listening to music, or pursuing a hobby.
Establish Boundaries: Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial when your workspace merges with your living space. Set clear boundaries between your work and personal life by defining specific working hours and creating a designated workspace. Avoid checking work-related emails or engaging in work tasks outside of your defined work hours. Create a shutdown ritual that signals to your body that the workday is over, i.e., power down your computer, tidy your workspace, or turn off the light at your desk. Embrace the freedom of remote work by intentionally scheduling time for leisure activities, spending time with loved ones, or pursuing personal interests.
Nourish Your Body and Mind: Proper nutrition is essential for sustaining energy levels and maintaining focus throughout the workday. Plan and prepare healthy meals and snacks in advance to avoid relying on quick and unhealthy options. Stay hydrated by keeping a water bottle at your desk and making it a habit to drink regularly. Additionally, prioritize getting enough sleep each night to support overall well-being and cognitive function.
Foster Social Connections: Working from home can sometimes feel isolating, so it’s important to nurture social connections. Schedule virtual coffee breaks or lunch dates with colleagues to maintain a sense of camaraderie. Engage in online communities or join professional networks related to your field to connect with like-minded individuals. Social interactions, even in a virtual setting, can boost morale and provide a sense of belonging.
Seek Variety and Stimulate Your Mind: Stagnation and monotony can contribute to a lack of motivation and creativity. Seek variety in your work tasks by exploring different projects or taking up new challenges. Set aside time for learning and professional development to stimulate your mind and expand your skill set specific to scoping. Have you considered joining Margie Holds Class? What about subscribing and/or regularly watching educational YouTube channels on grammar? Engage in creative activities like painting, writing, or playing a musical instrument during your leisure time to promote mental well-being.

We know what it’s like to get in the “five more pages” trap. While a sedentary desk job at home may pose challenges to self-care, by implementing these techniques, you will ensure the longevity of your career as a scopist, boost productivity, and therefore profitability, and ensure scoping enhances rather than takes over your life.

Happy scoping!

HOW YOU CAN PASS OUR CRITICAL TESTS

by Coralie

One of the biggest anxieties our students face, whether prospective or currently enrolled, is the critical tests in the Complete Scoping Course. There are three – the punctuation test, the software test, and the final transcript – and students can’t access the rest of the course without passing these tests. That means that potentially a student has taken the leap, invested time and money in themselves and then can’t pass a test. Then what? Have you just paid close to $5,000 and spent hours and hours learning and that’s it? That feels so overwhelming and scary, and we get it. We’ve been there ourselves.

So let’s talk about this. Why do we have critical tests in the course? How do we recommend that you prepare for them? And what should you do if you fail?

Why do we have critical tests in the Complete Scoping Course?

Believe it or not, these tests are really for you, our students and potential scopist. In our opinion there are two really big reasons why these tests benefit you:

Testing ensures that Scoping International only produces the best scopists. We feel very passionately about Scoping International’s reputation in the court reporting industry. We want court reporters to see a Scoping International student and snatch them up before anyone can work with them. We want our graduates to be the best of the best and have really profitable careers so that, when you start out professionally, you only have to say “I’m a Scoping International graduate” and you’re booked; you’re set. This can only happen if we make sure that you truly understand and are applying what we teach you, and these tests, especially the final transcript, help us to see your caliber as a scopist and give you the feedback you need to become a successful scopist.
- Now, don’t panic if you’re about to tackle your final transcript. We do NOT expect you to be perfect. We will NOT fail you over one missed comma or any other one-off errors we find in your submission. We are looking at the overall picture. Overall, are you showing you understand when to shift from Q and A to colloquy? Overall, are you showing that you understand and follow reporter preferences? Overall, are you showing a grasp of grammar and are able to apply your knowledge to the verbatim record?
The second reason is to help you face any fears you will experience when you are scoping professionally. That feeling of clicking “Send” on a job and waiting for feedback does not go away once you complete our course. In fact, those of us who have been scoping for years still feel that old anxiety popping up anytime we’re sending a job for the first time to a new client. It’s scary! What if they don’t like my work? The testing process in the Complete Scoping Course allows you to confront that fear and get familiar with it. It’s not a comfortable feeling, and we really understand that. Unfortunately, that discomfort never really disappears, and this is a good opportunity for you to work through being uncomfortable and not let that stop you from achieving what you have set out to do.

“Everything you want is on the other side of fear.”
– Jack Canfield

How does the faculty at Scoping International recommend that you prepare for the critical tests?

We’re going to give you the scoop on how to pass our tests. We’re doing this because we really, really want to see you succeed, and we want to give you all the tools you need to do so! You still have to do the work, but we’ll make sure you know where to focus.

