Good by To Feast or Famine

Say Goodbye to Feast or Famine
A Translators Secrets to Attract Higher-paying Clients and Create Consistent Income
By Joy Mo
Say Goodbye To Feast or Famine
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All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without the written permission of the author, copyright holder, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.
Author: Joy Mo Certified court interpreter in BC Canada, freelance mandarin/Chinese translator, blogger, founder of www.translators-biz-secret.com
Copyright 2012 www.translators-biz-secret.com. All rights reserved.
2012 Joy Mo. All rights reserved. ISBN 978-1-105-97249-2
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2 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without the written permission of the author, copyright All rights reserved. No part of this book may be holder, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages in a review.
reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including Although I have made everystorage e ort to ensure that theretrieval information in this book information and systems, was correct at press time, the author and publisher do not assume and hereby without the written permission of the author, disclaim any liability to any party for any loss, damage, or disruption caused by copyright holder, except by a result reviewer who may errors or omissions, whether such errors or omissions from negligence, accident, or any brief other cause. quote passages in a review.
Table of Contents
Introduction 1 Your Business Depends On Marketing
Make time for marketing Where and how to start?
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6 10
11 12
2 Make the Choice Obvious

Motivate your supporters Exist on Consistency
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14 16
3- Attract Clients with Constructive Criticism

Spot your opportunity Write a letter they can't resist Getting to the right person Don't be boring or bland Basics of a good critique letter Get the most wanted response
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18 20 22 23 24 25
4 - Actively seek out strategic alliances

Who can be your strategic alliance? How to find your strategic alliance
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26 27
5- Cold Calls With a Warm Twist

Find a good reason to contact prospects Get your friends working for you
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35 38
6- To Thrive is to Diversify
Sell your service Outsource your work Offer advice as a paid service Build a fee-based membership program Leveraging
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40 43 46 49 50
7- Growing your services

Find your specialty Do your research Time is of the essence Resources available for little to no cost
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59 61 62 63
8- Build A Responsive Email List

Publishing your own ezine How to build a responsive list? Build a list without an ezine
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67 69 70
The Final Point - Do what you love, the rest will 73 follow
First, an introduction
Before I spill the beans, let me tell you a little bit about myself. This is not me saying how great I am, but rather, I want you to understand where I come from. The strategies discussed in the following pages have been proven effective through my own trial and error.
I didnt have any business background before I came to Canada. What I did bring with me was a passion for language translation and the determination to make it work for me.
Nine years ago, when I first started my freelance translation career in Canada, I knew very little about marketing. I had just graduated from the court interpreting program in Vancouver. With my previous BA degree in translation, I thought all I had to do was to apply to as many translation agencies as possible and wait for the phone calls to pour in.
I sent out nearly a hundred resumes, attended quite a few interviews and gave out tons of business cards. These were accompanied with a great sense of anticipation. However, to my surprise, the job requests didnt pour in.
My patience wore thin, but I stuck it out. A few months later I began to get more calls and assignments from various translation agencies and other independent clients.
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So heres my first advice if you are starting as a translator from scratch, take a related program at a reputable college or university. It may cost you some money, but youll have the advantage of becoming an instant member of that network.
This may not seem like much, or feel like a huge step, but its a big one as first ones go. Many translation agencies and companies have good relationships with your local colleges and universities. It is a source of recruitment for them. Therefore, by establishing that connection, youll have a relatively easier time in finding those first few clients.
Now, back to my frustrating first steps. I was, by most peoples standards, quite busy. But my income just didnt match up with the effort I was putting in, never mind my lofty expectations.
So I took the bold step to visit law firms, public relation companies and sometimes even government offices. I had no idea where I should go to find work. I just knew I had to do something, anything that would bring me more income.
Let me tell you those moments were some of the most uncomfortable experiences in my life. Not so much that I am a shy person, but every time I started to pitch my services to a stranger, my throat dried up and my voice shook. I hated it. Plus, I wasnt
getting any results. Before long I had to dump the cold calling idea altogether. It just wasnt for me.
I recall that I regularly asked my fellow translators how they found work. But their answers were equally discouraging this is what a freelance translators life is like. Stability and regularity were just not a part of the picture.
It took me over a year before I had what I would consider a busy practice. However, I was barely making ends meet. It was mostly agency work and the occasional clients who had heard about me through my past clients.
The jobs were scattered across town and sometimes cancelled without notice. I was working so hard I wouldnt turn down any job that was offered, even if it meant I had to cancel family plans. Pretty soon I felt burnt out.
Somebody said that life is what happens while you are busy making other plans. It seemed that way for me. Soon we had our first baby and then a second child. Then, my priorities changed completely. I wasnt going to sacrifice my family life for any job or business.
I knew something had to give. I couldnt afford to undervalue myself any longer. So I did my research, read books on marketing, and most importantly, found myself a business mentor.
I learned more in a few months than all the previous few years combined, with regards to how to run a profitable business.
I began to apply my new strategies to my translation business. It began to show positive results. That same year, while I was working about half the hours I had the previous year, my income doubled.
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Needless to say, I was pleased. Marketing my business was fun. And the best part? I didnt have to pretend to be someone who I wasnt. It was me very authentic.
Now I am going to share with you the most effective marketing strategies I used to turn my business from diving to thriving. These strategies are simple and hands-on. They have worked for me and I know they will work for you. All you need is a willingness to learn and take action.
Chapter 1 - Your Business Depends On Marketing

Marketing is not a magic trick. Its a system you use to attract clients. It requires work, and lots and lots of careful planning. But it will eventually bring the results you want if you implement the right strategies diligently.
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It often takes about six months to a year to develop a full translation practice, so be patient. After all, it does take time to build your reputation and credibility to where you are peoples first choice.
If you feel you suck at marketing, you are not alone. While we were learning how to be a translator, there was little or no time spent on teaching us how to get clients consistently and continuously.
The reality is most translators do almost nothing to promote their business other than handing out business cards. They are waiting for that proverbial door of opportunity to open.
The reality is, virtually everyone has to go and find that door and open it themselves.
Heres the good news for you you can do it. There are effective ways to get good-paying translation clients and secure lucrative translation projects. All you need to do is to get down to the nittygritty and actually do the work.
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1- Make time for marketing

The truth is, quite often you say youll do something, but you just never do it. Maybe you just forget. Or you may have more pressing matters to deal with at that moment.
Remember those youthful ideas painting, learning a musical instrument that due to time you just never got around to doing?
My point is, if you dont create time for marketing in your daily business operation, you will never do it. There is always a good excuse why you cant or wont take on a marketing task. But to win and be successful, you need to make time, not excuses.
What you can do is create a daily routine. Make marketing a habit and part of your business mindset. It may be only 15 minutes or one hour a day but it needs to be separate from your other duties.
If you have just started your translation practice, you need to spend serious time on marketing.
If you dont apply a steady schedule of marketing to your business strategy, by the time you realize you need to market your services
its often too late - many opportunities will have passed by. Dont let that happen to you.
2- Where and how to start?

