The Linguist is a languages magazine for professional linguists, translators, interpreters, language professionals, language teachers, trainers, students and academics with articles on translation, interpreting, business, government, technology
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thelinguist.uberflip.com JUNE/JULY The Linguist 27 FEATURES LIVING THE DREAM? For organised and assertive translators, working with direct clients can offer more time for family, friends and leisure activities (left); for others it can mean long hours and working through the night (above) your clients know that you will not be able to accept another large project for that period. It is not always possible for customers to plan their translation requirements, but one surprise project per week is better than ten. If, like me, you work with customers who often need urgent translations to meet deadlines, it is in their interest to let you know about forthcoming assignments so that you can reserve time for them. This way you can meet your customers' needs without constantly having to work overtime. Working with direct clients definitely has its challenges but whether it has a negative impact on your quality of life depends very much on the way you work. Many translators decide to become freelance practitioners because they want to enjoy the freedom it offers. It is up to you to organise your work in such a way that you have time for the things that are important to you. This article was first published in German in the BDÜ's BWPolyglott and adapted for The Linguist. how and when they can best reach you. My clients know that they can get hold of me easily by email during the day and that I respond swiftly. Often it is simply a case of confirming that you can deliver a translation by a specific deadline, which is also possible on the go. This way, you can give your client the feeling that their project is in good hands but at the same time you are not chained to your desk. Let your customers know well in advance when you are going on holiday and will not be available. This gives them the opportunity to bring forward translations or to find another solution. Try to find a colleague with your specialisation and language combination who is prepared to cover for you while you are away. Even if the colleague cannot take on every piece of work, they will be able to help your client by referring them to another colleague or providing a link to Find-a-Linguist. Perhaps you could even help one another out during peak periods. Announce your work As an in-house translator for a large German commercial law firm, I gained useful tips for my freelance business. The lawyers were expected to announce their work ahead of time. Of course, deadlines change and source texts are not always completed or received as planned, but if you are expecting an 80-page translation in a particular week, you should let How to attract direct clients • Know your target clients: understand their industry and their market. • Know your USP: what sets you apart from other translators, what you are doing differently from and better than other translators. • Understand the value you bring to your clients. • Understand the problems your clients have and how you can help solve them. How to keep direct clients • Be scrupulously professional and ruthlessly reliable. • Prove that you can do what you said you can do – you'll only get one chance to prove yourself. • Provide excellent customer service: follow-up and check that they were happy with your work. If not, find out why and be prepared to adjust your services to their requirements. • Make sure clients are aware of the full value of the services you provide so they are not tempted by a lower price offer. • Anticipate problems clients may have and find ways to help them. Can you recommend colleagues for other language combinations? GOING DIRECT IMAGES: © SHUTTERSTOCK