The Business of Translation
Bookings open now for September 2023
Course dates:
10 am on
5th, 8th, 12th, 14th & 19th September
plus 2:1 session by arrangement
The Business of Translation is our unique course designed specifically to help practising freelance translators to optimise their freelance business and take it to the next level.
It is best suited to practising translators who are ready to make some changes and improve how they run their business to make their career a better fit for their current needs and ambitions.
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We also have experience of supporting talented linguists with career changes into translation from fields such as teaching, lecturing and business.
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We'll cover things like evaluating your business now and setting goals for the future, deciding exactly which services you wish to continue offering, which new services you may wish to add and which services you no longer wish to provide, as well as positioning and pitching your services to potential clients.
We'll guide you when it comes to marketing your translation services to potential clients and pricing your services and we'll provide actionable advice on managing your business.
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This is a live course in a small group environment.
The course consists of 5 x 90-minute group sessions and a 60-minute 2:1 consulting session, in which we will provide you with in-depth advice about any areas you are particularly concerned about or which require more work.
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We also provide feedback on practical exercises which you complete during the course and follow-on support.
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The total investment in your translation business is £1800, which includes the 60-minute 2:1 consulting session.
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5 x 90-minute group sessions
Session 1: Getting your business ready for the future
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This session will be dedicated to evaluating where you and your business are at the moment and where you want to be in the future.
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We'll talk about procrastination, give you an overview of the ups and downs of our careers to date, present profiles of various translators' businesses to you, discuss what you could be earning as a freelance translator in different business scenarios and cover business planning, as well as some essential aspects of handling your business accounts and admin.
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Session 2: Defining what you do
In this session, you'll define exactly what services you want to provide and what language combinations you're going to move forward with and we'll advise you on how to make a success of that.
Another thing that sets us apart is that we won't encourage you to diversify outside the translation industry unless that is your goal. We want to help you use your translation expertise to create a successful business providing language services.
We'll work with you to establish which services you are confident providing, which specialisms are a good fit for you, how to implement any changes which are necessary and we'll help you achieve clarity on what your business will be able to offer clients going forwards.
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We'll also start working on your elevator pitches to help you feel confident outlining what you do to potential clients.
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Session 3: Perfecting pricing and pitching
Pricing is probably the number one business question that leaves translators feeling confused and we'll share our experiences of this honestly and openly so you will leave the session feeling confident about your pricing choices.
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We'll also cover how to negotiate with clients and how and when to increase your rates effectively.
We'll give you the knowledge and resources you need to feel confident in your pricing decisions and pitch your services to potential clients successfully.
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Session 4: Mastering your marketing
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This session will be entirely dedicated to why and how you need to market your services as a professional freelance translator.
We'll provide advice on your CV, networking, website, attending events, social media profiles (with a focus on LinkedIn) and offer you individual feedback on a practical exercise.
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We'll also advise you on marketing to translation agencies.
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Session 5: Maintaining and optimising your translation business
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We'll share our skills and experience when it comes to things like what makes a happy client and we'll provide a detailed overview of essential aspects of the translation project lifecycle, all the way through from aspects to consider before you get a project, quoting for work and completing translation tests, to handling the project itself, invoicing, credit control, handling complaints and failure to pay right up to asking for feedback and testimonials once you've completed a project.
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Our guidance will be practical and we'll share the business knowledge you need to carve out a successful career as a freelance translator.
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You'll leave the session with actionable advice and a solid understanding of the next steps you need to take.
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After this, you will attend your 2:1 consulting session with us.
Individual consulting session lasting 1 hour
The course also includes a 2:1 consulting session with Clare and Olivia and you can ask us anything you like during this online session, which is fully dedicated to you and your business. This will be your final session with Clare and Olivia.
We'll prepare for your consulting session in advance and we'll be fully dedicated to helping you on an individual basis for a whole hour. This means that we can focus on the areas in which you feel you need the most help and which you wish to cover. Only you, Clare and Olivia will attend this session so there is absolutely no need to feel awkward asking certain things in front of your colleagues. We've heard it all before and we just want to help you.
We'll immerse ourselves in the day-to-day realities of your business and help you transform your career as a freelance translator.
Please remember that this is a confidential 2:1 session in which Clare and Olivia will focus entirely on you and your business and you can ask us anything you like without worrying about judgment or embarrassment.
There are no silly questions and we are here to help you create a successful business in the translation industry so we will tailor our advice to your current needs.
Feedback on practical exercises
We'll set practical exercises which are based on situations you will actually encounter whilst running your business and provide you with feedback on them throughout the course to help keep you motivated and feeling accountable.
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These exercises will all be focused on bringing you closer to achieving the goals we set together and will be practical and useful.
Follow-on support
You will have regular contact with Clare and Olivia throughout the course so there will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions.
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We will also offer follow-on support within a 14-day period after the end of the course by providing one round of feedback on your work.
How do I book?
To book onto our September 2023 course, please email Clare and Olivia at theteam@teamoc.co.uk or book here:
The course is priced at £1800 and VAT is not chargeable.
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