The best way to begin is to consider your client profile make a list of past clients and what exactly brought them to you: What was the type of translation work? What were they looking for in a translation service provider? How did they find you? What makes them happy to be your clients? (Hint: low price shouldnt be a major reason.) How do they think you can improve as a translation service provider? Have they ever tried your competitors service? Were they happy? Why or why not? What other communication or language needs do your clients have? Would they be happy to refer business to you?
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These answers will contain important information that will help you improve your business, develop an effective marketing strategy and create new, in-demand products/services/programs.
Chapter 2 Make the Choice Obvious

Try going out there and telling everyone that you are a translator who is waiting to be hired. Youll be super lucky to get any job requests at all. In this day and age, with the technology and competition, stating the obvious just doesnt work. You have to stand out.
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Instead of telling people that you are a translator looking for work, try doing something expansive but to the point.
For example, Im a communication expert helping businesses prepare marketing and sales materials in multiple languages or Im an experienced language specialist who assists businesses to attract new customers in [your languages pair here].
Always focus on the benefits and advantages your clients will get when working with you.
For example, I always tell my potential lawyer clients that my excellent note-taking skills will ensure that minimum content is lost during a legal proceeding. I assure them that the message they send will remain as intact as possible in a different language.
As a result my clients that request legal interpretation and translation are all very loyal. That includes legal professionals and translator agencies. They not only give me lots of work, but also bring me tons of referrals.
1- Motivate your supporters

Never under estimate the power of your own personal network. Before you go out there to promote yourself, make sure your friends and family - your closest allies - are well-informed.
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One important tool you can use is a letter sent to your friends and family about your business. Let them know what you are doing and ask for their advice and help. Make sure your letter is friendly and personal.
Make it relevant so that they are more likely to reply to your message. You can send it by email or by regular mail, or a mix of both.
However, do not send out mass or group emails with dozens of email addresses listed in the to or cc line. Few people will respond to such an email.
Heres a sample letter that I used: Dear Pat,
How are you doing lately? I hope your trip to Brazil last month was great. Pat, I`m so excited to update you on my new business endeavor. As you know I started a new translation business after my maternity leave ended two years ago. I`m pleased to say that my business has grown quite a bit since then. I work with business owners and other professionals to develop effective communication in different languages. I also help other translators and interpreters find their clients and quality translation jobs. Im looking for translation projects as well as multilingual communication projects. Would you please keep an eye open for people in your circle that might need my service or could benefit from my skills? I work with people locally, nationally and internationally thanks to the help of the internet. Also, if you have any new ideas and suggestions for my business, please dont hesitate to share them with me. I really appreciate your input! Thank you so much for your help. If there`s anything I can do for you please let me know. Sincerely, Joy
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You can adjust the wording and style to your particular situation and send it out to everyone in your contact book.
Remember, you don`t have to send all these emails or letters at once. Make it an on-going task. Set an initial goal of 6-8 per week.
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If youve been in business for a while, you can write a business update letter every half year or so. The message would more or less remain the same letting your contacts know how you are doing and what you are asking for from them.
You should also follow-up with a phone call within 48 hours maybe even set up a coffee or lunch meeting for further discussion. This helps remind your supporter group that you are there and you need their help.
To actually talk to them on the phone or meeting them face-to-face often provides that extra personal touch that motivates people to do something for you.
One important point to remember -- make sure you come across as confident but not over the top; be humble but not begging.
2- Exist on Consistency
Marketing is not a one-time deal. It is an on-going requirement. To be able to keep up with your marketing tasks, you have to integrate them into your daily life. Can you imagine cold calling
clients on a regular basis? I can`t! And frankly I think that its a waste of time and energy.
You have to make your marketing fun and authentic. In other words: Your potential clients have to know it`s you You need a compelling message You have to be different from the pack You have to do your own homework You have to do it in a way that won`t put people off You can`t do anything that`s unethical Your marketing strategy has to be true to who you are
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All right, are you ready for the real gig now? In chapters 3, 4 and 5, I will explain in great detail about three very effective ways I often use to attract quality translation projects and high paying clients.
Chapter 3- Attracting Clients with Constructive Criticism

This is my powerful client attraction tip # 1: Spot your potential clients and let them know what you can do for them
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1- Spot your opportunity

Identify the niche market you are going to target. Decide what type of clients you are trying to attract. Make a list of all your possible future clients.
Keep an eye on the translated literature of these potential clients, online and offline. Visit their websites, read their translated brochures, pamphlets and other marketing documents.
Look for poorly translated copies and awkward sentences. Im not talking about just minor errors such as typos, spelling mistakes or even odd choice of words etc. although you may score with these ones too.
What Im talking about is the kind of mistake that might confuse the readers or cause an unintended result. If you do spot a mistake like that, you need to make a note of it. And trust me there are more poor translations out there than you might believe.
After youve picked a winner, you need to contact the potential client by email or regular mail. Show them the problems youve
found and tell them how these mistakes can negatively affect their corporate or business image in the eyes of the public. Then suggest how you can fix it.
Preferably, if you are new to this strategy, you will want to start with a local business or at least the local branch of a company. This is simply because of the trust factor when they know you are local, they feel you are a real person that can be reached more easily. Its also presumably easier to check your background if you are local.
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On the other hand, dont be afraid to approach a non-local business if you have a strong case. When you do find a case of bad translation, you need to do the following:
First, find out who is the decision maker of your target business is. Instead of contacting him or her directly, you want to ask for assistance from your existing circle of friends and family.
Tell them that you are trying to contact this person at XYZ company, and that you need their help to find a personal or professional connection to that company or even that person if possible.
Let me tell you this strategy often works wonders. Most people let their guard down when introduced to someone through a personal or professional connection.
On the other hand, dont be afraid to initiate contact even when theres no personal connection you can rely on. If this is the case,
youll have to make that initial contact a very impressive and convincing one.
2- Write a letter they cant resist

Once you know who, youll need to prepare a well-crafted letter to that person. Create a compelling message that the recipient simply cannot resist. Below is an example I often use for this purpose:
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A sample letter Dear Mr. Smith, I just came across your website the other day and was impressed with just how informative your site is! As I proceeded to the Chinese section, I was a little disappointed at the overall poor quality of the Chinese message. Obviously its the translated version of your English section.
I understand that you use this Chinese section to attract Chinese speaking clients, but there are a few translation spots that are awkward or misleading.
If you dont mind, Id like to make some suggestions. First of all, the headline is very strangely worded and it has lost the punchiness that the original text in English had. Will people understand it? Absolutely! But will the message be as powerful? No!
Sorry if I sound a bit picky here - I am a trained professional translator who specializes in marketing and sales related translations.
As you may know, consumers have high expectations for well-established companies such as yours.
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While everyone makes mistakes occasionally, an overall weak and awkward presentation like the one I mentioned will hurt your marketing results. Also, it detracts from your overall message of quality and consistency.
A successfully translated marketing message requires more than just an accurate meaning of the content. Its also about how to send the same POWERFUL message in a different language and provoke the very response you want from your target audience.
To achieve that, a translator must possess both the language skills and the marketing knowledge.
In my practice I focus on how to naturally and accurately translate a compelling marketing message from English to Chinese and vice versa. Its how you receive the most out of your marketing campaign.
I can be reached at ###-###-#### and Ill be happy to show you how your marketing message can wow your potential customers with the right translation.
Sincerely yours, Joy Mo Certified court interpreter/expert translator Translators-biz-secret.com

