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How To Attract Clients With Free English Translation

“I’ve offered free English translation service on many occasions, but none of those projects resulted in any leads. Volunteering doesn’t work! You are wrong!”

This is a message I received recently from one of my ezine subscribers. It’s sad when your hard work yields nothing in return. But before we dump the idea of volunteering completely, let’s make things clear here:

While volunteering may help you land your first clients, offering free language translation service does not guarantee you quality translation jobs in future.

You need to do it sparingly and strategically. Do not offer too often and to everyone who asks you.

There are 3 reasons why you should stay away from offering free English translation service (or free Chinese translation) without a plan:

1- You may attract the wrong type of clients

With charitable organizations or non-profits as exceptions, most people who seek freebies all the time are not willing to pay for what your service is worth. They tend to undervalue your service.

If you let them continue, they’ll suck the life out of you. They are not loyal; they are picky and hard to please. They’ll bargain whenever they can and no matter how low your price already is.

You are not going to make any progress in your business with this type of clients.

You are better off without them. You don’t need to be rude either, just tell them politely to use online free translation software.

2- It may take your time away from getting real clients

Just because you offer free English translation service, doesn’t mean you can put less effort into it. Every project demands the time it needs. After all, it will come back to haunt you if the quality of your work is poor.

You have to put hard work into it. This may take away the time you can get out there and promote yourself or do paid work.

3- The project may not add any value to your portfolio

Not every project is created equal. Some projects may not have any merit and will not enhance your resume, thus can be a waste of time. Never feel obliged to offer any free English translation work in order to get a future paid job.

Be careful of false promises. Great opportunities never happen when you are desperate. Remember, you are and should always be in the driver’s seat when choosing your projects.

Having said that, I think volunteering is still a great way to attract clients. When used properly, offering free English translation service may attract more high paying clients and quality translation jobs for you in the long run.

But you need to follow a few rules here:

1- Be selective

You don’t have all the time in the world. Value your time and value your service.

Only offer your free language translation service to non-profit who really need your help but do not have the resources to pay for your service.

Pick a client who you know will appreciate your expertise and therefore will most likely spread the word out there for you.

Pick a project that might lead you into a new industry or a new opportunity.

Pick a project that will improve your portfolio and enhance your expertise.

Limit the time you have to spend on each free translation project.

Your paid work should always be your priority.

2- Ask for referrals and testimonials

Just because you offer free English translation service doesn’t mean you can’t ask for anything in return. Make sure your clients are satisfied with the work you’ve completed.

Ask them for referrals and testimonials – people usually will become your strong advocates if they are happy with you and your work.

Ask them if it’s possible to use the free English translation work as a show piece.

Also ask them for any ideas and information that they think might help your business. You’ll be surprised at the power of collective wisdom.

I found myself a good number of great resources and opportunities through grapevine chat. Sometimes, they also help me see things in different perspectives and that is priceless.

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