Tips for Novice Translators Working Directly with Direct-Clients
by Guest Blogger | November 17th, 2020
Micaela Ziv
RELIABILITY
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This is the key quality your clients want from you: deliver WHAT you promised, WHEN you promised it.
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Always give yourself enough time to translate and thoroughly check your work. Do not agree to unrealistic deadlines.
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Don’t be afraid to ask for clarifications from the client – it can actually make you appear more professional.
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SERENITY
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Avoid the pitfalls that cause friction with clients so that you can focus on the quality of your translation work.
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Clearly state the scope of work in your price quote.
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Get approval of the price quote in writing.
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Check regularly to see who has not paid you yet, and make sure your first reminder is very polite.
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Don’t work again for a client who gave you a hassle about paying.
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RESPONSIBILITY
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Take responsibility for your mistakes without arguing.
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Once a price quote is given, never ask for more money because you miscalculated – just say: ‘This time I miscalculated the cost in your favor. I am not changing my original quote, but I want you to know that for any future work my rate will be higher’. Clients appreciate this.
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If you miss an agreed upon delivery date, offer a discount.
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ENHANCEMENT
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Good translators can get better with time and must see themselves as lifelong learners.
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Start with content areas you are familiar with and are confident about.
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Look for professional development courses / workshops in areas of content you can expand into (either because you are interested in them or because they are lucrative).
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Learning to work with appropriate tools such as Translation Memory software.
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Look for courses/workshops on business development and self-marketing using digital and face-to-face tools.
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Get to know other ITA members working in relevant fields and seek collaborations.
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