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3-Getting to the right person

Now, getting this message to the right person is critical. Ideally you want to send a letter via regular mail. Why? This is because people are more likely to open and read an actual handdelivered letter.
These days very few people take the time and effort to write a good letter. When you make an extra effort, your potential clients will notice.
At the same time, I recommend sending an email with a condensed version of your written message this also alerts them to your mailed letter, just in case someone else filters their mail for them.
Do NOT send an email with an attachment. Most people worry about computer viruses. Others may simply have a different computer operating software that cant open your attachment, so play it safe.
Knowing how to get your message delivered is also important. If you can somehow find an insider through your social network or other connections, by all means go through that channel. On the
other hand, dont let the lack of an inside connection slow you down. Go ahead and contact them - youve got nothing to lose after all. The key is to write a compelling letter.
4- Dont be boring or bland

I receive several soliciting emails and letters every day, but most of them sound like this: Hi, we have a 20-member team to serve your needs. Our professionals are highly qualified and our price is very affordable. We are a Chinese translation company. We do translation in most language combinations. Our service is reliable and affordable.
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Guess what I did with the messages? I hit the delete button. Sorry, I just dont want to waste my precious time on these same old mass sales pitches. They are a distraction, not a serious attentiongetter.
Theres another version that is almost funny if it wasnt so bad: Hi, I just found 23 bugs on your website. If you dont remove those bugs, your site will be banned by Google. Contact us and we will fix your problem. Wow, since when is a threat a good marketing tactic? Anyone who thinks I would beg to buy their service after some vague fearmongering must be kidding themselves. So, I delete again!
Dont ever lower yourself to that level. Be well prepared before you reach out to a potential client. Speak (or write) in a way that expresses respect and confidence.
5- Basics of a good critique letter

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There are basically really just two conditions that will elicit a response: a) You know exactly what you are talking about b) The potential client feels that they would benefit from talking to you
Just keep in mind never promise anything thats impossible for you to deliver. Be professional and be respectful. Present your case with facts and examples. Any misleading statement may come back to bite you later on.
It might take some guts to send out the first letter. When I first started doing this the thought of sending a letter to a sizable company just scared me. Who do I think I am? Why would anyone listen to me?
I never expect that anyone would pick up my letter and say Wow, what a genius! We have to outsource all our translation work to her. But if I dont try, I would never know what their response will be.
Make sure you proofread your letter a few times before sending it. It should sound natural, just as though it was something you told
them face-to-face. It also shouldnt sound like a lecture or be overly critical of the company or any particular person.
Yes, companies have pride too. A compliment goes a long way. Be as respectful as you can be without pandering. Also, make your points crystal clear. The last thing you want is to force your potential client to guess the intention of your letter.
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6- Get the most wanted response

In the past 2 years Ive sent out 3 dozen such letters and got quite a few good contracts. Some are well on their way to becoming my long-term clients. Its absolutely worth the effort and time I put into it. I recommend you make this a regular task.
Once youve formed a good working relationship with those companies, they may even send referrals to you. A happy client is your best advertisement.
Theres another edge you should know: those that respond to my message are businesses that are also active on social media. They are communicating with real clients in real time. They appreciate real, timely feedback.
So make sure you do some detective work before taking on this job. Do they use Twitter? Do they have a Facebook page? How can you turn that to an advantage? Keep reading!
Chapter 4 - Actively seek out strategic alliances

Heres my powerful client attraction tip #2: Finding businesses or professionals who are already marketing to your target audience.
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1- Who can be your strategic alliance?

Theres nothing wrong with going it alone as a business. But its also important to realize that working together with other businesses or professionals you can achieve amazing results.
To grow your translation business you may need to build strategic alliances with others. Get to know who could be targeting your potential clients:
Virtual office services Public relation firms Lawyers Accountants Writers Web designers Consultants Local businesses who need to reach an ethnic community
These are some examples of industries and businesses (often independent and owner-operated) that can become a helpful ally.
Even your local gardening service, architecture or construction company may find your services valuable.
Some may be having trouble reaching a growing ethnic community, or an ethnic business that is struggling to get into the mainstream marketplace.
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2- How to find your strategic alliance

When I mention this method to my fellow translators, they often ask, But where do I find these people?
The truth is that its easier than you think. Of course, you dont find them randomly on the street (usually). But here are a few ways to find these professionals and businesses:
A) Pay attention to whats going on around you

Identify the kind of professionals and businesses you are trying to reach through news stories, flyers, online reports and brochures. Consider companies and business leaders who advertise and contribute to community events, i.e. not-for-profit fundraising, charity gatherings, etc.
Before you take the next step, start strategizing on how your work can complement them if given the opportunity.
B) Get involved in the community
Look into your local newspapers or your citys website there is often a section where community groups, professional organizations, and events are listed.
I find many high profile community leaders tend to sit on social committees and participate in volunteer groups to gain visibility.
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You can do that too. Pick the ones that likely would attract your chosen target group. It could be a Toastmasters club or an ewoman network, or even an ethnic-based business group (i.e. Latino or Chinese chambers of commerce).
Social causes and hobbies are two major ways for professionals and businesspeople to share their values with the community. Its most beneficial if it is something you already have an interest in. Just make sure that you only commit to projects that you will follow through on.
Theres nothing wrong in joining a social group for networking and business opportunities. It is, however, potentially harmful to join one just for the sole purpose of monetary gain.
For example, if you join the local Weightwatchers or TOPS group, be sure that your prime interest is to lose weight/get in better shape; any business connections you meet there will be a bonus!
Focus on meeting people and trying to help others. This is an important part of everyday life meeting new people. The rest is a bonus. You may be amazed at how this simple strategy can have beneficial side effects!
Heres another example: A friends daughter was going on a sports team trip to Central America. We happened to know a Spanish language translator who was willing to create a one-page handout, which offered useful phrases and words for what the team was going to do and see on the trip.
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He presented it to them as a gift, and received the players and parents gratitude. A couple of weeks later, he got a job through a referral from one of those parents!
Be a good listener before you take the next step. Once you feel more comfortable in the group, you may start reaching out to some of them. Begin by asking for advice. Most of the time people are eager to tell you what they know.
C) Pitch your idea

