ScribeFire Pty Ltd

www.scribefire.com.au

1. Tell us about your business

ScribeFire is a virtual transcription service, providing secretarial and wordprocessing support to a wide range of industries and professions. Our services are provided by native English speaking professional typists who are strictly vetted and trained to a high standard. Clients are given a personal service, and we never skimp on the attention to detail. Cost effective and efficient, ScribeFire is a great alternative to hiring temporary in-office staff. Confidential, fast and reliable.

2. When and why did you start your business?

ScribeFire Pty Ltd was originally launched trading as Dexter Secretarial in 2005, and has steadily grown since then. Our Director, Jodie-Anne Dexter, identified a need in the market for a medium-tier transcription service in response to feedback from the market.

3. On a personal level, what have you achieved with of your business?

On a personal level, running my own business has been a very steep learning curve. The experience has provided me with invaluable skills that I didn't know I was even capable of learning.

4. What are some of the challenges you’ve faced in growing your business?

The main challenges I've faced in my business have been sourcing and training quality staff. This is an ongoing challenge as ScribeFire's clients demand that we produce documents consistently of a high standard. I've also faced challenges moving the business from my home to commercial premises, as this involved a lot of financial planning and cash flow calculations I had not been required to do in the past. I had to very quickly pick up a new set of skills in finance, and also in human resources when it came to filling the office with staff.

5. What activities have been successful in promoting your business?

Until the very recent past, my business was built entirely on word of mouth. ScribeFire never advertised at all and we grew on the back of our fast growing reputation for good quality work. In the recent past, targetted advertising works very well.

6. What activities were less successful for marketing your business?

Direct mail was not as successful as it could have been. I have learned that direct mail is actually an activity which requires skill and careful planning!

7. Name your favourite thing about your business

My favourite thing about my business is watching it grow and change. I love the people I work with, and ScribeFire is very lucky to have good, loyal clients.

8. Who or what other businesses or business people inspire you?

I am inspired by a number of business people. There are a great n umber of small, independent transcriptionists who work from home which have unknowingly contributed to my growth as a business person. I love to meet other small business people, and all of them are inspiring in onen way or the other - you can learn something from everyone if you look hard enough!

9. What are your plans for the future of your business?

ScribeFire has recently moved to commercial premises and this means a change in systems for all of us. I have a wonderful team in production, and also a lovely administration team who are undertaking activities in advertising and market research so we can grow our client base and meet our KPIs.

10. Share your best business tip with our readers.

My best business tip is to listen to your own judgment; seek opinions and advice from respected peers, but in the end it's your own mind that will lead you down the right path. You can do it!

Visit us at: www.scribefire.com.au