Freelance work from home - 10 mistakes translators make

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Freelance Work From Home - 10 Mistakes Translators Make

The idea of freelance work from home sounds so attractive. But unless you have a magic wand to conjure up a steady workload, you still have to get out there and bring in the clients for your practice.

All translators make mistakes, whether you like it or not.

But what makes us thrive is learning from mistakes and trying to avoid them. Discovering and recognizing these mistakes is the first step.

#1- Not valuing yourself

You work hard to build your business.

So why should you accept the first offer of a lousy job offered to you?

Weigh the pros and cons of each work offer. Value yourself and charge what you are worth.

#2- Not maintaining a professional look

While you can do whatever you want when you freelance work from home, you have to keep in mind that you are still working. You need an uplifting environment to feel inspired.

Pyjamas and sweat pants may be very comfy, but if you allow yourself to slouch or slob around, you’ll soon be too relaxed to be motivated.

Your physical appearance largely reflects your mental well being. Do not mix your freelance work from home with your family life.

Establish a routine that includes work apparel. A sharp mind is more compatible with a professional look.

#3- Not networking

You may not like networking events because you don’t feel comfortable in a crowd or an unfamiliar situation.

But it has been proven again and again that networking helps you get more clients and more business. It also gets you outside your comfort zone. For translators who work from home, networking is extremely important.

#4- Not marketing

Lots of translators somehow believe once they are licensed or certified, business will automatically pour in.

Unfortunately that can’t be any further from the truth. You have tons of competitors out there right now. If you want to make a good living at it you’d better market shamelessly.

#5- Listening to naysayers

There are always people who find the rain cloud in every sky. They complain about their current situations. They constantly worry about the future. They dread change and dismiss anything new. They live life on the defensive, not looking at every challenge as a great learning opportunity.

It’s normal to have moments of doubt as a freelancer. Every great achievement began with a 'But what if...?' Do not allow yourself to listen to the naysayers. Surround yourself with supporters.

Build a realistic business plan and stick to it.

#6- Not building your list

You should start an email list immediately. Offer people useful tips and advice, and establish your credibility from this moment on.

Repeated messages create top-of-mind awareness. When you do freelance work from home, top-of-mind awareness is King.

#7- Not blogging

Blogging is a quick and affordable way to market your services. Learn to use the right language and promote your work without sounding like a salesperson. When you freelance work from home, your message must be quick and to the point.

#8- Not using social media

Social media such as Facebook, linkedIn are powerful marketing tools to get connected with people. Knowing how to do it and doing it efficiently is the key.

#9- Not being authentic

No matter how the world changes, one thing will stay the same -

people like to do business with people they like and trust.

So learn from others’ successes, but be yourself. Examine the best examples of success you know and ask 'How can I apply that to me?' Then do it. You are unique and you are the only one.