After youve become comfortable and established yourself as a member, you can pitch your ideas to a select few.
Do not make random calls as they generally dont work. Send an email with your suggestion or new idea and follow up with a phone call asking to discuss the proposal.
Ask them if they can either use your service directly or market with your translation service as an added convenience to the clients. Youll be surprised at how many of them will be glad to work with you.
Even if you are rejected for some reason, dont take it personally. Maybe that business is simply not ready to provide additional services to their market yet. Just move on!
D) My little observation
I find participating in interest-based groups as being more beneficial than a translators association. While becoming a member of a local or regional translators association can be helpful, I have yet to see any produce quality projects for its members.
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However, that doesnt mean you shouldnt join one. Just dont expect it to be as beneficial as a public speaking club, a chamber of commerce, a mom-preneur club or even a political organization when it comes to creating stronger business alliances.
In order to secure quality translation projects and attract high paying clients, you need to establish good connections. When people have mutual interests, they tend to communicate more with each other on a regular basis.
They also listen to what you have to say, presuming you are a good listener as well.
Do not try to push your translation service onto others. Instead, try to offer help and ask for advice. This may sound like a counterproductive step at first, but once you absorb it, youll like it.
A big mistake many translators make is that they just copy what others are doing and hope it will work for them as well. But in this competitive market, youve got to have a compelling and unique message.
So, while its true that imitation is a true form of flattery, in business its important to add your own twist.
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Youve got to have something different to make your name stand out. Once you have the job, its your service and work that will speak wonders but that initial break is the tough one to find.
E) Process over Product

To make a real impact, do not offer your translation service as a sole product on its own. Instead, you want to market a process that would enhance the value of other businesses or services.
Products and services can change from time to time according to the needs. But a smooth process is evergreen. It is way too easy to pick a freelancer for any single job these days.
But it takes some creativity and effort to build additional value to any existing service and/or product. If what you offer can improve the customer experience, youve got a winning formula.
Basically, you need to demonstrate how your translation service can make their business more irresistible to their customers, and
show how you are going to add value to the overall experience of their clients.
In other words, how your service is a valued addition to their business. If they feel they have something to gain and nothing to lose from working with you, they are more likely to take the plunge.
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F) A Sample letter
Heres a letter I used to pitch a business idea to a new contact: Dear Lynn, Hows it going? The event last Saturday at the community center was such a great experience. It was nice talking to you and I hope you enjoyed that as well. Pat and I were having a conversation about virtual assistance the other day and she mentioned you and your company. I took a good look at your website yesterday and I was really impressed. As you may know, I run a translation business myself and I thought we might be able to work on some projects together. I noticed that you are offering office space and the use of office equipment to your clients who are usually start-up small businesses that dont have the funds to have a full-blown office and staff. In my practice I offer virtual assistance such as translation, and other administrative tasks including writing, scheduling and bookings. I have access to a number of qualified virtual assistants.
If you think offering such services to your clients or potential clients is a viable option for you, we should meet to discuss how we could make it beneficial for everyone. I believe the additional services I have suggested will enhance the value of your business. The best part is that you dont have to worry about doing any additional work on your part. Let me know what you think. I can be reached at .... Cheers, Joy Mo www.translators-biz-secret.com tel: 9999999999 email: [email protected]
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After following up with a phone call, I just secured myself another future project.
Chapter 5- Cold Calls With A Warm Twist

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This is my powerful client attraction tip #3: Building rapport before you contact a new potential client.
Be alert with whats going on

I love reading newspapers, particularly local ones. Theres so much information you can find that can be used to your advantage.
For example, you can look for stories and advertising that feature your potential clients, or gain knowledge on a possible new alliance.
Look for people who have been positively interviewed or featured, received an award or announced a sponsorship for a worthy community event.
Other occasions may be business openings, business anniversaries, expansions or businesses moving to a new location, etc. To break the ice and introduce yourself, a sure-fire winner is a short note congratulating them on their award, anniversary, article, opening, etc. Dont forget to put couple of your business cards in the envelope.
You can put a P.S. note and say that you have a very cool idea to share with them. But dont make that suggestion overshadow your main message of congratulations.
1- Find a good reason to contact prospects

Did I also mention that you need to have your cool idea ready and thoroughly rehearsed before you contact your prospects again? The idea should be about how you can work together in a manner that the benefit for them and their clients is obvious.
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Focus on people and small businesses in your local community those that you know would appreciate your efforts. I find it works extremely well with small business owners, professionals, lawyers, writers, editors, consultants and even politicians.
Make sure to proofread and spell-check your letter. Sign your name and handwrite a line or two to give it that personal touch.
Dont forget to include your contact info and a business card. Yes, you need to do both.
Just remember, when you compliment them, keep it sincere and short -- avoid hype and excessive praise. Find a unique angle on it. Be relevant, be sincere and be interesting.
A Sample letter
Heres a letter I used to get in touch with a new prospect in my community. Now he is one of my regular clients.
Dear Mr. Yang, Congratulations on winning the 2010 Spirit of Community awards. I want to say thank you for your commitment and dedication to our community.
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As an immigrant myself I know that the volunteer work you provide has helped many newcomers as they get accustomed to their new home.
As I was reading the story in the newspaper, I was deeply touched by your generosity and your willingness to help those in need. I truly feel our community is such a wonderful place to live because of people like you and businesses such as yours. Thanks for making us proud!
If I can be of any assistance to you or your business please contact me at ----. I would be glad to help in any way possible.
Sincerely yours, Joy Mo Tel: 999999999
Email: [email protected] Certified court interpreter/expert translator Owner and Founder of www.translators-biz-secret.com We offer multilingual services including translation, business communication and virtual assistance services to businesses and entrepreneurs.
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By the way, this Mr. Yang happens to be the owner of a successful local public relation firm.
See how I did not mention anything about hiring me or giving me a job? Thats because you want to make a connection on a personal level first.
I dont suggest you fake your enthusiasm for community involvement if you offer either time or financial support, be ready to give it.
Sending such wishes and congratulations demands a personal connection. Anything less is a waste of both yours and other peoples time.
This has proven to be a fantastic way to build my social network. Let me tell you, once you have found a common cause with a business owner, they become more receptive to your ideas and proposals.
Make sure you come across as sincere and do not try to sell your service. Its a good practice to be specific about the compliment. Be genuine. Avoid using words or phrases that can be applied to anyone or any occasion.
Always add a personal touch such as: relating it to your own experience or situations signing your name with your title always including your business card and a number that you can be reached at - but which does not appear on the card
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And do not forget to follow up with a phone call a day or two later. Even better - set up a half-hour coffee or lunch meeting with that prospect.
2- Get your friends working for you

When time gets tough and business is slow, many freelance translators tend to do 2 things: think about quitting or changing careers turn to cold calls
While quitting may not be a solution for you, making cold calls is not a good idea, either. Ive seen how it often leads to one quitting the business. And frankly, how much time do you have anyways?
Instead, go back to your contact list and send an email to all your friends asking them if they know anyone who might need your service. Be specific if you can be name companies or general industries that you know they are familiar with or know someone who is in it.
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You will be surprised at how much valuable information your friends have to share with you, yet very few people actually use their existing support network for this.
You must also put social media to work for you. Facebook, twitter, linkedIn are wonderful places to find warm leads when used right. When you contact businesses through social media, they tend to respond quickly.
Contact your past and current clients and ask for referrals regularly. In fact, do this once a job is completed to everyones satisfaction.
Always express your appreciation for their business first, and then ask them for advice or help.
Chapter 6- To Thrive is to Diversify

