Tips to Increase Business for Online Freelance Translators

As an online freelance translator, you are persistently working to acquire new clients. Using the power of the Internet has made the task all the more easy. However, there are a few techniques and tips which you can employ to obtain maximum online help in receiving clients. As an online freelance translator, you should have an email address of your own to communicate with prospective clients. You also need a little investment on your part to develop a website of your own for carrying out freelance translation business. It need not be a fancy one, but should contain sufficient information that you want to convey to your potential clients. Even though having your own website may not initially bring in hundreds of clients, it will at least lend a professional touch to your online freelance translation business. Create an email signature block stating your area of specialization and your website. This increases chances of potential client in locating you. Also, try to participate in online blogs and forums as much as possible since it is the quickest way to spread your name as an online freelance translator. Writing articles online is another way of sharing information with the online community and letting them know of your website and translation business. Communication from one end of the world to the other is just a button-push away! Just by sitting beside your computer, you can bid on new projects, decide the terms and conditions, work on translation and deliver this work back to the client. Time is money, and the time you save can be spent on search for new clients. This will certainly give your business a well-desired start to succeed in future.

EDITING VS PROOFREADING WHAT A TRANSLATOR SHOULD KNOW

EDITING VS PROOFREADING WHAT A TRANSLATOR SHOULD KNOW Freelance translators have to wear several hats to perform their job well, some of the tasks have nothing to do with your knowledge of language; as in the case of listening to the client who is frustrated at a pressing deadline for the translation project. Many times an agency for associate will ask you about taking proofreading or editing assignments in addition to translation. While the fee for these services may not be as much as translations, performing these tasks can increase your fluency and expertise. But these two tasks require different skills, some freelance translators can do both, others prefer one to the other: A proofreader verifies that the text is true to the content from the source. This includes syntax, register and formatting. There is a set of proofreading symbols that are used to indicate errors or reference a suggestion. If you have a critical eye for detail and catch errors quickly, proofreading is a valuable skill that can add value to your services. When you are editing, you are taking the text and re-writing it in a way that gives it a different perspective, while maintaining the integrity of the meaning of the content from the source. Editing may sound like a simple task however keep in mind that the continuity of the context of the subject has to be maintained for the length of the text. In most cases, the good news is that most of these tasks are straight forward and can be done within a reasonable amount of time. On the down side, editing or proofreading a document that is poorly translated can easily turn into a time consuming exercise that results in lost profits for you. If you cannot decide which of these services you want to offer to clients, work with another freelancer as a proofreader or editor to get a better feel for which one you do best.

Google Docs and Spreadsheets

This facility looks like it could be of great use to translators. You can add collaborators and thus, if you trust the client, you can have a constant feed-back system. On the client side, it could ensure some amount of security against delay or default. At any given time, the client has access to the work. How does one go about this? You add collaborators. So it can be your client and you or your team and you. Ease of use: it is almost identical with the word doc format. You can download it too. Also it saves the need to open a word doc on your PC (assuming, for example, you were forced to work for a time on some public or other PC. It would, of course, be foolish not to download it regularly as the version on your PC is your proof, so to speak. For the moment a fellow translator and I are using it more creatively as we both love writing short stories- we get to edit each other's work.

WHERE TO LOOK FOR FREELANCE TRANSLATOR JOBS

WHERE TO LOOK FOR FREELANCE TRANSLATOR JOBS Looking for a freelance translator job starts with deciding what type of work you want to do. You can look to your CV or resume for your language skills, but your work style is linked to your personality. If you are a night owl who likes to work in solitude, translating literary works or scientific research could be ideal. Publishing houses and professional organizations are good places to start looking for jobs. You will find many sites that have classified sections or directory listings that you can search for work or post information about your services. On the other hand, if you thrive on sunlight and business enterprise, translating marketing materials, training manuals and reports that bring you into contact with the company staff could be the perfect choice. Marketing and advertising publications are good sources of information on companies that are expanding their global reach. If you write to the company with a reference to their plans and how you can help them reach their market in their native language, you could find yourself quite busy. The rapid growth in popularity of using the Internet as a means of commerce is bringing the reality home for many business operators that the entire world may be their marketplace, but their prospective customers need to understand what they are offering in order to buy. Now many website owners are having their sites translated into the native languages of the countries where they are marketing their goods and services. Agencies remain a leading resource of employment for freelance translators simply because of the number of projects listed in their database. But don’t underestimate the value of the numerous translator discussion groups. They can be an excellent source for locating direct clients.

