| Starting a small translation business means that you will | | | | Understand what they want and need, and what their |
| be your own boss. How does that sound to you? If | | | | problems are. Provide services that cater to their |
| you like the idea of being a translator but not so sure | | | | needs. Remember when starting a small translation |
| about working at a large company or for a translation | | | | business you need to be updated with current |
| firm, you may find that it is a good time to strike out on | | | | information in the industry. Follow the right websites |
| your own. There are many different things that you | | | | and read magazines. To get clients, you need to make |
| should keep in mind. The first thing that you should | | | | you and your business visible. You should network |
| consider is the scope of your business. Find out where | | | | regularly, weekly preferably. Get online with a strong |
| your expertise is or could be. | | | | website and look at the forums that translators hang |
| Do you do most of your work in commercial | | | | out on. Also look on forums for people who have |
| translation or in medical or technical fields? Do you | | | | posted work. Join local chamber of commerce events |
| have experience with legal documents? Many small | | | | and introduce yourself to others with a well-prepared |
| translation businesses struggle because they only offer | | | | entry speech. |
| one type of product or service. They run the risk of | | | | The internet is an amazing resource if you are looking |
| losing the continuity of income and have to constantly | | | | at getting started with a small translation business and |
| look for new clients. That is tough. You should try to | | | | it is one medium that you are going to need to be |
| create different levels of language services and | | | | fluent in. Take advantage of the social medium and |
| products as this will bring repeat customers. That is | | | | blogs as well. Send articles to related sites, papers and |
| another important step to a successful translation | | | | magazines. Send emails or newsletters to your friends |
| business. Like any small business you will need a good | | | | and family regarding you and your business. Ask for |
| business plan. Not only will it help set goals out for your | | | | referrals. This is just the beginning of starting a small |
| business, but also put together a realistic budget. You | | | | translation business. When you are interested in |
| can use a business plan to gauge your success and | | | | moving forward, make sure that you look for all |
| your needs. | | | | resources are out there to help you. |
| Of course, you need to talk to your potential clients. | | | | |