One of the biggest mistakes freelance translators make is not monetizing their knowledge and skills in as many ways as possible. You may feel that your passion only lies in translation work itself, but passion alone is not going to pay your bills.
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If accepting freelance translation projects is your only way of earning income, you are missing out on some real profitable opportunities.
Now lets look at a few different income models:
1- Sell your service

Most freelance translators offer their translation services in a oneon-one model. This is also the most common business model for language professionals.
This do-it-yourself model is simple you jump right in to this by setting your own rate and seeking out your own clients. Thats how most of us get started as a self-employed language professional.
Theres nothing wrong with this business model but it puts a limit on your income potential and doesnt maximize either your time or skills. Youre probably asking What more of my service can I sell?
One thing you can do is to direct your service towards a repeat project. Say you offer virtual assistance that is specialized in translation to businesses that have regular needs legal and business translation and interpretation, for example.
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By promoting the skills as a package, you are now in their mind as a multi-service provider. That way youll get paid regularly and your income is more predictable.
But to be able to attract lots of clients, youd better be good at what you do. Im actually astonished to see that many selfproclaimed top professional translators demonstrate very poor writing abilities. And trust me - it shows in their translation work.
Its great to be confident, but you also need to find a way to make a fair assessment for yourself. Fail to do that, and youll find it hard to improve your skills and abilities.
Other than avoiding grammar mistakes, which is obvious, you need to focus on the natural flow of the sentences and content structure. Its those subtle differences in your communications that will set you apart from your competitors.
The 2 most common problems many freelance translators have with their work are:
Too wordy Awkward choice of words
This is not only my personal opinion, but also from the feedback of many of my clients. Of course Im one of the sinners too.
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The solution? Theres no shortcut to this one. Youve got to expose yourself to the natural environment where your working languages are spoken.
You need to read a large number of updated papers, books and other materials written by native speakers. Updating your skills of listening and speaking on a daily basis is also a must.
Languages are always evolving. Theres no place for complacency if you are running a serious business. You have to consistently and continuously raise the bar. You either go big or go home.
Regularly improving your skills and professional abilities is critical to running a successful translation business.
Now you may decide to take on all the freelance work yourself or you may want to hire someone else to do the work for you. But unless you have a solid evaluation system in place, youll have trouble with quality control.
So please do yourself a favor by setting the standard high from the beginning. When you sell a professional service to clients, quality is everything! And when you know what good quality is, you are more likely to deliver it.
2- Outsource your work

How many times have you had to turn down work because you are unavailable due to another job, or because you are waiting to hear back from another client? But if you build your freelance business to accommodate outsourcing, you wont need to reject anything.
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For example: You go out to find clients who need professional translation services. You get all the detailed information regarding their job requests. You set your own rate and decide to accept the jobs.
You also build a list of qualified translators who are eager for work. You screen them carefully and choose one who is most suited for the job and can match the expectations you have promised.
You then give this person all the detailed information regarding this particular job. You pay this person an agreed rate.
When the job is done, youll collect the money thats paid to you by the client. Youll keep a portion of the money and pay the translator as agreed.
The process itself is not complicated. You dont even have to start a translator agency if you dont want to. It can be a simple broker service where you match up clients with service providers.
Its important not to mislead your clients, however. If they believe they are hiring you for the job, let them know that you often use another translator to help with your work and that you take full responsibility for the final product.
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For this business model to work, you need to make sure two key issues are taken care of: You have to effectively market your services so that you have plenty of clients to generate on-going job requests. You need a pool of qualified language professionals who will meet your expected standards; this has to be established well before any work is passed on. Pros: Your income should increase significantly, as does your pool of potential clients.
Cons: Youll have to spend more money and time on marketing. It can be tricky to find qualified translators while adding another task overseeing others efficiency. Also, if a client is at all dissatisfied, you have to take full responsibility and make it right.
Here are some good sources where you can find freelance translators:
Students from translation programs Local translators association Through my own professional contact list Use freelance websites such as translatorscafe.com and translatorsbase.com For small jobs that require a quick turn-around time go to fiverr.com Through local forums Referrals by friends
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Obviously, quality control is the key to a successful outsourcing plan. Heres what you can do to maintain the quality of the services you provide to your clients: Check past client reviews before hiring a freelance translator Review previous work done by a freelance translator Try to communicate with the job candidate in writing (emails can reveal a lot about a persons language skills) before making your hiring decision Let the freelance translator know what you expect from him/her Make sure this person does not subcontract this work to someone else
Hire an editor/translator to edit translation work done by your freelance translators on a regular basis until you are absolutely confident about the quality. (The ones I often use cost me about half cent per word. But for the peace of my mind, its definitely worth it). Let the translators know that their work will be checked routinely and that future jobs for them depend on the quality of work produced When you find reliable freelancers, try your best to keep them (Sending a card or some sort of present on his/her birthday or a major holiday is always a good gesture) On the other hand, dont be afraid to let go of some freelancers who simple cant measure up to their promises Keep communicating with your freelancers and clients. Its important to convey your appreciation while reminding them of your presence. (Using an email system is a great idea. Youll read more about this in Chapter 8)
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3- Offer advice as a paid service

In this business module, you are basically a consultant. You bring your expertise to your clients by working with them directly one-onone.
For example, you may offer advice on how to effectively communicate with Mainland Chinese customers, or the most effective type of language used in an Arabic sales letter, etc.
To be able to do that youll have to establish certain credibility in communication. A background in marketing and sales is definitely helpful.
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In addition to that, you also need to have a profound knowledge in the area you are going to offer advice for. The rule of thumb is that you choose a niche as narrow as possible.
Avoid big subjects such as business communication, localization, etc.
Why? Because the broader you go, the more difficult it is for you to stand out and establish credibility especially when you are just starting out. As a result of being too general youll have trouble attracting consulting clients.
You may still want to offer those services, but try to find a narrower niche. For example, calling yourself an outsourcing consultant is way better than a business consultant.
Thats simply because there are fewer competitors, so youll have a much easier time to establish an expert status on a specific subject. Meanwhile, the outsourcing demand should be big enough to find enough work for your business. Once you are known for one specialty, your reputation will help you sell other services.
To spot such an opportunity, you may want to keep an on-going communication with your current and past clients. Often they are the ones who would tell you if theres a need for any type of language consultation work. In this case, the client often would say, I wish you could also do, I hope you can tell us how to recognize and avoid that type of mistake etc.
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Such information should always come from the market your clients are in. Do not try to invent something that you think would attract clients. Like I said before, you should always find the need before you prepare for the job.
To be able to offer professional advice, you obviously need to have a certain level of knowledge on the subject. Your experience, your education background and previous training (and so on) can all qualify you for that position.
And, if you have a great number of industry contacts in a foreign country such as the Middle East, China, or India, then this can be priceless to some businesses in North America (and visa versa).
Thats why its always important to immerse yourself in continuous learning. This not only prepares you for the expert status you are trying to establish, but also helps you adapt to new business trends.
On the other hand, you can always work with other consultants whose target market is similar to yours. This is where strategic alliance takes place. You can read more in Chapter 4.
4- Build a fee-based membership program

