social media for court reporters

Social media has become a part of the professional landscape and whether you?re just starting to test the waters or a social media junkie, you can use it to build your professional reputation, showcase your skills, and make new networking connections. How you use social media makes the difference between building a reputation for professionalism and committing career suicide.

Social Media Tips for Court Reporters

Your updates aren?t just a social commentary or for fun, they?re a reflection of you and your business. Be conscious of what you?re posting and think about who may see it. It might change what you?re posting.

Content matters. Whether you’re tweeting, posting blog articles, or sharing content on Facebook, be aware of how you want to be perceived. Pay special attention to your spelling and grammar. As a court reporter, demonstrating accuracy is vital. Careless errors call your accuracy into question.

Separating business and personal. Having a social media presence can certainly help build your career. It will be up to you whether you choose to separate your personal and professional presence. Consider if you want to share photos of your kid’s baseball game or your sunrise birthday party with your professional contacts and if you want to share your professional posts with your friends and family.?Even if you do separate your accounts, remember that professional contacts may still be able to see some of your personal posts. As a good rule of thumb, if you wouldn’t want your grandmother to see it, don’t post it.

Communication takes two. The key word in social media is social. Social media isn’t about broadcasting a monologue but about fostering a conversation. Good content will naturally drive conversation, giving you a chance to demonstrate your knowledge and professionalism.

Ready to listen. Part of any conversation is listening. Social media can be a wealth of information. In addition to building your own reputation, you can learn best practices from other seasoned court reporters.

Finally, a good rule of thumb when it comes to posting, always keep in mind the image you are creating. Your posts should be a clear reflection of the image you want to put forth whether that?s your role as a grandmother or as a highly regarded court reporter.

If you?re a court reporter seeking more clients or an attorney in need of a court reporter, contact us today.

taking breaks during the work day

Do you feel like you have so much to do and little time to do it? You?re not alone. Even though many court reporters work from home, we?re working throughout the day. We might even skip lunch just to get one more project completed. We think working continuously means we?re getting more accomplished but this isn?t true. Often we?re less efficient if we?re constantly sitting in front of the computer. Taking breaks during the work day is actually beneficial for us physically and mentally.

  1. INCREASED FOCUS AND PRODUCTIVITY. Just as prolonged or aerobic exercise can drain your physical energy, prolonged periods of focus and concentration can drain your mental energy. Taking a break to get coffee, visit a co-worker, or eat lunch allows your brain to recharge. You will be more focused and productive when you return to your work space.
  2. IMPROVED PHYSICAL WELL-BEING. Leading a healthy lifestyle requires a balance of healthy eating habits, hydration and physical exercise. Many court reporters spend their days sitting behind a desk, hunched over a computer. This often leads to pain and discomfort in the neck and back. It?s important to get the blood flowing by going for a walk, stretching, or getting in a quick workout.
  3. NUTRITION. Eating regular meals allows you to consume nutrients that your body needs to function properly. In addition, carbohydrates and other nutrients provide energy to compete the physical and mental tasks required during your work day. Working for long periods of time without a break for lunch or at least a healthy snack (almonds, peanut butter and celery, or protein shake) can lead to mental fuzziness, fatigue, or feelings of stomach discomfort and nausea. Include a break for lunch in your schedule and help to further improve your energy level and ability to function.

Breaks offer the opportunity to visit with friends without feeling guilty that the work isn?t getting completed. The work will be there when you return and you will be refreshed and ready to finish the day. Next time you want to skip lunch, take a break and have a healthy snack. Notice that you feel less pain and discomfort and are actually more alert and productive.

Here?s to a healthier YOU!

For more information about court reporting or hiring a court reporter, contact us today!