If translators were asked to honestly audit themselves, most would have to admit that they’re doing very little marketing, and in many cases, no marketing at all.

Of course it’s annoying when clients or colleagues inconvenience you solely due to their bad management; or perhaps they send the wrong file or don’t understand (what you consider to be) a simple instruction or question. We must always remember that no-one is perfect - including us - and that everyone makes mistakes or misinterprets something that’s been said.

You waste a lot of time and energy with this type of behaviour. All the time you spend being frustrated with a client who seems hell-bent on annoying you could be better spent looking for new clients who are perhaps less annoying and may even pay more! Keep your complaints off-line, and only discuss these types of issues with colleagues or people you really trust.

No. 3: Believing That Other Translators Have All the Luck

Other translators land the high-paying clients! Other translators are invited to speak at conferences! Other translators have webinars that sell out in the first 24 hours! Don’t make the mistake of thinking that other people have all the luck; because it’s not luck. Those people you’re referring to are the ones who work harder than other people are prepared to (and this probably includes you). So don’t wait for that big block of spare time to get busy - put yourself out there right now and do the hard work, and you’ll end up with some of that ‘luck’ too!

No. 4: Over-Estimating Your Efforts at Networking, Marketing, and/or Professional Development

If translators were asked to honestly audit themselves, most would have to admit that they’re doing very little marketing, and in many cases, no marketing at all. In addition, translators who are doing outbound marketing will probably overestimate just how much they’re doing. So, be honest about your marketing efforts, then start making some changes. And what efforts are you making towards your own professional development? Are you constantly improving and updating your knowledge and skill-set? Translation is no different to any other industry – you must stay current and up-to-date with new technology and marketing strategies, and ensure that your clients receive nothing less than your best personal attention and service. The answer? When it comes to new opportunities and new clients, your business can’t move forward if you don’t. Be proactive, put yourself out there, and get the top-quality clients you deserve.