Networking is essential in any fielld, but especially the medical transcription field. This cannot be overstated/over emphasized. The medical community is small and tight knit; it seems that everybody knows everybody else who is in the field, even if it is by reputation only. Whether you are good or bad MT, the word will spread in the medical community very quickly. Doctors really like to brag about how great their medical transcriptionists are to other doctors. Other medical transcriptionists will be quick to recommend good medical transcriptionists as well.

The key to networking is this: start networking once you have decided to pursue this career BEFORE you even start your medical transcription training. (If you are not sure you want to pursue this field, take a few courses at your local community college.)

Tell all of your doctors–your primary care physician, your chiropractor, your gynecologist, your children’s pediatrician, etc.– that you are studying medical transcription and how excited you are about getting into this field. Ask if they know of anyone who will be needing a medical transcriptionist in the future. I’ve had a couple of doctors tell me they needed a medical transcriptionist when I went for office visits as a patient. They are not shy about telling you what they need or if their colleagues need someone. Be sure to leave business cards and a resume with these contacts.

Also, develop relationships with the Office Managers in all the doctors’ offices you contact. Don’t just drop off resumes, flyers, business cards. Find out the Office Manager’s name and start writing to her. Keep her posted on your progress every few months or so by e-mail, letter, or phone. Again, let your enthusiasm and positive attitude shine through your correspondence or phone call. See if she is available for lunch; if so, take her out to lunch. Send her cards on holidays. Office Manager’s don’t often get the recognition they deserve, either, so this will make you stand out from the crowd.