What Does A Japanese English Translator Do To Attract Clients?(part 2)

5)Q: What are the things you do consistently to attract clients as a translator?

A: Anytime, anywhere, online, offline, I'm trying to do networking. Friends, family members, coworkers, and even people I meet at a party, any one can be my potential client. My business cards are always in my purse so that I won’t miss any opportunities.

I use social networking sites.

My professional profile as a Japanese English translator is on Facebook and LinkedIn. I actually get some job offers through the SNS. So, it’s working!

Sometimes I see my translator friends post the information of job offers on the SNSs.

I would like to do the same for them whenever I get translation job information of their language pairs.

6) Q: How do you update your language skills as a Japanese English translator?

A:In the IT industry, new technologies come up one after another. When I work on site for an IT company, I can find the latest articles in Japanese, and preferably in English, in the corporate portals and reference documents.

Otherwise, I use free websites for IT professionals to learn new words and expressions.

And, of course, news programs on TV and newspapers are valuable resources to update the writing skills in general.

7) Q: What are the best decision(s) you’ve made for your business?

A: Right after I signed the contract of my first freelance job, luckily I got another on site job. But, unluckily, I had to keep working with hardly anytime for sleeping. I needed time to sleep, but I didn’t want to lose either of the jobs.

So, I honestly told the situation to the translation company that I worked for the freelance job. They kindly reduced my workload and I’m still working for them, only when I’m available.

Finding out the best decisions for you and for your clients is the key to go on your career path. Another decision I've made recently is that when I get job offers while being too busy for other jobs, I introduce my translator friends to the clients. This works really well for all of us because now everyone's happy! :)

8) Q: What are your advices to other Japanese English translators who are just starting out?

A: If you are a translator with not much experience like me, you can still complement that with your people skills.

In order to be a freelance translator, I believe communication skills are equally important as language skills and knowledge in your specialties. To be successful in this occupation, you must build trust with your clients and translator friends. Even sometimes aggressively, put yourself on the market and attract your clients. And most importantly, love your job and enjoy it!!
( Read part 1 - Japanese to English translator)

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