Here’s a breakdown of each critical test and our top tips for preparing for each one:

The punctuation test:

Make sure you’ve done all of the worksheets provided in the course.
Make a list of each section and subheading. Note which sections you aren’t clear on and get more information. Look up quizzes, go through blog posts on the subject. If you’ve already invested in the resources recommended in this course, use those to work on firming up your understanding.
Ask for tips and further explanations from your fellow students in the Facebook group. Ask for help at our drop-in sessions.
Book a one-on-one coaching call with Coralie at hello@scopinginternational.com.

The software test:

The biggest tip we have here is use the transcript that you download in the section to physically practice what you’re learning. None of the concepts you’re studying will really stick until you’ve been applying them kinetically. It’s okay if you completely “mess up” the practice transcript. That’s the whole point of this – make your mistakes, figure things out. This is a safe place to do that. You can always close the transcript without saving your changes and you’ll have it back to its original form the next time you open it. And the transcript is available to download as many times as you need to “play” with it. So get in there, explore, make mistakes, learn from them, then take the test!
Again, reach out to your fellow students in the Facebook group and ask them for suggestions and help and attend our drop-in sessions to ask your questions to one ?of the instructors.
Book a one-on-one coaching session with Rachel at hello@scopinginternational.com.

The final transcript:

Do the practice transcripts. I’m going to say it again because it’s simple but serious: Do the practice transcripts. Compare your version to the scoped version provided. Notice grammar decisions, formatting decisions, make notes, and learn why those decisions were made. When we are grading your final transcript, we can tell if you’ve utilized those practice transcripts or not. So don’t cheat yourself. Do the work.

Pay very close attention to preferences when you’re doing the practice transcripts. Learn to follow them closely. Following preferences is one of the most important skills an excellent scopist has, and we pay attention to your ability to follow them when we grade the final.
Follow the Scoping Recipe Card provided in Section 4. Using this tool will help you to avoid the pitfalls both new and experienced scopists fall into.

What should you do if you fail?

“We are all failures – at least the best of us are.”
– J.M. Barrie

Oh, the heart-sinking-into-your-stomach feeling you get when you see you’ve failed a test. Trust me, all three of us course instructors are all too familiar with that horrible feeling. We’ll share a little secret with you that we hope will give you hope. Very nearly every student who has taken our critical tests have failed on the first try. You are in the company of greatness. It’s not about failing; it’s about not giving up. So when you fail, after your heart has emerged from your stomach and returned to its proper place, take some time to think about the parts of the test that were difficult for you. This is why we give you more than one chance. We all need an opportunity to try again and room to grow and apply our lessons, and that’s what we are giving you.

We recommend writing down notes soon after failing a test so that you can capture what your biggest struggles are while they are fresh in your mind. Then take a break. Give your brain a rest and time to process. Then go back and study the portions that you see you need more information on. Again, attend drop-in sessions and ask for clarification on those points you’re struggling with or book a coaching call for a one-on-one conversation.

Now while we do give you chances to retest, those chances are not limitless. There are three chances to pass the punctuation section and the software training. There are two chances to pass the final. If you have used up all three chances, there is still hope. You can pay a fee to take the test. Every retest after that point will incur a fee. And we strongly advise you to be taking full advantage of all of the resources we’ve mentioned many times in this post – drop-ins, coaching sessions, and the Facebook group – as you continue to study.

Also, please remember that you have lifetime access to the information you’ve gained access to so far. We are sure there is a reason this career appealed to you. It may just be that you need to take more time, take a break and come back to it later. You can come back a couple months later. You can come back 10 years later. It’s always yours. And after that time, you may have gained the knowledge and skills you need to pass these tests.

“It’s fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure.”
– Bill Gates

The faculty at Scoping International truly wish you success in your scoping career, and we offer as much support as we can. We hope this post has encouraged you to work through your fear, face and take those tests, and to calmly approach each setback or failure as a chance to learn.

We look forward to seeing you at our future drop-ins and in our Facebook group with all of your questions!

WHAT MAKES SCOPING INTERNATIONAL DIFFERENT FROM OTHER ONLINE SCOPING COURSES

by Coralie

So you’ve finally found a profession that you feel meets all of your requirements. You’re a word nerd; you’ve always geeked out on legal dramas; you want the freedom to work wherever and whenever suits you; you want to earn a decent living being your own boss. But which scoping training program should you choose?

We want to show you what sets Scoping International apart and why you should choose us!

You get the benefit of three instructors. Here’s the thing, there are a wide variety of preferences in the court reporting industry. We are the only online training course available that offers the benefit of multiple instructors. Because there are three instructors who are actively working as scopists now, you get the most up-to-date and well-rounded education in scoping. You learn about the different ways to do things in the industry, why they’re done differently, and gain the experience to find your ideal match in clients, ensuring success and satisfaction for both you as the scopist and for your future court reporting clients. All three of the instructors have scoped for clients who live and work abroad and have or are living abroad themselves. Each of us know how to get clients around the world and can teach you to do the same.

