Most translators work as freelancers with a variety of clients ranging from individuals to large organizations, from boutique agencies to governments. But no one is an island (yes, I’m going full cliché in this post). And we are all better at our jobs when we have a strong professional network of colleagues behind us.
These colleagues might be other translators working in the same language pairs and directions as us (French and Spanish to English for me), they might be local freelance translators, or colleagues specializing in the same areas as you. They might even come from outside the translation and interpreting profession to include designers, copy writers, social media managers, campaign managers, advocates and others who also work with our clients or in our specialist areas.
Just because freelancers are ultimately answerable to ourselves and our clients doesn’t mean we don’t benefit immensely from the professional communities we choose to be a part of and nurture.
The village is good for us…
Freelancing can be a lonely life, especially for a translator. Most of us work from home, alone, and interact with the majority of our clients online by email and video call. While I have a great relationship with all my clients and love working with them, it is neither appropriate nor professional to talk to them about the back end of my business or parts of my work I need support with. Indeed, they come to me because they don’t know how to solve those tricky language issues themselves.
Colleagues on the other hand are going through many of the same things, they are keen to hear about your successes and to share their own, and to offer and seek advice. Knowing your colleagues, especially those working in the same fields and with the same languages as you, also means you might be able to work on larger more complex projects or pass on work you can’t take on (offering a valuable service to your clients, safe in the knowledge that you’ve left them in competent hands). This is never more valuable than when a crisis hits and you have to find cover at short notice, so your client isn’t left in the lurch.
Contributing to professional networks can also be incredibly fun and rewarding. I mentor for both the ITI French and Spanish Networks, and have met some wonderful people and learned so much in the process. In my role as Joint Events Coordinator for the ITI French Network, I’ve been working with the fabulous Alanah Reynor (for over a year now!) and am so happy I volunteered. Not only have we had great feedback on the events we’ve organized, but we’ve worked really well as a team and become real friends.
I’m also a Deputy Coordinator of the ITI International Development and Cooperation Network, which is still in its early stages. Working with Coordinator Sara Horcas and fellow Deputy Coordinator Belinda Allen has been great. I even plan to write about our super-collaborative writing session in a post soon. Being able to work closely with people who also work in my specialist area, who share my passions and values, is extremely motivating and enjoyable.
Finally, there are the opportunities for collaborative learning that come from exchanging our knowledge with colleagues. I’m a member of two revision clubs (one for French and one for Spanish) and I’ve learned so much from both. All our on and off topic discussions about our work and the profession as a whole have been a real joy.
…and its good for our clients
Having a strong network of colleagues we can turn to and who can turn to us is also a valuable asset for our clients. It means we can recommend trusted colleagues when we aren’t available or for work not in our fields, languages or skillsets.
It also means we can take on larger projects with shorter deadlines, as I have done with my revision club colleagues. Because we’re working with people we know well, we can start with a good understanding of our different translation styles and how to align them to deliver consistency to our clients.
How did I meet colleagues?
You may then wonder how to build these relationships. Like you would build any other. Put yourself out there, participate in discussions, offer advice when you can, volunteer to help with professional networks, mentor, set up a revision club, set up a network, engage with people consistently on social media. Be yourself, be human, and most of all be there.
I find the personal connection that comes from doing all this valuable and enriching to my professional life beyond measure. I am grateful to all the wonderful colleagues I have met so far over my career. You have been a steadfast source of support, guidance and inspiration to me, as I hope I have been to many of you.
If you haven’t already I would encourage all freelancers (whether translators, interpreters or others) to get involved in your professional networks, give back and meet some brilliant people. You won’t regret it!
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