TRANSLATORS' TIPS

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TRANSLATORS TIPS
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  • Mindy thompson-jones

    Set some of your translation income aside every month. That way you won't need to panic when your tax bill arrives or unexpected expenses crop up.

    8 day(s) ago

  • Benji p

    Always communicate positively and swiftly with your clients - they will appreciate it and choose you over those whose communications are more sporadic!

    15 day(s) ago

  • Carol-ann

    You never know where your next translation job might come from, so nurture your business contacts and make the most of social networking sites like LinkedIn!

    22 day(s) ago

  • Ishmail

    I network online with fellow translators so that I have peers to engage with for moral support

    29 day(s) ago

  • Mohammed

    Beware of translation contracts that sound too good to be true because they probably are!

    36 day(s) ago

  • Clarissa

    Make the most of people's 'back to work' enthusiasm this month in terms of getting projects moving!

    43 day(s) ago

  • Sarah t

    You can never predict when you'll catch a bug. Sometimes when you work freelance you have to work through it, but if your illness is compromising the quality of your work, it might be time to push back your deadlines. Never an easy decision!!

    47 day(s) ago

  • Claire

    Keep your translation skills alive by both studying and using your second language during your leisure time. Doing so will keep you language skills up to date and (I find, at least) keep your love of your second language alive

    54 day(s) ago

  • Flo

    If you're struggling with too much work temporarily, knuckle down and do it, but if you're regularly feeling stressed and overloaded, work out what you can change to either reduce your workload or work more efficiently

    71 day(s) ago

  • Shona

    The summer break can be hard when you juggle kids and work, but remember that you can only do as much as you can do - and that it won't be long until school starts up again!

    78 day(s) ago

  • Kirstin peters

    If a client vexes you, take a deep breath before reacting and try to see the situation from their perspective. There's often a positive solution just waiting to be found!

    85 day(s) ago

  • Melissa huntingdon

    Try not to be too despondent when you have a dip in your freelancing income. It can be tough at times, but the right attitude and some good marketing of your translation service can turn things around!

    92 day(s) ago

  • Teresa maria freixinho

    Remember to update your key information on clients' online portals. It is particularly important for emails and CVs. A failure to do so may result in exclusion, especially when it comes to new emails. It is always time to improve and learn from our silly mistakes.

    96 day(s) ago

  • Cressida

    Be sure to squirrel away some savings when you work freelance, as you never know when a client will disappear, even when you've done everything right for them

    99 day(s) ago

  • Jaime t

    Remember that you can always improve your language skills. I read everything I can get my hands on in the languages that I speak. It's good to mix up the content you read too, from glossy magazines to classic fiction!

    103 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Reward yourself as you complete tasks - the harder the task, the bigger the reward!

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    For long, tedious tasks, track your progress in order to feel a sense of achievement as you undertake them

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Tackle tedious tasks first thing in order to get them out of the way and stop yourself procrastinating

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use 'to do' lists to enjoy a sense of achievement throughout the day

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Shut down social media sites for the duration of the working day and enjoy being more productive as a result

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Time hour-long bursts of work in order to laser-focus your productivity

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Everyone needs professional support from time to time. Whether you need an accountant, a mentor or a counsellor, the sooner you ask, the sooner you can focus on your translation work again

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Identify the aspects of translation that you love the most and develop your freelance translation offering to include more of them

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Maximise your downtime by switching off your phone and ignoring emails - you'll be better rested as a result

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Prioritise your downtime - without the right work/life balance, the quality of your translations will suffer

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Mix with fellow freelancers to receive support and understanding from those who appreciate the pressures of the freelance lifestyle

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Remind your video translation clients that different languages use different numbers of words - so they need to leave plenty of room for subtitles

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Ceriann

    I believe that it's important to trust your instincts when it comes to new translation clients. You're never obliged to accept a job if something doesn't feel quite right about the client, so listen to that inner voice - it's there for a reason!

    112 day(s) ago

  • Zola

    I've just started using a proper accounting software program to raise my invoices - it's so much less painful than doing them manually!

