Dear Nancy: I attended my first NCRA convention in Philadelphia this August and I met you and other board members at the First-Timers Reception. You were all so friendly and welcoming, so professional, so well-dressed. It really motivated me! But it was a letdown to see so many court reporters, even those serving as seminar [...]
How do I keep professional discussions positive?
Dear Nancy: I recently moderated a discussion among court reporters about the future of court reporting. I had anticipated a positive discussion about our future. Instead, I heard nothing but complaints: fast-talking attorneys, mumble-mouth witnesses, incessant demands, short lunch breaks, long hours, too many exhibits to lug home. And I agree: sometimes the demands seem [...]
Should we wear colognes or perfumes on the job?
Dear Reader: Usually I’m answering questions you ask, but this time I wanted to share a thread from Facebook that caught my eye. I feel it’s worth reading to bring awareness to a sensitivity issue, so I’m reprinting some answers to an original post by Rich Germosen (with his permission). The question: Should we wear [...]
I am a new reporter working with a firm that takes 30 percent of my billings, including court work (the per diem as well as any transcripts I get.)
Dear Nancy: I am a new reporter working with a firm that takes 30 percent of my billings, including court work (the per diem as well as any transcripts I get.) I would not have the work without her, but have been told by other reporters that taking a percentage of court work is not [...]
Is it customary when you work with a court reporting firm that you sign a contract with them, especially if it has a no-compete clause involved?
Dear Nancy: Is it customary when you work with a court reporting firm that you sign a contract with them, especially if it has a no-compete clause involved? What is a customary or average split with a court reporter? I want to be more informed and need some guidance. Signed, Newbie to Business Dear [...]
I have been a court reporter for nine years and I am going to become an agency owner.
Dear Nancy: I have been a court reporter for nine years and I am going to become an agency owner. In order to become a successful business owner, what is necessary to believe? What habits must I attain to make it in this industry? Signed, Kaizen Dear Kaizen: You’ve got the answer in your [...]
I’m a solid writer, but haven’t provided realtime for attorneys.
Dear Nancy: I’m a solid writer, but haven’t provided realtime for attorneys. My firm now advertises that all its reporters are realtime-ready, on any job; the lawyers need only ask. Frankly, this scares me! You never know what a job will be like, and I’m not one to provide a service that isn’t “just so”. [...]
I have prepared myself for interactive realtime.
Dear Nancy: I have prepared myself for interactive realtime. I think I’m ready. My agency owner, however, overlooks me for those jobs. How can I convince her I’m ready? Signed, Overlooked Dear Overlooked: You’ve got me humming John Fogerty’s song “Centerfield”: Oh, put me in, Coach – I’m ready to play today; Put me in, [...]
My state association has filed a bill with the legislature which would require us to be licensed.
Dear Nancy: My state association has filed a bill with the legislature which would require us to be licensed. Or is it certified? Our members say licensing and certification interchangeably. Do they mean the same thing? Signed, Grandfather Me In! Dear Grandfather Me In: When our state was considering licensing, I’d find myself wondering [...]
Is there a rule for the use of the trademark or registered symbol after the brand name of a product or medication?
Dear Nancy: Is there a rule for the use of the trademark or registered symbol after the brand name of a product or medication? If so, do you use it only on the first mention but not throughout the transcript? Please help. Signed, To Use or Not to Use Dear To Use or Not [...]
Nationally known court reporting professional Nancy Varallo answers your important business questions.