In this business model, you need to come up with ways to rally like-minded people around your passion.
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For example, you all know Toastmasters, a fee-based membership program that helps people develop leadership, build solid public speaking skills and gain confidence.
As a language expert, you may want to start a membership based group inviting people who love to learn foreign languages to share ideas and practice what theyve learnt.
Other programs such as understand your legal documents in English and business etiquette in English are also great ideas.
The key here is to meet an on-going need. That is where the money is an on-going need helps to create recurring revenue.
You can also organize weekly workshops teaching something like accent reduction or how to create information products in different languages.
Or, simply host a monthly call inviting other experts to talk about different language/communication related hot topics. You charge these members a monthly or annual fee, or a per-class drop-in fee basis, depending on the format you choose.
Its very important to remember one thing - do not over-complicate things! If you start a membership program, try to focus on offering mutual beneficial ideas, group support and a positive environment.
Don`t think you have to provide all the answers people are looking for. You cant. Instead, try to provide like-minded people with a place to talk about their problems, to find information and tools, and seek possible solutions.
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Remember - you dont need to create all the content before you start such a program. You just need to decide on the theme, and then create a couple sessions beforehand and get it going.
As it proceeds, you can create more info on demand. Also, as you listen to your customers/clients, you can adjust and then adapt to new issues and ideas.
Another thing is you dont have to create all the content by yourself if you dont want to. You can always reach out to other experts who may have something valuable to offer to your clients.
You can either do that together or separately. As a result, you can share your profits accordingly.
5- Leveraging
Many translators ask me this question when I talk about income diversification:
Joy, you talk about doing all these different things, but I simply dont know about anything other than translation. How on earth would I be able to find time to get around and do all these things?
Well, take it easy! Nobody is suggesting you should be an expert for everything and do everything yourself. This is when you need to use leverage:
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Heres my definition of business leverage

It is the ability to build a system in your business, in a way that multiplies the outcome of your efforts without a corresponding increase in the consumption of resources. In other words, leverage is the advantageous condition of investing an amount of time or money in exchange for a high level of return.
I love being a professional translator. But I also love to help as many clients as possible. All the while I love to spend more time with my wonderful family. Oh, of course, like you, I also want to make more money. The answer? Youve got to use leverage!
Let me be honest with you here providing personal translation service is great, particularly if that is where your passion lies. However, if you are willing, you can achieve more with your language talents. Im not trying to persuade scholars to forge into the business world. My aim is to share a viable, rewarding option with great potential.
In many parts of the world, being a professional translator alone is not going to win you financial freedom. Of course there are always exceptions, like if you got an exclusive deal to translate the Harry Potter books. But that kind of opportunity is like winning the lottery it is very rare!
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Using leverage properly in your business will dramatically boost your income. Here are a few areas you can use leverage: Leverage through delegating You can hire freelancers or contractors to take on tasks that you dont have time to do or are not good at doing. I hire 2 virtual assistants to help me with aspects of my business that are neither my expertise nor my pleasure to take on.
It frees you up so that you can focus on more revenue-generating tasks for your business, such as developing a viable marketing plan and pursuing other income opportunities.
The bottom line is that you need help to grow your business. If you are all your business has, then you have no business. Leverage through your own expertise
Serving your clients one-on-one is a great business model. But unlike lawyers and accountants, translators do not have the exclusive right to practice their profession, even if you are certified or belong to a translators association.
That less favorable marketing condition dictates the outcome that many translators are not well paid. Frankly, there are way too many people who claim to be top professional translators out there more than wed like to see.
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What do you do to rise above all of this? You need to find ways to repackage your expertise and reach out to a large number of clients at the same time. Lets see an example here:
You may charge $50 an hour for your one-on-one translation service. But if you create an eBook and charge $10 for each purchase and you get 10 sales each month, thats $1200 per year.
The best part? You can sell that eBook over and over again without any extra effort other than the initial work required to set it up. Did I also mention the expert status youll gain because you are now a published author?
Youll learn more about how to create an information product online in Chapter 7.
You may also find more information on other income models discussed in Chapter 5.
This is the power of leveraging!
Leverage through others expertise
Theres so much information and knowledge out there, and its simply not feasible to learn it all by yourself. Some of the income models in Chapter 5 and Chapter 7 may sound good to some translators, but not everyone has that ability or desire to implement these strategies.
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What do you do? You can take advantage of other peoples expertise. For example, you can always strike a deal with other experts, send referrals their way and get paid for doing so.
Another example is: Say you want to write a book on legal documents, but you dont have the complete knowledge required to do so. You may find learning everything about legal documents is not as easy as many people may think.
Did I also mention the possibility of running in trouble with your local legal society for providing legal advice? Ouch! Take it easy! I dont want to get you in trouble with lawyers.
In this case, you will want to find a real expert, such as a lawyer, and do an interview with him/her. You can record all of the questions and answers and then sell that recording. Of course, you will have to reach an agreement with the lawyer.
Obviously a deal like this will have to benefit both you and that lawyer.
The sales result of that product will depend on lots of factors, such as how thoroughly youve conducted your market research and how interesting the topics are, etc. But the long term financial impact for both of your businesses can be huge.
A word of warning: I always like to emphasize on this - make sure there is a decent demand for such expertise. Find the market first, and then provide a solution - not the other way around. You dont want to spend 2 months writing a book and then find out that theres no demand for that.
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Leverage through past clients

Research shows that your past clients are 6-9 times more likely to buy from you again as opposed to total strangers. Besides it is way more costly to attract new clients. In fact, your pot of gold lies in your existing customers.
Many freelance translators I know never keep any kind of on-going communication with their past clients. Wrong! Your profit in business is built on past clients.
When you first start your business, it is essential to get new clients. But after your business is stabilized, you should focus on getting repeat clients.
Publishing an ezine is a good way to maintain that connection with your past clients. You can read more about publishing an ezine in Chapter 8. As your business grows, your list will also grow. As word spreads, youll attract more new clients too.
Past clients are also more willing to give you referrals, and buy new services or products from you. They give you feedback and help spread the word about you and your business. Your business simply cant survive without a list of past clients.
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Chapter 8 will discuss how to build a list of loyal followers.
Chapter 7- Growing your Services

