Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in training and education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Janet Shaughnessy, Founder of Transcribe Anywhere, LLC., located in Placida, FL, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
We train people to work from home or anywhere as general and legal transcriptionists. Our clients are anyone willing to put in the time and effort to learn this skill. They may be moms with children, retirees or near-retirees, those who have become unemployed, and those who are just looking for a side gig or a change in career paths.
Tell us about yourself
I began working from home as a transcriptionist in 2006 when my husband became disabled and was no longer able to work. That's when Zoom Transcription Services was born. While building that business, it became necessary to train and/or retrain my new hires. My notes became an eBook, and then it became a DVD sold on Amazon. After that, it became a digital download. In 2016, I took it to the web, and it became the full-fledged online training now known as Transcribe Anywhere. So it was an evolution that grew out of my initial transcription business.
My greatest joy right now is the number of people I've helped to enjoy the time and financial freedom that they weren't sure they'd ever achieve through my transcription training. That's what gets me up in the morning!
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
I went from broke to earning millions of dollars via my transcription and training businesses. I never in my life thought I'd achieve that. But money isn't my biggest motivator. Of course, I'm happy that I'm financially free and don't have to worry about paying bills. But more importantly, I'm able to help others to do exactly the same thing. At this point in my life, that's what's most important. It's my time to give back, and I'm happy to be doing it.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
I think one of the hardest things about being a business owner is that you're always "on." It's not really hard to manage your time, but the brain never shuts down! LOL. I'm always thinking about what I can do to enhance my training programs. I take vacations, but I never actually just shut down and stop thinking about my business. It's okay with me. I thrive on mental stimulation, but I think that we do have to be careful about burnout.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Start an online business. The entire world is moving online, and it has the lowest cost of entry for most types of businesses.
- Take the time to really think it through. What brings you joy? What are you most interested in? It's so important to love what you do. Don't just jump on board with the idea that you think will "sell." If you're not fully engaged, you won't enjoy it, which may contribute to failure.
- Stay away from MLMs and internet scams. Be very wary and do your due diligence.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://www.transcribeanywhere.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/transcribeanywhere
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/transcribeanywhere/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetshaughnessy/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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