Freelance tip: Two financial tasks to think about before the end of the year, so that they’re in place for January 1. 1️⃣ Are your business and personal finances completely separate? If they’re commingled, I’m begging you (literally, begging you), at least create a separate checking and savings account that you use only for business. […]
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Making your peace with “the big number”
Some of you may have already signed up for the Innovation in Translation Summit, (not an affiliate link) organized by Josh Goldsmith, Nora Diaz, and Jost Zetzsche. It’s happening online November 15-17 and the basic ticket is free; paid options give you access to replays, slides, live panels, etc. My presentation topic for the Summit […]
Continue ReadingRates: do they fit your financial goals
Tip for today: the number one question to ask yourself when you’re thinking about whether or not to accept a given rate is, Does this rate meet my financial goals? I get a lot of questions from freelancers, asking things such as:-“Is X cents a word too little to charge?”-“Should I offer volume discounts to […]
Continue ReadingThe joys and sorrows of electronic payments
The state of electronic payments in the US If you live in a country with an actual modern banking system (not the US!), this article will be utterly useless to you, and your country is to be congratulated on that fact! If you live in the US and are a freelancer who likes to take […]
Continue ReadingAre pandemic discounts a good idea?
The pandemic is doing odd things to people’s freelance businesses: something I’ve discussed in a pandemic roundtable podcast, and a blog post. About all that can be said is that some things are up and others are down. I’ve heard from multiple freelancers (translators and interpreters) who’ve never been busier, and from others who are […]
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