How to do word count in powerpoint?

Click on "File", then click on "properties" click on "Statistics\ you get the word count. I use MS Office 97. It does not count embedded text boxes or tables from Word or Excel. You have to count them separate and add them to the PowerPoint words to receive the total number of words. About other versions, if any body knows please help.

What is in store for Freelance Translators in 2007 and beyond?

What is in store for Freelance Translators in 2007 and beyond? I had just read a note in Babelport site which describes the development of translation markets in Europe. There are some interesting predictions for freelance translators as well. 1. European Translation market will continue to profit from the growing international trade. 2. An annual growth of 5 percent for translation services is expected. 3. The share of European companies in the international translation industry is close to 48 percent. 4. Compared to the figures of 2005, the 15 leading companies in the translation market grew their turnover by about 20% to close to 1.5b US$ in 2006. 5. The 15 largest companies in the sector are responsible for close to 12 percent of the total turnover. 6. Another 13% of the global market is owned by some 3100 translation companies. 7.The remaining 75% are the domain of roughly 200.000 freelancers. 8.For 2006, the estimate of the total market is 12.46 billion US Dollar or 9.5 billion Euro. 9. The share of freelancers, currently around 75% of the global turnover is to decrease to 60-70%. That is mainly attributed to the fact that projects become more multilingual and thus need to be handled by project managing agencies. 10. By 2010/12 a general slowdown of the growth in international trade is expected in turn having its effect on the translation sector. Most importantly, however, is the fact that translation does still not have a positive image. Clients see it more as a cost than as an investment. For reading the full story visit the Source: http://www.babelport.com/news/1953

5 TOOLS TO ACCELERATE YOUR FREELANCE TRANSLATION ONLINE MARKETING

5 TOOLS TO ACCELERATE YOUR FREELANCE TRANSLATION ONLINE MARKETING There are several options to marketing your freelance translation business online, in price ranges to suit every budget. It is easy to find Internet marketing solutions that are geared to medium to large size businesses, but for the individual or small company, you have to be careful. There are many claims made to attract your business, but the results rarely live up to the claims. Here are few tried and true ways of marketing your business that works: 1. Publicity. Most people think that press release distribution is limited to newspapers, but you can also send your press release to other media outlets such as radio and television stations. Research the stations that cater to bilingual audiences. 2. Offline Advertising of Your Website. Online advertising works great when your prospective client is at their computer, but advertising your services offline reinforces your online message, enhancing your credibility. 3. Discussion Forum Posts. Joining a discussion group that is related to the area of your specialization is a good way to attract attention to your freelance translation services. It provides you with an opportunity to learn different ways you can approach your market. 4. Email Signature Blocks. This is a form of online marketing that many freelance translators fail to use to their advantage. Your email signature block should include all of your contact information; your website and postal address, website title and slogan, telephone number and instant messenger ID. Be sure to include your email address here as well so that it is easy for your contact to transfer your information into their database. 5. Blog Syndication. Creating a blog is the easiest way to spread the news about your services because they are distributed to thousands of news feeds.

