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TRANSLATORS' TIPS

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TRANSLATORS TIPS
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  • Selena goncalves

    If you get distracted by social media, close your Facebook page while working! A notification 'bing' can end up being a very unproductive 15 minutes (or more!) if you let yourself get sucked in!

    1 day(s) ago

  • Frances

    Accept that some clients are more awkward than others. In fact, some can be such a drain on your time that it might be better to walk away and find new clients instead. The feeling of relief when you do so will prove that it was the right decision and doing so is no reflection on your abilities!

    7 day(s) ago

  • Kerry-anne

    Don't fall into a trap of letting others define how and when you work, but remember that freelancing can be what you make of it!

    14 day(s) ago

  • Alice

    Be realistic about working with young children around - some tasks simply require too much concentration to do while you're also entertaining the kids!

    21 day(s) ago

  • Phil

    If you've lost your momentum and are struggling to translate, a quick break can do wonders. I often find that taking a few minutes out to focus on something else can leave me better able to translate once I pick up what I'm working on again

    28 day(s) ago

  • Arthur franks

    Communication skills are a huge part of successful freelance translating. The way you communicate with your customers will mean a huge amount in terms of the likelihood of them giving you future work. Amazing language skills alone aren't enough if you want to maximize repeat business opportunities!

    35 day(s) ago

  • Flora

    I like to take advantage of bad weather by getting ahead with my work, do that when the sun comes out I can work fewer hours. It doesn’t always work out that way, but it’s a good goal to keep in mind!

    42 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Remember that working hard is not the same as working efficiently - a boost in your productivity could mean more money or more free time!

    2018 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Be sure to keep abreast of the latest productivity tools and apps in order to keep translating as efficiently as possible

    2018 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Exercise your mind regularly in order to be more focused and alert at work - and see what a difference it makes

    2018 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Start each day with a mental agility exercise and see how much more focused you are at work

    2018 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Keeping on top of your financial admin can make for a much happier translation career

    2018 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Want to make a difference in the world? Many charities and community organisations will be grateful for pro bono translations

    2018 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Smile before you interact with those around you and it will likely be returned in kind, making everyone's day brighter

    2018 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Work out what you want from your translation career. Otherwise, how will you achieve it?

    2018 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Always proofread your translations - don't risk typos slipping through in final documents

    2018 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    The faster you type, the more time you have to focus on producing the perfect translation

    2018 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Play with synonyms to ensure you always have the perfect words in mind for each translation

    2018 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Keep up to date with language changes in order to stay at the top of your game

    2018 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Step into the shoes of your target audience before you start work, then localize as you translate

    2018 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Think laterally about how else you can use your translation talents in order to boost your income

    2018 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    For successful side gigs, seek out services that complement your translation work

    2018 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Spread the risk of working freelance by offering more services than just translation

    2018 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Check to see if your business translation client has a house style guide before you start translating

    2018 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Be sure that you know your client's deadline, as well as any factors that could bring that deadline forward

    2018 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Attend a variety of translation events to network with your peers, from conferences to translation slams

    2018 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use resources such as discussion boards and translation channels whenever you have a query that needs a fast response

    2018 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Providing an efficient service is all about using the right tools - for communication as well as translation

    2018 year(s) ago

  • Carlos

    Don't sell every minute of your time in advance, as then you won't have the capacity to deal with any unforeseen delays with your work

    50 day(s) ago

  • James p

    Be bold and daring when the opportunity allows and your profits should reflect that approach

    58 day(s) ago

  • Tony

    If you're not clear on client expectations, double check - don't assume, as you could end up wasting a lot of time!

    61 day(s) ago

  • Trisha

    I use a brief, regular newsletter as a marketing tactic. Even if recipients don't read it every time, it keeps my name fresh in their minds

    72 day(s) ago

  • Jesus

    Don't put off dealing with your tax return until the last minute. Allow plenty of time and it will be much less stressful - take it from an experienced freelancer!

    77 day(s) ago

  • Ellice

    I recommend playing around with your working hours every so often to find out what works best for you. Some weeks I choose to work a few evenings and then have an extra day off before or after the weekend. I love that working freelance provides that kind of freedom!

    83 day(s) ago

  • Jonathan peters

    Don't push yourself to translate when you're overly tired, as that's when mistakes can creep in. Sometimes a brief catnap can make a big difference to your energy levels and your attention span, even when you have a deadline looming!

    91 day(s) ago

  • Laila

    Try not to take your work on holiday with you if you can help it, but remember that sometimes working freelance means having to work at inconvenient times

    2018 year(s) ago

  • Alicia

    Start planning your holiday cover a long time before you head away so that you can deal with any last minute work that arises without it becoming an issue and spoiling your break

    105 day(s) ago

  • Ellis

    Think laterally about ways you can be a better translator. Effective time management can make a big difference

    112 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Always encrypt anything that holds your data or that of your clients, from your laptop to your external backup drive

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    If you use a hard drive to back up your data, keep it well away from the computer that holds your original data

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Test your backup solution regularly - if you can't restore your data from it, there's no point in having it!

