RELIABILITY

This is the key quality your clients want from you: deliver WHAT you promised, WHEN you promised it.

• Always give yourself enough time to translate and thoroughly check your work. Do not agree to unrealistic deadlines.

• Don’t be afraid to ask for clarifications from the client – it can actually make you appear more professional.

SERENITY

Avoid the pitfalls that cause friction with clients so that you can focus on the quality of your translation work.

• Clearly state the scope of work in your price quote.

• Get approval of the price quote in writing.

• Check regularly to see who has not paid you yet, and make sure your first reminder is very polite.

• Don’t work again for a client who gave you a hassle about paying.

RESPONSIBILITY

Take responsibility for your mistakes without arguing.

• 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.

• If you miss an agreed upon delivery date, offer a discount.

ENHANCEMENT

Good translators can get better with time and must see themselves as lifelong learners.

• Start with content areas you are familiar with and are confident about.

• 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).

• Learning to work with appropriate tools such as Translation Memory software.

• Look for courses/workshops on business development and self-marketing using digital and face-to-face tools.

• Get to know other ITA members working in relevant fields and seek collaborations.