In-depth and comprehensive training in grammar and software. We believe that knowing how to spell correctly and punctuate the verbatim record is vital to being a good scopist, and we love the English language and are excited to teach you about the unique way we work with it in scoping. But what really puts our scopists light years ahead of graduates from other programs is our in-depth and exclusive software training. There are two reasons it is vital that a scopist know how to use the software: Accuracy and profitability. If you don’t know how to use the software completely and properly, you can create serious problems in the transcript and add hours of extra work for yourself, or worse, the court reporter. And the software is a powerful tool that, when thoroughly understood, can help you to edit more accurately and more quickly. And in this industry, speed is essential to profitability. On average, our graduates are scoping 50% faster than graduates of other programs immediately upon graduation, helping them to earn more earlier on in their career.

Lifetime access to the course. As the industry changes, we adapt our content to keep up. You can always come back to the course to get a refresher in grammar, software, finding clients, and editing tips.

Our drop-in sessions. We really believe this is one of the most valuable benefits to our course. Every month, our students get free, live access to the instructors. We answer any and all of your questions from grammar to formatting, addressing any uncertainties or insecurities you have as you enter your new career. We also offer a breakout room to graduates where they can get one-on-one assistance from the instructors regarding all things business, how to get clients, any questions they have about client interactions, and tips for improving profitability.

Private Facebook groups for students and graduates. While this is a self-paced, online school, you’re by no means on your own. Your fellow students and instructors are readily available to offer advice and support as you go through the course.

Thorough and personalized marketing training. Because you have multiple instructors, this is the only course that addresses the fact that there are different types of reporters and different types of scopists. We teach you about the different reporters that are out there and help you learn what type of scopist you are, helping you to be confident and excited when getting your first court reporting clients.

Need more convincing? Book a time with Coralie, Heidi, or Rachel here: hello@scopinginternational.com. We are happy to answer any other questions you have as you consider making scoping your future career.

START YOUR OWN SCOPING BUSINESS THIS YEAR

by Coralie

Starting a new business is unlike starting a new job. You don’t have any co-workers, assistants, and everything is up to you. You don’t have the same systems in place, and there are very few checks and balances when you start your own business unless you institute them yourself. But let’s face it, that’s the main reason you probably want to start working from home this year, right? The best reason to start working as a scopist from home is the flexibility and the freedom it affords you and your family.

Imagine you’ve enrolled in the first section of the scoping course. You’ve finished reading through all the requirements, and you’ve decided to take the plunge and enroll in the Complete Scoping Course by Scoping International. The second section is a little more involved, and there are lots of things coming at you. Perhaps, you’ve been a bit derailed with family life or the holiday season. Not to worry, we are here to help you get back on your feet and help you reach your goal of starting your scoping business this year.

One of the most proven techniques for staying focused is knowing exactly why you have invested in this new venture. Investing time, money, and effort can take a lot out of you if you aren’t quite sure of your reasons for doing it. This course is an investment, not only monetarily, but timewise too. Even though the course is self-paced, you will be busy studying and learning new things. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and full of self-doubt at this stage. But now is the right time to remember why you started and what your end goal is.

GOALS FOR THIS YEAR

Freedom to work from anywhere.
Flexibility to work from where you want to be.
Financial independence and the ability to reach your financial goals.

Figure out your approach to the course. Will you take it a bit easier and do it part-time, or will you devote six to eight hours a day of learning? This, of course, is entirely up to you. This course is self-paced, and you have lifetime access to it. Keep in mind your goals. If you are hoping to set up as a working scopist before the end of the year, then here are a few tips and techniques to help you stay focused and productive.

PRODUCTIVITY TIPS AND TECHNIQUES

The Pomodoro Technique: A time management method, the technique uses a timer to break down work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks.
Self-affirmations: According to Heathline.com, affirmations can help strengthen self-worth by boosting both your positive opinion of yourself and your confidence in your ability to achieve your goals. They can also help counter the feelings of panic, stress, and self-doubt that often accompany anxiety.
Support system: Having a strong support system gives you a group of people that you can go to for assistance with your issues. Besides family and friends, Scoping International has a student forum and one-on-one calls to give you the support you need, when you need it.

Whether you have the extra time because you are out of work or you’ve set time aside to work on the course, there is no need to feel overwhelmed as to what your future as a scopist will look like. You don’t need the best or most powerful equipment, but you will need a laptop or desktop to begin. Although the software will most likely be your biggest investment, if you don’t already own headphones, you’ll need to get those to use during the main part of the course when you begin listening to files.

