Any advice for a new reporter?

[Jena Macato]

Hi everyone. I just got my results that I passed all legs of the CSR today. woo hoo!! But now I'm nervous about not being prepared. Any suggestions on essential supplies or equipment for a court reporters home office? Of course, besides the obvious like machine, laptop, software, which I already have.

All suggestions will be helpful. I want to be prepared for my first depo. : )

[Sabrina]

Jena,

It's been years since I was a new reporter, but I can remember just taking a small steno pad out with me to write down all the pertinents, caption, deponent's name, etc. It wasn't until the last couple of years that I reported that I discovered the Depobook. You may already have this or something like it, but if you don't, it's great.

It is a great organizational tool, yet still small and compact and doesn't take up too much room in your bag. They're sold on a Web site called Stenotech.com. Good luck in your new career!

Sabrina Schneider
S.O.S. Scoping Services
www.sosscoping.com

[Jena Macato]

I think a reporter I interned with had one. Sounds like a good way to stay organized. Thanks for the tip.

[Jena Macato]

What a great way to have everything you need at hand. Great tip.

Thanks Kathryn.

P.S. Love the wrestlers. My boys are big John Cena fans. : )

[Jena Macato]

Great way to keep all necessary supplies at your fingertips. I'm going to the office supply store tomorrow to make me one.

Thanks Kathryn.

P.S. Love the wrestlers. My boys are big wrestling fans. : )

[Judy]

I have a stash of manila folders in my case. Each depo I put the date at the top and the attorney's name. On any and all sides of the cover/back I write anything I need to know about the job: seating chart, spellings, also presents, captions if they didn't print one out for me, exhibits, etc. I then file the folder in date order so I know exactly what's outstanding at any time. I have one file for outstanding jobs and one file for finished jobs.

I mostly work for my own clients, but if I take a job for another agency I'll put their file folder in yet another section for "Unpaid jobs." When I get paid, I put a copy of their check in the folder and then file it away to the finished folder after it's paid.

When taking a job for a "new" firm, you need to ask certain questions: How much do you pay? When do you pay? What's your turnaround time? Maybe not in those exact words, but you get the idea. For every firm you do work for, you need a file with their information (cover samples, worksheets, rates, etc.) It's also okay if you send an invoice along with the transcript with their stated/agreed rates.

Always stay up-to-date on what firms owe you... for O&1s and copies. If they're not timely with their payment, make a "polite request" on when you can expect payment. If they pay you less than what your invoice reflects, find out why there's a shortage.

Judy

[Jena Macato]

Thanks for the tips on the files. This will help me get started on setting up a file system before I start working. I wasn't sure of all the things I would need to keep track of. This really helped.

Any tips on backing up your jobs? Someone suggested I invest in an external hard drive, any thoughts?

[Kyung]

I back up to an external hard drive and to CD's. I also have an online depository that I use for jobs that don't transcribe.

[Jena Macato]

I'm glad you touched on a filing system. I am in the process of setting up a work station in my bedroom. I wasn't sure where to start. Thanks for the info.

Any thoughts on backing up jobs? Someone suggested I invest in an external hard drive, any thoughts?

Thanks again. All advice is helpful.

[Patricia Babits]

I back up my work to a thumb drive after the depo is over. Once a week I back up everthing to an external hard drive.

[Kyung]

I have tons of unsolicited advice for new reporters and I have written down a lot of it in my blogs.

http://www.csrnation.com/profiles/blog/list?user=17vf1dimd7kdy

Just scroll through looking for "What I wish I knew my first year out."

[Jena Macato]

Kyung,

Lover your blogs. My eyes are going cross-eyed, and I've only gone through half of them. How many hours have I been sitting at this computer?! lol. I guess I'll finish the rest tomorrow.

Great advice. I think you've eased some of my first-day anxieties. : )

Thanks.

[Kyung]

Glad to hear it. The first year is huge learning curve, but you'll do great!!!