A student in my online class asks: how do you know who the "big payers" are in a given industry, and how do you find them or help them find you? That could be a whole course in and of itself; but here are my thoughts in a nutshell: Every industry or sector has "big payers." For example, when I … [Read more...] about Reader question: following the money
Freelancing
When a client says, "Geez…that's really expensive!"
A student in my online course asks, "What do I respond when a client comments that my rates are really high?" Good question, student! Because if you're running your business the right way, someone, someday, and maybe even lots of people almost every day, will think that you're too expensive. Which … [Read more...] about When a client says, "Geez…that's really expensive!"
How to decide if a translation specialization is viable?
A student in my online course asks: How do I decide if a translation specialization is viable? Hmm, interesting question, and one that nearly all freelancers have to grapple with at some point. Short answer: nearly any specialization is viable, depending on your marketing zeal and income needs. … [Read more...] about How to decide if a translation specialization is viable?
Freelance success: luck, hard work, or a combination of the two?
It's been interesting to read people's reactions to my post about translator rants, and I always love a good and lively discussion. Here's a followup: it seems to me that many translators look at "successful freelancers," (with varying definitions of that), and think, "It's easy to sit around and … [Read more...] about Freelance success: luck, hard work, or a combination of the two?
Shouting and moaning about bad clients: productive, or not?
This post is inspired by something Ted Wozniak posted on Facebook, linking to Sébastien Devogele's blog post "The Rate Rant." The issue: translators who complain about bottom-feeding agencies that pay low rates, endlessly try to drive down prices even further through fuzzy match discounts, treat … [Read more...] about Shouting and moaning about bad clients: productive, or not?