Talk to any freelance court reporter and they’ll tell you that success in the profession is all about being organized, punctual, and structured.
On any given workday, these pros must find their way to an early morning deposition, fit a last-minute appointment into an already-packed schedule, and plan their itinerary for next week’s out-of-town job…all while on the go. This type of hectic, demanding career requires a razor-sharp focus, a solid game plan and, many times, a great app or two.
Whether you’re considering a full-time career in freelancing or are thinking of freelancing on the side, there is a host of apps that’ll keep you on top of your game and ready to tackle your next job:
Dropbox (Android, iOS)
We’ve tried a lot of file storage and sharing apps, but Dropbox continues to reign supreme. Finish up your real-time files and share them with scopists and clients in no time flat. It doesn’t get any easier than that.
Waze (Android, iOS)
Consider this your insurance policy for not just getting you there, but getting you there on time. Sure, we love Waze for its voice guidance GPS, but this app is a true gem for its real-time traffic information that’ll quickly get you around road construction and accidents long before you even know they’re there.
FreshBooks
As a freelance court reporter, you’ll be your own boss, which means billing is up to you. FreshBooks was designed with the mobile freelancer in mind, as it allows you to keep track of your time and expenses, whip up invoices, send them to your clients, and receive payments quicker than ever—all from your phone or tablet.
You can purchase FreshBooks on a monthly or yearly basis, and there are different levels depending on your needs. But you can try it out for free for 60 days before you have to ante up any money.
Tripit Pro (Android, iOS)
Tripit Pro allows you to assemble all your travel plans in one convenient location. Forward all your confirmation and travel emails, sync your travel plans with your calendar, and receive real-time flight alerts. Better still, if your flight is cancelled, use Tripit to search for an alternative flight so you can be on your way in no time. It’s free to sign up, but you’ll need to pay $49 a year after. There’s a free basic version, but most of the real perks are available only through the Pro version.
Google Calendar (Android, iOS)
In a world of endless organizational and calendar apps, you may find yourself searching for a sure bet. Tried and true, Google Calendar is free, user-friendly, and just darn dependable. View your upcoming appointments on its colorful platform and customize your calendar so you can quickly find what you need. Are you juggling a few clients? Create calendars for each of them, so keeping track of your to-do list is easier than ever.
Best Parking (Android, iOS)
This app is a must for traveling. If you work in one spot, you’ve long discovered the best (and cheapest) parking. But in new surroundings, Best Parking will be your best friend. Just enter your destination and find the cheapest and closest parking location. No muss, no fuss, and no circling the block when you should be sitting down to your appointment.
Full Contact (Android, iOS)
You’re meeting new people, making new contacts, and snagging new clients on the daily. But maintaining your contact list can be tricky. We love Full Contact because it rounds up all those contacts from LinkedIn, Facebook, and other sources and puts them in one, tidy location. You’ll never go searching for contact info again.
Printer Pro (iOS)
A must for any court reporter on the go, Printer Pro allows you to print documents directly from your iPhone or iPad to a wireless or USB printer. This app costs about $7, but the dependability it offers can’t be beat.
DepoView (iOS)
Your mobile office isn’t complete with DepoView. It works with Dropbox, iTunes, and Microsoft OneDrive, allowing you to synchronize your video depositions to create a clip or review. We really love the feature that allows you to enter a keyword to find a specific video position or choose a transcript text to take you to the exact video position. This means no more endless hunting for what you need.
Starbucks (Android, iOS)
Hands down, this is the app you’ll cherish. Find your nearest Starbucks, earn rewards for free java, load your Starbucks account, and order ahead so it’s ready to go when you walk through the door. Caffeine lovers rejoice!