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TRANSLATORS' TIPS

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TRANSLATORS TIPS
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  • Jared

    Try and have regular breaks for drinks and meals. It's tempting to graze during the day, but avoid this as much as you can if you don't want to pile on the pounds while freelancing!

    6 day(s) ago

  • Joany

    Find the right routine that works for YOU. That's the whole point of working freelance. It doesn't matter if your working patterns confirm to the 'norm' or working 9-5 - shape your freelance translating routine to suit your personal requirements :-)

    12 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    If a client isn't answering your emails, find another way to reach out to him/her - social media can often help

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Be careful when agreeing to work to short deadlines - clients may come to expect it of you!

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use online payment demand templates to deal professionally with clients who don't pay their bills

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Never underestimate the power of social media when it comes to networking for new clients

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Trust your instincts - use them to mitigate your risks as a freelancer

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Don't just grab any work you can - hang on for the decent jobs and avoid the low-hanging fruit

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Don't delay sending out your invoices - every day late you send them is a day later you get paid!

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Don't set your rates too low - it's easier to start high than to start low and then increase them substantially

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Keep a list of filing dates for tax returns and other paperwork, to avoid missing deadlines and getting fines

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Keep a reward in mind when completing your tax return in order to motivate yourself

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use invoicing software to flag up those clients whose bills are overdue for payment

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    File your receipts systematically throughout the year to avoid a hateful annual sort-out

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use separate bank accounts to keep your personal finances and your business finances separate

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Ensure that you know when to translate literally and when to be more creative!

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Consider (carefully!) ditching your lowest-paying client in favour of a new, higher-paying one

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Offer specialist services in order to increase your income

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Tag 30 min on at the start and end of each day, and take 30 mins off your lunchbreak to bill an extra 7.5 hours per week 

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Remember that even freelancers deserve pay rises - put your rates up periodically

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Outsource tasks then spend that time on higher paying client work to increase your income

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Vary your routine and take full advantage of the freelance lifestyle in order to maintain your motivation

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Ask clients for testimonials and use them on your website, as well as for a morale boost

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Hit the gym or local swimming pool when it's quiet, to enjoy feeling smug that 9-5 workers can't do so

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Take care of your physical health in order to keep your motivation levels up when working freelance

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Give yourself a break from marketing and other tasks from time to time to focus on the work you love best

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Network with other freelancers so that you have people who understand when you feel demotivated

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Set lifestyle goals to ensure that you get the best out of freelance working

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Set realistic income goals and monitor your progress against them to boost your motivation

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Benji

    Make sure your computer is in tiptop condition and that you have a backup plan in place in case it goes wrong

    20 day(s) ago

  • Cora

    Don't underestimate the value of translation conferences when it comes to networking and boosting your inspiration!

    26 day(s) ago

  • Davey m

    Play with balance your work and your free time until you have the right combination for you - it's one of the key advantages of freelancing!

    34 day(s) ago

  • Sadiq

    Don’t be distracted by the housework during your working day - keep work and personal life separate, even when you're based at home

    40 day(s) ago

  • Paul

    Never leave the worst jobs until the end of the day - it's too tempting to put them off until the next day! Tackle them early on and then enjoy the rest of the day knowing that they're done :-)

    48 day(s) ago

  • Corrina

    Plan holidays to ensure that you have a decent break – homeworkers need the respite just as much as office-based workers do!

    54 day(s) ago

  • M santos

    Keep your tech skills up to date - being a successful translator isn't just about language skills!

    62 day(s) ago

  • Juliana

    Be active in LinkedIn groups that relate to your work and you never know what opportunities might arise

    69 day(s) ago

  • Nathaly p

    Always read a good book, it will improve your language skills

    69 day(s) ago

  • Kareem

    I'm sure you all excellent translators ,but Be careful with the cultural differences

    76 day(s) ago

  • Juliana

    Mess is distracting - keep your work space clean and free of clutter

    82 day(s) ago

  • Lizzy

    Have a definitive finishing time each day and stick to it - it's the only way to ensure a decent work/life balance when you work from home!

    89 day(s) ago

  • Alejandro

    Interact with other people if you can during breaks and get out of the house if you can, to ensure that you remain active while home working

    97 day(s) ago

  • Sammy

    Make clear to other people in your household that you are working and do not allow them to distract you - your home working environment needs to be treated just like a professional office!

    103 day(s) ago

  • Karl

    Set yourself goals and deadlines throughout the day to maintain your productivity and energy levels - this is a tip I've been using for year's and it really makes a difference.

    111 day(s) ago

  • Koula

    Work on projects in the morning without distraction and save calls for the afternoon

    118 day(s) ago

  • Jen

    Keep your personal social media separate - don’t waste time during your working day on Facebook and Twitter!