7 Tips For Using Blogs To Increase Your Freelance Translation Business Income

As a provider of freelance translation services, having your own Weblog or “Blog” can provide you with several ways to increase your business income and there are several free blog services that provide you everything you need to get started, all you have to provide is the content. Here are some ways that you can use a blog to build your freelance translation business: 1. Expand Your Reach: Having a blog allows you to take your freelance translation business and ideas to a global market. Provide your blog in a variety of languages to reach prospective clients in their native tongue. 2. Build Customer Trust: People want to know who is behind the freelance translation business. Post your picture, your CV online along with a mission statement-what your customers can expect from your business. Provide links to articles and resources that are relevant to your readers and their needs. 3. Create Partnerships: You may need help with a freelance translation project; there may be times when you have a project that you cannot handle alone. Post a notice to attract the support you need without paying extra advertising costs. 4. Interact with Your Audience: Surveys help you find out what your freelance translation customers think of your new idea or service. 5. Media Coverage: Members of the press use blogs to find newsworthy topics. Create a blog entry that outlines a unique aspect of your freelance translation service and gain media exposure. 6. Reach Publisher: Cross-cultural communication is more important than ever, you can reach publishers who are looking for freelance translation services; show them your writing style and knowledge in your field of specialization. 7. Testimonials: As your freelance translation portfolio grows, ask your clients to post their comments about their experience using your services – this is one of the best ways for prospective clients to see first-hand how you can help them.

Inside Bill Gates House - Pictures of Bill Gates Home

I know translators are lonely souls, often work alone with kids to attend. But after a job is done go and relax! or just surf the net. Here is what I stumbled upon in internet. Virtual tour of Bill Gates house in Media overlooking Lake Washington. Bill Gates Family resides in this home. Take a virtual tour of the Bill Gates Mansion where he stays with his family. Watch the beautiful neighbourhood of Bill Gates house. http://labnol.blogspot.com/2005/05/inside-bill-gates-home.html

Secret of success in in Database

Yesterday my article on database is published in PROZ. I am happy. You can read that article at http://www.proz.com/translation-articles/articles/1037/1/9-reasons-for-the-most-simple%2C-economical%2C-fast-and-effective-way-of-marketing-by-freelance-translators- That article is also in my blog. I do not understand why translators underestimate database. After all they are your potential clients. I have created a big database and I have a strategy in place how to use them. As a result jobs keep coming. My database is personal and I do not intend to sell that. However if you are interested to know about using my database send a mail to me gdc at the rate getdirectclient dot com Happy reading and translating!!!

What Do You Need For Your Internet Freelance Translation Business?

Taking your freelance translation business online is a smart move for a variety of reasons; greater exposure, a place to display your portfolio, build customer confidence and make valuable professional connections to name just a few. Using the Internet has become such an integral part of doing business now that when you go online to find information about a topic, it is easy to overlook the multitude of factors at work to make your visit to the website possible. Many of these factors will have to be considered if you want to have a successful Internet business that meets your expectations. Here are a few points to keep in mind: Choose a domain name that is easy to remember and reflects your specialization. You are one freelance translator among thousands of freelance translators – you have to find a feature of your freelance translation services that makes you stand out from the crowd. A reliable web hosting company is crucial. There are hundreds of horror stories about web hosting companies that do not have competent technical support required to keep a website online and accessible to visitors. An easy to navigate web design is essential to retain visitors. Whether you design the site yourself or hire a professional, design your site with accessibility features that visitors prefer; make sure the text is easy to read and that your entire menu of links work. Educate your visitors. The value of translation may be clear to you as a freelancer, but that is not the case with all of your visitors. Even when a real need for translation services, you still have to make the case of why and how you are best for the job.

7 Lessons From Experienced Freelance Translators

7 Lessons From Experienced Freelance Translators There are many aspects of being a freelance translator that you have to consider to be successful here are some of the most important points to keep in mind: 1. Respect your specialization; accept translation jobs into your native language. Whether you are translating or editing, it is most important to see the text in the source language to determine if it is within our scope of ability. 2. Use translation memory software. The value of using Wordfast or Trados software is to avoid some of the common omissions that can occur. The software helps you to see the text in sentence format it also helps to isolate text that the software cannot translate such as company names or titles. 3. When in doubt, ask the question. Don’t waste time struggling with illegible text. It is better to telephone and ask the question; it’s the clients’ responsibility to provide clarification. 4. Two heads are better than one-especially for translations. Arrange an exchange of proofreading services with another good translator. 5. Pay careful attention to language requirements. If the translation is tied to a retail brand with specific terminology, make sure that the client provides you with a contact person or reference materials to assure the proper context of the translation. 6. Know your reading audience. Always ask the client about the target audience for the translation, so you can use the most appropriate language. 7. Be sure you understand the objective of the material you are translating. The end use of the translated material is important to know so that you can use the correct terminology. Use these guidelines in your freelance translation projects and you will enjoy a higher level of recognition.