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Make sure that you have a backup solution in place in case something happens to make your computer inaccessible

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use free programs to make your marketing emails look professional and stand out from the crowd

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Build up your followers on your social media accounts to have access to more potential customers

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Update your website regularly to make sure it reflects your latest services, skills and prices

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Produce insightful content and share it on your social media channels to build your reputation

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Suggest sample social media posts for your customers and ask them to share them if they're happy with your service

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Think about how you reward your loyal customers and be creative to retain their business

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Writing standard email responses that you can then adapt and personalize can save you time in the long-run

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Don't be afraid to upsell your services - after all, how will your clients know what else you do unless you tell them?

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Be more positive when you answer the phone, sign off emails, etc. and see where it gets you

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Try numerous CAT tools before deciding which ones are right for you - some are bettter than others

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Make software your friend - accountancy software and marketing apps exist for a reason!

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Budget properly for your IT equipment - this is not an area you want to cut back on!

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use the right business management tools to help you run and effective freelance operation

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Run regular virus scans to ensure you're protecting your own and your clients' data sufficiently

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use regular offers to deliver bonuses to your clients - just be sure to do your sums first!

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Over-delivering is a great way to keep your clients happy and your reputation glowing

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Don't be afraid to ask satisfied clients for endorsements that you can publish on your website and social media profiles

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    In the early days of your career, translate voluntarily for charities in exchange for testimonials

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Tackle tricky tasks when you feel most energized and you'll complete them faster - and probably to a higher standard

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Learn a new shortcut every day to improve the efficiency of your working processes

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use a social media scheduling service to post updates without the chance of distraction

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Make sure you have uninterrupted time while focusing on complex tasks in order to make the most of your time

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Keep up to date with modern technology and use relevant apps to freelance efficiently

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Transcribing a video before you translate it can make the task much easier, but isn't an essential part of the process

    126 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Always remember to time stamp a video transcription before you translate it - otherwise you'll have to go back and do it later!

    126 day(s) ago

  • Jenny jones

    Add one extra task per day to your To Do List and see how quickly you become much more productive each week!

    119 day(s) ago

  • Zain

    Don't put off that job you're not keen on doing... if you leave it to the last minute, you risk disappointing the client if something else comes up that you have to deal with!

    128 day(s) ago

  • Mel

    Try to take a break from the screen for lunch, even if it's only for 10 minutes. It can make a big difference to your mood and your productivity levels.

    135 day(s) ago

  • Alice

    Invest time in following up with previous clients before you try to attract new ones, as it's quicker to translate for those whose house style you're already familiar with

    142 day(s) ago

  • Chris

    Always factor in a bit of time for the unexpected - that way you'll be able to manage your workload, no matter what comes up

    149 day(s) ago

  • Kris

    Beat the New Year blues by tackling work projects head on - ticking work off your To Do List is much better than putting projects off and procrastinating!

    156 day(s) ago

  • Sasha

    Never over promise your clients - failing to deliver is the fastest way to sour a professional relationship!

    163 day(s) ago

  • Joshua j

    Take advantage of the Christmas holidays to tick off all those tasks you don't have time for throughout the rest of the year!

    190 day(s) ago

  • Frank

    Clear the clutter off your desk - a tidy workstation sets the scene for a productive day!

    196 day(s) ago

  • Karen

    Keep up to date with the languages you speak as they evolve - reviewing the latest dictionary additions is a great way to do this

    203 day(s) ago

  • Andras

    Feeling tired? Our circadian rhythms mean that we feel sleepy at certain times of day. Understand your body clock and you can plan your work accordingly, so that your clients always get you at your best!

    217 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Never over commit - you'll end up stressed out and potentially with disappointed clients

    198 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Over deliver whenever you can and your clients will keep coming back for more

    198 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Don't be afraid to say 'no' to a client - but do be ready to offer them an alternative solution

    198 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Go 'above and beyond' for clients at times, but ensure they don't expect you to work evenings/weekends as standard!

    198 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Be clear with clients on what they can expect from you - set boundaries so that clients know where they stand

    198 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Always answer the phone with a smile - the caller will hear it in your voice

    198 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Grow your customer service skills to enhance your customer loyalty

    198 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use amazing customer service to set yourself apart from the competition

    198 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Dedicate time to thinking about your customer service skills and how to improve them

    198 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Set cash aside for your future rather than relying on any form of government benefits for freelancers

    198 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Put a little income aside each month to cover any periods of sickness or holiday leave

    198 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Avoid inadvertent gender bias when translating gender-neutral phrases, professions and so forth

    198 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Never assume you know what a word means - if you're not entirely sure, look it up! 

    198 day(s) ago

  • Joe

    Never assume your skills are the best they can be - there's always scope to learn more!

    238 day(s) ago

  • Karen james

    Remember that freelancers need regular breaks and time to de-stress. Don't chase every available dollar at the expense of your sanity!

    245 day(s) ago

  • Esme

    Absorb new language whenever you can – and in whatever format you can!

    252 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Make sure your employer knows you are bilingual - you never know what it could result in

    198 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Cram up on current affairs before networking events so that you have plenty of topics of conversation ready

    198 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Admitting that you don't know anyone at a networking event can open the door for introductions

    198 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Attend business breakfasts with speakers if you're shy about networking - then you'll have something relevant to talk about

    198 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    If you're not confident at networking, just pretend to be - nobody will ever know the difference!

    198 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Keep up to date with dictionary additions and orthographical reforms to stay at the top of your game

    198 day(s) ago