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Those income models mentioned in Chapter 5 are great extensions of your translation and interpreting talents. But there is also a major opportunity for people who are willing to think outside of the box.
Creating information products and programs is not as difficult as you may think. Its about repackaging the knowledge you already have and selling it over and over again.
In fact I encourage all translators to look into this income model and find ways to generate other sources of long-term income.
But dont forget never create a product without knowing who your clients will be. I know by now you may be all excited about the possibility of creating other forms of income. But you should always focus on the basics first.
Why? Without a solid client base you wont be able to tailor your products to the market needs. As a result, your products simply wont sell. Besides, who are you going to promote your product to?
Why create re-sellable products?
It helps you establish an expert status that makes you stand out from your competition It helps you generate re-occurring income It helps you reach more clients in less time As a result of software development and industry competition, creating e-products is becoming easier and more affordable
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The benefits can go on and on, but you get my point. The tricky part is if you dont do this, your competitors may very well do it. You simply cant afford not to tap into this opportunity.
Here are a few types of product ideas you could explore: an ebook a video an audio an e-course a tele-class a webinar a membership program
Now, I can almost hear you screaming in the background:
But it sounds too techie for me But thats a lot of work and I just dont have that time I dont know what kind of product I should create
Before you get overwhelmed by the idea of creating your own products, take a deep breath. It is not as difficult as you may think.
The biggest reason most people do not go out and create their own products is because they are too afraid of the process.
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But to successfully create your own products, you need to think small, not big. Do not over-complicate things. Simplicity rules! These key issues are what you need to focus on:
1- Find your specialty

Most people are searching for a solution for a specific problem. For example, if you do a lot of social/non-profit/medical translation or interpretation: A simple eBook on The 50 most used terms when you visit your doctor.
If you are connected to a local travel agency or municipal tourism group, create an ebook in your 2nd language on spots of interest, local events and cultural celebrations, and focus on how to access local services.
If a major attraction in your city is recreational sports, either participatory or spectator, write an ebook spotlighting that element. For example, golf tourism is a booming industry, so that niche may already be covered. But what about local hiking/cycling trails, or spectator sports opportunities?
Remember, when it comes to writing an ebook, the more specific the better. A narrower topic helps you get ahead of your competition. It also gives you a relatively easier time to become an expert in that specific area.
Its better to be highly focused than to be all over the place.
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An ebook doesnt have to be long but it definitely has to contain exceptional value. Price it so that it is affordable but also reflects the valuable content inside.
Quality over quantity

Ive read many pretty amazing ebooks ranging from 5 pages to 25 pages. Ive also read (or at least began to read) some boring ebooks that are well over 100 pages.
There are plenty of quality and lengthy ebooks out there. But its much more time-consuming to produce and requires a lot of research.
Theres a market for that type of ebook, of course. However, the best bet for someone just starting out is a short, well-grounded one or two idea eBook.
Another interesting fact you might want to consider is that shorter ebooks (less than 25 pages) are more likely to go viral and therefore get noticed quickly.
People these days are increasingly busy and therefore becoming impatient. They are looking for value in a product, not just free information they can find on the web.
On the other hand, its highly unlikely that you would have a oneof-a-kind solution to your clients problems (If you do, congratulations! you are in a great place to start).
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What is important is that you must have a unique way of delivering that solution, and these solutions are most likely not going to take up 100 pages.
2- Do your research
To create products that sell you need to do some market research. There are several ways to do this.
Communicate with your past and present clients to see what their needs are and how you can help them with your expertise.
Keep a newsletter going and create an on-going dialogue with your target market. Send out surveys to your target audience you can create free surveys at www.surveymonkey.com
Put yourself in your clients shoes and see what the hot issues are.
Simplicity is the king
When you create a product such as an ebook or an ecourse, you need to keep it as simple as possible. Do not over-complicate things. Make sure each of your products is focused on one idea only.
What happens if you have more ideas? Simply create more products. That way your content will be highly targeted. As a result, marketing such a product becomes a lot easier.
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3- Time is of the essence
When you have an idea for a product, you should aim at getting it out as soon as possible. Dont get too hung up on finding the perfect language for your idea. Getting your idea out is the most important issue here.
If you are not much of a writer, consider creating a video or an audio product instead of an eBook. It can range anywhere from a few minutes to an hour.
This is the format that I find very effective if you dont know where to start: Create the audio program first Have the audio transcribed Edit it into chapters
Turn the document into PDF file Sell the audio and transcripts as a package
If your clients are convinced that you provide good value, theyll likely come back once you have other products for sale.
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4- Resources available for little to no cost

There are a whole range of services available online with very affordable price tags. They are all aimed at helping people like you create products online.
For ebooks:
If you have access to the Adobe program, you can create a PDF document pretty easily http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat.html
If you dont, heres a free program that helps convert your document to a PDF file https://www.acrobat.com/createpdf/en/features.html
Heres another free program to convert your document to a PDF file http://download.cnet.com/PrimoPDF/3000-10743_410660924.html
After your e-book is completed, you need to upload it to your webhost. Dont have one? Here are couple free file-hosting services you can use: http://www.scribd.com/ http://tinyload.com/
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Free teleclass tools:

1. Free Conference Service: Free, unlimited teleconference services available 24-hours a day for up to 50 parties on each call. There are no restrictions on call length.
2. FreeConferenceCall.com: Free, reservationless conference calling that provides a dedicated dial-in number and an access code, 24/7 access, free recording, listen-only mode, call reports, up to 96 callers and maximum of 6-hour conference calls.
3. No Cost Conference: Free, instant, automated conference calls, available 24/7 with no scheduling required. They also provide an unlimited conference time, and free recording and retrieval.
Webinar tools:
http://smallbusiness.verizon.com/products/voice/overview.aspx/we b_conf.aspx
http://www.webex.com/ If you find the idea of hosting a live tele-conference or webinar as too intimidating, you can prerecord a video or audio containing the content people are seeking.
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Once you are happy with the finished product, you can either market it on your own website or find another place to sell it. Heres the website you might find helpful: http://www.mindbites.com/sell
Chapter 8- Build A Responsive Email List

To be able to consistently and continuously attract high paying clients and secure lucrative projects, you need to build a responsive email list. Very few people will buy from you the first time they meet you.
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In fact, according to statistics, it takes an average person about 69 times of being exposed to your message before they make a decision to purchase.
Of course, we all know what happens when you bombard people with sales pitches. They just turn their back against you.
So, you have to build trust and credibility among your target audience before you try and sell anything to them. In other words, you have to find a way to attract your potential clients towards you. As a result, theyll want more and more from you. And thats when you can sell with ease and success.
With that in mind, you should include these people on your email list: Your past and current clients People who have expressed interest in your services
Your friends and family members Anyone who is interested in what you have to offer
There are two ways to build a responsive email list. With an ezine, or without an ezine.
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1- Publishing your own ezine

Ive been publishing my monthly ezine for over 3 years now and it has been a great boost for my business. It provides me with ongoing business leads and builds trust among my target audience over time.
Just to name a few benefits of having an ezine: Its a very cost-effective way to reach your target market in large numbers If used properly, it helps you establish an expert status in your language combination With the right strategy, you build a constant presence in front of your target market The information you get through a two-way communication channel helps you tailor your services and products to real demand
You have two ways to publish your ezine:
Do it yourself
Without getting help from others, you can start with your own email program such as Outlook.
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This only works when you have a small list of fewer than 50 addresses. As your list grows this may not work for you as you may have to split your list into several groups with the same message. It can be time-consuming.
Remember to protect your list by backing it up regularly, so that when a virus hits you wont risk losing the list youve built with months of hard work.
Paid professional ezine services:

constantcontact http://search.constantcontact.com/email-marketing/grow-withemail.jsp
Aweber http://www.bethjones.net/want-to-start-an-ezine-or-newsletter-useaweber/ Theres a monthly fee associated with the 2nd option, but it also saves you a lot of headaches with many additional services such
as surveys and ezine templates that you can use. This works the best when you have a somewhat large list.
The messages you send to your list should be helpful and valuable. That includes tips, advice and other great offers from you and other credible sources. Do not forward any chain letters or some unfounded rumors or gossips.
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2- How to build a responsive list?