5 TYPES OF FREELANCE TRANSLATION CLIENTS TO AVOID

The “Ambiguous” Client This client uses vague terms or terms that have more than one possible meaning to describe their project. The problem with the ambiguous client is that unless you pay careful attention, what they define as a “simple translation” can prove to be a translation from difficult to read fax copies of Power Point slides instead of an electronic Word file. The “Manipulative” Client Many clients feel that each transaction has to be a power struggle. When you accept a project from the manipulative client, you will find that the client feels this entitles them to a thousand and one little extras that were not detailed in the work agreement for the translation project. The “Reactive” Client The reactive client wants you to be their counselor as well as their freelance translator. They constantly interrupt your work, bringing in new aspects to the work assignment based on the current events of their life, i.e., they are experiencing personal financial problems, which means that they cannot pay you on schedule or they want you to discount your price. The “Temperamental” Client When you work with a temperamental client, there will be the frustration that comes with constant changes in the project description. Maybe it starts off with the end use of the translation, or it could be format output or even the deadline. This client makes it impossible to work in a consistent manner because they cannot make a firm decision. The “Instant Amnesia” Client The work agreement was created with this type of client, who will give you instructions regarding the work and then when they see the result of their instructions is not to their liking, will immediately develop “instant amnesia”; saying they don’t remember giving the instructions. Conclusion Make sure your definition of the terms, scope of work, delivery format and date are in writing to avoid the problems these types of clients can bring you.

Editing Vs Proofreading What A Translator Should Know

EDITING VS PROOFREADING WHAT A TRANSLATOR SHOULD KNOW Freelance translators have to wear several hats to perform their job well, some of the tasks have nothing to do with your knowledge of language; as in the case of listening to the client who is frustrated at a pressing deadline for the translation project. Many times an agency for associate will ask you about taking proofreading or editing assignments in addition to translation. While the fee for these services may not be as much as translations, performing these tasks can increase your fluency and expertise. But these two tasks require different skills, some freelance translators can do both, others prefer one to the other: A proofreader verifies that the text is true to the content from the source. This includes syntax, register and formatting. There is a set of proofreading symbols that are used to indicate errors or reference a suggestion. If you have a critical eye for detail and catch errors quickly, proofreading is a valuable skill that can add value to your services. When you are editing, you are taking the text and re-writing it in a way that gives it a different perspective, while maintaining the integrity of the meaning of the content from the source. Editing may sound like a simple task however keep in mind that the continuity of the context of the subject has to be maintained for the length of the text. In most cases, the good news is that most of these tasks are straight forward and can be done within a reasonable amount of time. On the down side, editing or proofreading a document that is poorly translated can easily turn into a time consuming exercise that results in lost profits for you. If you cannot decide which of these services you want to offer to clients, work with another freelancer as a proofreader or editor to get a better feel for which one you do best.

ADVICE FROM SUCCESSFUL FREELANCER TRANSLATORS

ADVICE FROM SUCCESSFUL FREELANCER TRANSLATORS With so many companies going global, life as a freelance translator is getting more interesting everyday; the new opportunities for increasing income are there, but so is the competition. The most seasoned professional freelance translators are working with new technology and beginning translators are seeking mentorship. Here are some of the tips from some of the experienced freelance translators: Be a continuous student. Language is a living, breathing expression of people who live in a certain country with traditions and culture that effect the way they communicate. Keep an open perspective when it comes to both your source and target languages and learn to incorporate the changes to keep your translations relevant and accurate. Specialize, specialize, and specialize. This one point cannot be stressed enough. Having the ability to speak several languages is one thing, being able to translate material from different fields is not so easy. Whether you choose literature, science and technology or academia, there is an abundance of terms and rules of register and style to consider. Choosing one area to concentrate your skill development within will provide you with a valuable marketing tool in attracting new clients. Stay current with research and development in the translation world as it relates to your work and the communication sciences profession as a whole. Attend professional conferences to learn about new language technologies, build skills and network with other freelance translators. Develop cooperative relationships with other freelance translators; exchange proofreading services and sharing translation memory will help build your expertise and knowledgebase faster than working alone. No amount of promotion can replace the value of a good reputation in business. Work with a strong of ethics; deliver what you promise, communicate with your client honestly and perform your work diligently to build a reputation that is priceless in this profession.