    120 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Films, songs and books are a great way to keep your language skills fresh and to pick up the latest slang

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Make sure you immerse yourself in your second language regularly, to keep it fresh

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use your second language every day, even when you're not using it for work

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Find words that you don't know in your first language and learn them at the same time as their translation

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Networking through LinkedIn and Facebook can be a great way to support and be supported by fellow freelancers

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Remember to treat yourself from time to time to keep your motivation levels up when working freelance

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Making changes in your personal life can often help to reinspire you at work as well, when you work freelance

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Goal setting is a great motivator for many people. If you work freelance, set a range of short and long-term goals to keep yourself motivated

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Learning a new skill can be a great way to keep yourself motivated when you work freelance - and to boost your income

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    If you're feeling demotivated, it's time to work out why - doing so will help you rectify the situation much faster

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Zuza

    Freelance translation work often comes in bursts. Make sure you use the busy times to save up for the lean times!

    124 day(s) ago

  • John

    Don't rely on a sole source of income if you can avoid it - freelancing feels safer when you have money coming in from several directions!

    134 day(s) ago

  • Karen peters

    When it comes to marketing your translation services, pursue the channels that you enjoy first and see what results you can generate. If it goes well, you might not need to engage in marketing activities that don't appeal to you!

    141 day(s) ago

  • Chris piper

    Don't make assumptions - if you're not clear on your remit, check with the client rather than risk getting it wrong!

    148 day(s) ago

  • Caris

    I try and do something every month for my professional development. I find it doesn't just help with my translation skills but also with keeping me motivated and making sure that I enjoy the work that I do as fully as possible.

    155 day(s) ago

  • Zora

    Keep your love for language alive in fun ways. I connect with translators on social media and we exchange the latest slang words in our native languages - some of them are hilarious!

    161 day(s) ago

  • Carrie

    Taking on enough translation work to challenge yourself is good. Taking on so much that you have to rush and the quality of your work suffers is not!

    169 day(s) ago

  • Frances

    Make sure you are 100% clear with clients on what they need from the outset - it will save time and headaches later on, believe me!

    176 day(s) ago

  • Albert scorer

    Prioritise your downtime, even when you're really busy as that's when you're likely to need it most!

    182 day(s) ago

  • Zack

    Try not to compare your working life to others too much - what's important is getting the balance right for you and your family

    190 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Companies look for specialist translators, so don't just say you provide 'financial translation' but include which areas of financial translation you cover

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    If your client is new to app translation, help them to understand whether it would be best to globalize or to localize their app

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Visiting a new country can be an uplifting experience, so look for translation conferences in exotic locations!

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use conferences as a way to re-ingite your passion for translation, as well as to network

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Be sure to review any 'fixes' that a client undertakes to your translation work, to better understand their expectations in terms of language style

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    If a client tries to 'fix' a translation that is already flawless, try and understand their motivations and work with them collaboratively

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    If a client alters a translation you have provided, be clear that you cannot offer any guarantees in respect of the altered document

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    When a client 'fixes' a translation and actually makes it worse, remain calm and professional at all times

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Keep calm if a client tries to 'fix' a perfectly decent translation - doing so is the client's prerogative

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Lack of communication can be a nightmare when you're working on a complex translation. Consider ditching clients whose lack of communication disrupts your work

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Sometimes, regular clients can ask for translations that your specialisms don't cover. If so, consider referring them to a fellow translator - the client will appreciate your honesty

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    If a client regularly messes you around when it comes to bill paying time, it might be better to replace them with a new client

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    If you put your rates up (as we all must, from time to time) and a regular client objects, it might be time to find new, higher paying clients

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Turning work away can be hard, but rejecting work that pays less than you're used to might be the right course of action

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Getting rid of a client who drains your energy levels and time can leave you feeling refreshed and reinspired

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Krishnan

    Be very wary of leaving things to the last minute, particularly if you have caring responsibilities that could wipe out the time you have available to work!

    197 day(s) ago

  • Laura

    If you work freelance, always save up for your tax throughout the year, so that the annual bill doesn't come as a nasty surprise!