    125 day(s) ago

  • Ashraf

    The best way to achieve success is to offer what others cannot: that includes accuracy, profesionalism and more

    132 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use freelancing to build the work/life balance that works for you

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Be realistic in your expectations about freelancing to ensure you enjoy it to the max!

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Make sure you have the skills to back up your passion if you want to be successful

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Invest in a decent internet connection for a happy freelance life

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Build up a good support network to help you weather the freelance lifestyle

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Post your testimonials regularly on social media for marketing purposes

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Try out professional (free) email solutions to make your marketing messages stand out

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use one-time discounts and offers to attract more clients

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use LinkedIn for marketing purposes to ensure you reach as many potential clients as possible

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Introduce a referral scheme to boost your translation client numbers with very little effort

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Divide up your tasks so that you separate out those that require 100% concentration

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Think up creative challenges for your children, then focus on your work while they complete them

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Give older children the chance to earn pocket money be completing chores while you get your work done

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Ensure that your children have times that are 100% for them - then they'll be happier about letting you focus on work at other times!

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Define what success means to you - you won't achieve it if you don't know what it looks like!

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Minimize life admin in order to focus more effectively on your work

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Avoid multi-tasking whenever possible - it's not effective

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Put your phone on silent and close messaging apps to achieve better focus and work faster

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Cut out caffeine to improve your focus and concentration

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Put your rates up regularly to keep pace with inflation

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Download a workout app to keep you moving during the working day

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Incorporate exercise into your daily routine and make sure you stick to it

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Make exercise sociable and join a running club or local team - don't be a lonely freelancer!

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    If you work from home, plan healthy meals to keep in shape, rather than turning to junk food at the last minute

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Keep a bowl of fruit on your desk to encourage healthy snacking

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Take strategic naps as part of your freelance lifestyle - research shows you'll be more productive as a result

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Ensure your invoices look professional - they represent your approach to your finances

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Save for the unexpected - freelacing isn't always predictable

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Do extra work in the weeks before each holiday to ensure that you don't lose out on income

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Charge extra for rush translation jobs, even if you have nothing else on - there's a precedent at stake

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Don't volunteer as a crowd-sourced translator for a for-profit company - it makes them think that translation isn't worth paying for!

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Think before contributing to crowd-sourced translation projects - are you doing the translation industry a disservice?

    2017 year(s) ago

  • Lydia de las casas

    Make sure you have a dedicated work space, to separate your work time and area clearly from the rest of your life

    138 day(s) ago

  • Joel

    Always ensure you have a contract in place (or another form of written agreement that would stand up in court if necessary!) before starting a job

    145 day(s) ago

  • Kristina

    Keep your portfolio up to date – you never know when clients and potential clients will want to check it out

    153 day(s) ago

  • Archie peters

    Always be clear to clients as to what you do and don’t do – it could save you from wasting time (and money) at a later stage

    160 day(s) ago

  • Lola

    Get up every morning and dress as though you were working outside of the house, it will help your motivation

    166 day(s) ago

  • Fred johnson

    Always ask your clients for feedback – then use it to improve your services. Then put your rates up to reflect your enhanced services! #translationpro

    181 day(s) ago

  • Edwina

    Make a daily to-do list.  A list of tasks you need to take care of each day will help keep you on track and reduce your ability to procrastinate - as long as you don't waste hours on making the list ;-)

    188 day(s) ago

  • Jon

    Treat every client as if they are your very best client and you'll build a reputation for outstanding customer service

    195 day(s) ago

  • James mair

    Put a little money aside in a separate account to see you through when work is limited

    201 day(s) ago

  • Kaya72

    Make sure you update your online presence regularly – you never know when a new client could be checking you out!

    209 day(s) ago

  • Chrissie

    Always keep on top of invoices – once they start stacking up, it’s hard to catch up. Plus, delays in sending invoices mean delays in getting paid!

    216 day(s) ago

  • Frankie

    Use free software when you can, but buy a few premium tools that will make you more productive - don't sacrifice efficiency for the sake of saving a small sum of money!

    223 day(s) ago

  • Jan m

    Always keep a notebook close by to jot down ideas for future use

    229 day(s) ago

  • Isaac

    Do your homework and make sure there is a market for what you are offering!

    249 day(s) ago

  • Shelly

    Always be honest about your expertise and abilities - there's no point saying you can do something when you can't. If you want to offer a service that you can't currently deliver, learn how to do it first!

    257 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Read reviews before agreeing to work for a translation agency to find out what they are like

    264 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Agree payment terms before starting a job to avoid confusion later on

    264 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Google new clients to check there's nothing negative online about them before agreeing to work for them

    264 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Consider staged payments for translation jobs that last for several weeks (or even months)

    264 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use an Escrow account to safeguard payment for large jobs

    264 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Always charge extra for rush translation jobs!

    264 day(s) ago