DOES COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE MATTER FOR A FREELANCE TRANSLATOR?

DOES COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE MATTER FOR A FREELANCE TRANSLATOR? If you are a freelance translator that works through an agency, you will be exposed to clients with projects from all over the world and can bid on these projects according to your expertise. However, there are perceptions about countries in the same way as people hold perceptions about professions and there are always exceptions to the rule. In many cases, the external view that many people have of a country is based on information that they receive from the media and unfortunately, there can be inconsistencies between what the media reports and the daily reality of the people living in the country. For instance, in translation work that calls for “American English” the impression is that Americans speak the same in all regions of the country. However, America has regions which color the language just like any other country. Many times when I am translating documents into English for a client, they are surprised at my questions to determine how to best use of the language to suit their purpose. Regardless of which country of residence you claim, this is an important aspect of translation work, depending on the content and context of the document; you may have to adjust to fit the need of the client. In addition, the economic status of a country can also be a factor in the selection process. Most clients know that the rates of freelance translators living and working in the United States are higher than those of a freelance translator who lives and works in India. If their budget is their main consideration, they will seek out the translator with the lower rate. Conversely, when you are reviewing projects for bidding, consider the economic status of the clients’ county as well and adjust your rate to an appropriate level.

5 Ways For A Freelance Translator To Earn Money Now

5 Ways For A Freelance Translator To Earn Money Now There are over one hundred freelance job posting sites on the Internet and with every day that passes, that number increases as more people make the choice to work for themselves. On top of the fact that these agencies are making the transition easier than it was ten years ago, it is also opening new doors of opportunities in the way you use your translation skills. While the publishing world at large is one of the best places to look for freelance translation work, if you want to optimize your chances of steady employment, the key word to keep in mind is flexibility. Here are a few ideas to get you started: Translating Advertising Materials for Sales Agents Think about how many advertising messages you are seeing today in Spanish. Behind the advertisement is a product or service that has printed material to explain its features. If Spanish is one of your languages, this is a good opportunity to show your expertise. Online Copy Proofreader and/or Editor Along with the growing demand for quality content, there is a need for proofreading and editing. As bilingual sites begin to become more commonplace, the need for experienced translators has increased. Desktop Publishing Translator Some website operators are hiring freelance translators to create the pages in different languages instead of using computer software for the job. Audio Translations Everything you hear on radio or television has to be written for someone to say. Contact local stations and offer your services. Paralegal Translations Interpreters work closely with the court system, but what about the transcripts? Offering translation services to lawyers who work with a client base that speaks English as a second language can increase your income.

Beginners Guide To A Translation Professional Web Site

Beginners Guide To A Translation Professional Web Site What are the elements needed to create a professional freelance website? Beyond the aesthetic design of your site, having excellent technical support from the company that hosts your site is the key. Remember that while you are sleeping you site is supposed to be working and it takes skilled people to keep your site accessible. This is the first part of customer care; making sure that your site is available for them when they want to visit. Give your customers what they want; attention. Create a plan for how you will interact with your customers who visit your website, so that these elements can be built into your site. Having an easy to remember domain name is your main marketing tool. The second most important part of marketing your domain name is called a “tagline” or slogan. The main purpose of the tagline is to deliver the essence of what you have to offer-the main benefit your client enjoy by using your services. These two elements create the “theme” of your website. For instance, if you are a freelance translator that specializes in historical literary texts, portraits of some of the famous writers of the time immediately connects to the domain name of www.epochtranslation.com and the tagline of “communication for the ages”. Adding an overall design theme of colors, typeface and information gives your visitors a sense of what they will find on your site. In addition to the basic information about your services, you need to present content that relates to the audience you want to attract. There are articles being published regularly that highlight the increasing need for translation services in government and the private sector. Use market research statistics to show the difference between the profits of companies who use translated materials and those who are not using translation services.