A local car dealership increases its sales dramatically by making one very simple change. The church down the street now fills its 12:00 service every weekend because of the same change–Spanish!
Did you know that in just a few years, the majority of on-line commerce will be by non-English speaking people?
If you are lucky enough to be fluent in more than one language, you possess a valuable skill. Combine that with a few other qualities and you could cash in by becoming an interpreter or translator.
For articulate, intelligent, bilingual people, there is plenty of work and pretty good money to be made. If you are an excellent listener and speaker, interpreting could be the job for you. Interpreters usually relate the spoken word in small settings such as business meetings, legal negotiations, teleconferences or courtrooms. You must be able to listen carefully, analyze content and meaning, and convey the same to each party. It is more than just switching words. Facial expression, tone of voice, and all other aspects of communication must also be considered.
Translation service bears the same burden, only in writing. It is not enough to have a working knowledge of a foreign language. You must also convey humor, tone, writing style, etc. Most importantly, your translation must be accurate and remain confidential.
Translators commonly work in specialized areas such as legal or government documentation. A growing need is in international Internet business. Companies wanting to expand their businesses are hiring translators to create websites with the language, the look, and the feel of other cultures.
To start your independent translator or interpreter business, you will need both general and specific bi-lingual dictionaries, as well as single language dictionaries. Translators, especially, will need a computer with a quality printer and Internet access and perhaps desktop publishing capabilities. Affiliation and/or certification with the American Translators Association (http://www.atanet.org/) will be helpful and lend credibility to your business.
Approach potential clients in a professional manner. Offer references and samples of your work. Advertise your service to English-speaking and non-English speaking businesses, alike. Express the benefits of working with an independent translator: specialization in a certain area, continuity, familiarity, and trust.
Any place conducting business or providing a service will eventually lose or gain customers based on the ability or inability to communicate properly. Market your bilingual skills as way to boost your client's business, and you will never be at a loss for words–or money!
Resources:
http://www.lexicool.com/
http://www.multilinguistworld.com/
http://www.bitgroup.com/about/careers/
April 12, 2009