Obviously, the quality of the list matters more than the quantity. Only a highly responsive list will yield the kind of results you would like to see. There are a few things you can do to make your list responsive: Dont spam Let your target audience make their own decisions. Never spam people with unwanted emails. I receive dozens of spam emails selling their translation and other services to me on a daily basis. What do I do? I hit the delete button as soon as I see them. Besides, spamming is against the law!
Provide helpful information that your target audience actually wants
Create content thats helpful and valuable to your clients. You want to be viewed as a credible source of information. You can use your ezine to educate your list about your line of business. This is called pre-selling.
Please do not forward any irrelevant jokes or some sensational anecdote to your list. Theres too much information on any given subject these days. Only send information that you are certain about and are helpful to your list. Keep your promise If you have an ezine publishing schedule, stick to it. When people know what to expect from you, they are more likely to read your messages. If you give a link to your list, youd better make sure that it works.
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And if you recommend someone or some business, you should also make sure that person or business can live up to their claim. Dont forget its your reputation thats on the line.
3- Build a list without an ezine

For beginners it may not be feasible to start an ezine right away. Theres a lot of work involved in creating and maintaining a quality ezine. However, that doesnt mean you cannot build a responsive list.
Heres something I would recommend: Always remember important dates for your clients!
When you begin, you may not have a large list, but you may know most of the people on your email list. Collect some basic data from your clients you should be able to do this while working with them through casual conversations and other means of communication.
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Here a list of dates that you should keep a note of and make some sort of acknowledgement for: Your clients birthdays Anniversaries Business openings Any kind of award or recognition your clients receive
Another thing you can do is to forward articles and tips that are helpful to your clients specific situations. Links of news stories and interviews can serve the same purpose as well.
The bottom line is that you need a good reason to initiate a contact to your list. It can be a new idea thats helpful to them, a good deal thats coming up or simply reminding them of something they may otherwise neglect.
After youve built a reputation as a credible information source, people will be willing to take you up on your offer of services or products.
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The Final Point Do what you love, the rest will follow!
You may have heard people say this: Do what you love and the rest will follow. Well if thats the case, most language translators would be rich.
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The unfortunate reality is - if you are not rewarded handsomely for what you do, your passion will fade sooner than you think. I dont care how much you care for this profession and how little you worry about money.
Ultimately, you have your own loved ones to take care of and there are many things you cant do without money.
If you also want to make money from this profession, try to do it as a business. Apply the strategies I revealed in the book to your advantage. Some chapters you may want to go over multiple times, to absorb the information.
When you understand how to attract the right type of clients elegantly and effortlessly, when you grasp the concept of leveraging your time and knowledge, then you are ready for the next step taking action.
If you havent already signed up for my free ezine yet, theres never a better time to do so than now. Its packed with tips and ideas that you can use to run a profitable business with your
language skills. I will also share with you information about new programs and services available that may help you achieve more success in business. Just go to www.translators-biz-secret.com and sign up.
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Finally, let me borrow an old saying here: The best time to plant a tree is 10 years ago and the second best time is right now. So take action now, take action today!

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Good by To Feast or Famine

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Say Goodbye to Feast or Famine

A Translators Secrets to Attract Higher-paying Clients and Create Consistent Income

Say Goodbye To Feast or Famine

Copyright 2012 www.translators-biz-secret.com. All rights reserved.

Say Goodbye To Feast or Famine

2012 Joy Mo. All rights reserved. ISBN 978-1-105-97249-2

Copyright 2012 www.translators-biz-secret.com. All rights reserved.

Say Goodbye To Feast or Famine

2 Make the Choice Obvious

3- Attract Clients with Constructive Criticism

4 - Actively seek out strategic alliances

5- Cold Calls With a Warm Twist

Copyright 2012 www.translators-biz-secret.com. All rights reserved.

Say Goodbye To Feast or Famine

7- Growing your services

8- Build A Responsive Email List

Copyright 2012 www.translators-biz-secret.com. All rights reserved.

Say Goodbye To Feast or Famine

Copyright 2012 www.translators-biz-secret.com. All rights reserved.

Say Goodbye To Feast or Famine

Copyright 2012 www.translators-biz-secret.com. All rights reserved.

Say Goodbye To Feast or Famine

Copyright 2012 www.translators-biz-secret.com. All rights reserved.

Say Goodbye To Feast or Famine

Copyright 2012 www.translators-biz-secret.com. All rights reserved.

Say Goodbye To Feast or Famine

Chapter 1 - Your Business Depends On Marketing

Copyright 2012 www.translators-biz-secret.com. All rights reserved.

Say Goodbye To Feast or Famine

1- Make time for marketing

Copyright 2012 www.translators-biz-secret.com. All rights reserved.

Say Goodbye To Feast or Famine

2- Where and how to start?

Copyright 2012 www.translators-biz-secret.com. All rights reserved.

Say Goodbye To Feast or Famine

Chapter 2 Make the Choice Obvious

Copyright 2012 www.translators-biz-secret.com. All rights reserved.

Say Goodbye To Feast or Famine

1- Motivate your supporters

Heres a sample letter that I used: Dear Pat,

Copyright 2012 www.translators-biz-secret.com. All rights reserved.

Say Goodbye To Feast or Famine

Copyright 2012 www.translators-biz-secret.com. All rights reserved.

Say Goodbye To Feast or Famine

Copyright 2012 www.translators-biz-secret.com. All rights reserved.

Say Goodbye To Feast or Famine

Copyright 2012 www.translators-biz-secret.com. All rights reserved.

Say Goodbye To Feast or Famine

Chapter 3- Attracting Clients with Constructive Criticism

1- Spot your opportunity

Copyright 2012 www.translators-biz-secret.com. All rights reserved.

Say Goodbye To Feast or Famine

Copyright 2012 www.translators-biz-secret.com. All rights reserved.

Say Goodbye To Feast or Famine

2- Write a letter they cant resist

Copyright 2012 www.translators-biz-secret.com. All rights reserved.

Say Goodbye To Feast or Famine

Copyright 2012 www.translators-biz-secret.com. All rights reserved.

Say Goodbye To Feast or Famine