    204 day(s) ago

  • Myra

    Translation is about keeping your language skills alive and fresh, so use every opportunity you can to absorb the latest lingo!

    208 day(s) ago

  • Florence

    If you're working long hours/late into the night, be sure to check your translation thoroughly the next morning - sometimes standards slip as a result of tiredness!

    218 day(s) ago

  • Muhammad

    If you're really not in the mood to translate, try and come back to the task later when you feel inspired - you'll work more productively as a result. Of course, if you're up against a deadline then that might not be an option!

    225 day(s) ago

  • Natasha chouvaeva

    Don't let your children use your work computer. I learned this the hard way, so please learn from my experience and save yourself some time and money!

    232 day(s) ago

  • Alexander hilton

    Use your language skills to follow your dreams - bilinguals have far more options open to them when it comes to living and working overseas, so why not see the world and put your language skills to good use while you do?

    239 day(s) ago

  • Candice

    Just because a client asks for a discount, doesn't mean you have to give one! Stick to your guns and know what your time is worth. If a client isn't prepared to pay a decent rate, find another one who will!

    248 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Make sure that your clients are aware of every service that you offer - after all, upselling a service such as localization or globalization could mean a higher fee

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Offering skills such as globalization can be a great way to gain more clients

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Are you keeping up with translation trends and offering globalization services as well as localization? It could pay to do so!

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    When registering on freelance translation platforms, pay particular attention to how the payment system works and who pays the fees

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Registering on multiple translation platforms can mean finding more potential jobs, but also more time spent searching for those jobs

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Do you offer social media and chat bot translation services to your clients? Both are likely to be needed more in the future

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Make sure you respond quickly when potential clients approach you on social media in order that you can impress them with your swift customer service

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Use social media sites that relate to all of the languages that you translate in order to maximise potential business opportunities

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Be active and engaged on social media sites in order to get the best out of them

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Share, create and like relevant content in order to boost your online presence on social media

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Ensure you have a reputable online presence that makes the most of social media as a marketing tool

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Ask clients in detail about the purpose and intended audience of their documents in order to help focus the translation correctly

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Be sure to advertise your localization service clearly, so that clients don't move on to another translator who shouts louder about their localization offering

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Clients look for translator reviews online, so be sure you have plenty of positive reviews out there

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Be careful of inadvertent gender stereotyping when translating words that take a gender in one language but not another

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Larissa

    Whichever CAT tools you use, keep the translation memories up to date to keep getting maximum benefit from them!

    253 day(s) ago

  • Timothy

    Networking is about more than just getting new clients. I've made a couple of great contacts who I am comfortable sharing the odd piece of work with - if I'm going on holiday, for example. They can do the same with me and it works for everyone - including our clients.

    260 day(s) ago

  • Tariq

    Sometimes I get so lost in meeting clients' deadlines and the pressures of work that I forget to take advantage of the freelance lifestyle. It's easy to do, so I try and force myself to take at least a couple of hours each week to do something fun that I wouldn't be able to do if I worked 9-5

    267 day(s) ago

  • Clare

    I find that translation conferences and events can be a great way to get a fresh burst of inspiration, as well as a chance to see a new part of the world

    274 day(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Monitor your digital marketing activity to assess your ROI, then tweak your approach based on what works

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Set your digital marketing spend and stick to your budget, while building in the flexibility to reallocate expenditure based on results

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Have a clear digital marketing strategy in place to define your approach and maximise your chances of success

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Consider sending your clients a token gift at the end of each year - something thoughtful is often better than something expensive

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Have plans in place for dealing with clients who interrupt your holidays and you'll find the situation much less stressful

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    If you want to relax during your holiday, offer your clients a discount for work booked in once you return, to encourage them to delay booking jobs temporarily

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Announce a 'coming shortly' rate rise during a quiet time to encourage your clients to send in work before the higher price kicks in

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Be prepared for a flurry of work as soon as you announce your holiday dates, as clients rush to get their jobs in before you go

    2019 year(s) ago

  • Tomedes

    Give as much notice as possible of your planned time off, to ensure your clients can easily and happily accommodate it

    2019 year(s) ago