Once you’ve made a commitment to yourself and registered for the full course, set time aside each day to work on it. Take advantage of the student forum and the one-to-one support calls from the Scoping International faculty. You can purchase up to two support calls with the initial complete course. These one-on-one calls are also available to purchase at any time for students of Scoping International, past or present. Step-by-step, you are moving closer to starting your new career as a scopist.

THINGS TO GET YOU STARTED

Laptop or Desktop
Headphones
Software

Before you can officially start your own scoping business this year, you will need to find clients. You are probably wondering how to get work in your new field. As a scopist, you are self-employed, but at the same time, you are dependent on work flowing from various court reporters. Some scopists work for one court reporter and others take work from a variety of court reporters.

Typically, scopists get work through their networks. Networking for a scopist looks a little different than most jobs, especially if you are new to the online job market. Initially, you will be connected with the faculty at Scoping International, and that is the beginning of your network. The faculty will get to know your strengths through the course and any one-on-one calls you book.

Once you get your first job, it is imperative that you do the best job you can. This court reporter will be your personal advertising agent. Word of mouth is huge in this industry, as scopists are usually the unseen and unheard freelancers working behind the scenes.

HOW TO FIND CLIENTS

Job Boards
Networking
Referrals

As you begin your career as a scopist, stay connected with us. We are here to support you all the way. Our goal is to create a network of modern scopists on the cutting edge of industry standards. Starting your scoping business this year starts with successfully finishing the Complete Scoping Course. Are you ready to take step one of starting your own scoping business? Start our signature scoping course today.

HOW DO WORK FROM HOME JOBS WORK?

by Coralie

Are you looking for a work from home job that has clients that are looking for you?

The year 2020 has been a year of upheaval and change. The pandemic pushed many employers into sending their employees to work from home. With phones, email, texting, Zoom, Google Hangout, Slack, and a plethora of other software to help coworkers work together remotely, the possibilities of working from home have skyrocketed.

Maybe you are someone who was laid off from your job because it’s not possible to work from home and you’re sick and tired of job searching and going on interviews. You’d like to work from home but don’t know where to start or what to do. You’ve been researching and scouring the internet for days, maybe weeks and months even. But what job will actually suit your needs and be a success for you?

We’ve seen that many teachers have found themselves in a difficult position when returning to the classroom during the pandemic. That’s if they were able to do so. Teachers and support staff alike have had to reorganize and set up online classrooms. This has caused a lot of stress, and no doubt many have had to weigh the cost and benefits of returning to working with the public. It’s not uncommon to hear about women in the workplace making the difficult decision to stay at home with their children to homeschool. All these life-altering decisions that you’ve either made or have been imposed on you have led to a sort of mass pivot in the workplace. More and more are choosing to take control of their work-life and looking for options that will enable them to stay home and make a decent living.

So here we are at the end of 2020, and you might be finding yourself without any translatable skills, and you’re tempted to join an MLM company so you can have the freedom to stay home. It seems like many women are doing just that and attempting to live the influencer lifestyle. But did you know that the statistics show that your success rate is less than 1%? We know this from the income disclosure statements the companies post every year.

If you’ve been looking for work from home options, then probably you are being followed by ads everywhere you go. Facebook, Instagram, every website you visit with ads is showing you a new work from home idea. Have you seen ads for any of the following?

Make or design jewelry
Designing stickers
Etsy shop
Affiliate marketing
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Ask your current employer to work from home

You’re most likely reading this blog because you are still looking for the best option for you.

There is a lot involved in starting your own business from home and possibly even more needed to work in a more traditional office-type job for a big corporation from home. It can all be very scary with huge investments of time and money, but what if you could find a work from home job that has clients that are looking for you? If that appeals to you, then a career as a scopist might just be for you.

Scoping isn’t your typical work from home job. Most likely, before today, you hadn’t even heard of scoping or scopists. Court reporters hire scopists to make sure that the final court transcript is complete and accurate. Because there is a worldwide shortage of court reporters, the work for them is limitless and hiring a scopist frees them to take more reporting jobs instead of editing their own files. This keeps the work flowing for scopists. Scoping is a viable career with strong future growth. Most scopists work as freelancers, running their own business, deciding how much to work and where to work. They don’t even need to have an internet connection the entire time.

If you’ve gone through the different options and decided you are ready to make a commitment to professional development, our scoping course is now available. It will teach you everything you need to know to start your career as a scopist, from technical skills to marketing and connecting with court reporters who need scoping services.

“Three years ago, I trained to be a scopist when I was searching for a career change from a government Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 job…I can truly say that scoping has given me the flexibility in my schedule that I had been dreaming of.”
-Heidi Yaeger, Cofounder, Scoping International

Visit our FAQ here to learn more detail about scoping. Next week on the blog we will go more in-depth about scoping and the day in the life of a scopist.

Start for free now