Ask for Help

Sometimes we think that asking for help shows weakness. Not so. Asking for help is an act that shows incredible self-awareness. You know you don't know something.

In this profession of court reporting, we all need help from time to time. The new reporter should ask for help - from everywhere. But most especially, the new reporter should ask an experienced proofreader to assist in the production of their transcripts. Why? Because the proofreader - whether it be a former court reporter or someone with a good English language background - is going to catch things that the newbie may not see or be able to assist in some other manner, like formatting or ethical dilemma.

The experienced reporter should ask for help too. When you get more pages than you can produce, why not hire a scopist so that you don't have to spend even more time in front of a computer? The idea of having a REAL LIFE is just so appealing. After all, we only get one shot at this.

If you're learning software, if you're trying to market yourself, if you need help in a volunteer event, or if you want to understand about some little facet of your profession - or life - ask. You'd be amazed. Sometimes the people are just WAITING FOR YOU to do so.