Image courtesy of jesadaphorn at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Did you know that just by focusing more on your communication and negotiation skills with your potential and existing clients, you can become more profitable and in demand? When I first started out, I was focusing solely on the actual translation part, on doing my job. Producing high quality translations is of course the cornerstone of our business, but if we pay attention to the following communication tips, we can create more profitable relationships with our clients and colleagues.

It is not only how we communicate in emails or on the phone, but everything we post online matters. I have heard many agencies and direct clients say that before they hire someone, they google them, and check out their presence on social media, and only use translators that give a positive impression online. That is why I wanted to create a special webinar with tips for good communication both directly and indirectly with clients and colleagues, plus talk about how to improve and protect your image online. Communication and negotiation skills for translators.

Have you ever experienced problems with a client? The cause is often poor communication, either from the client, from you, or from both. Here are some symptoms of poor communication.

Symptoms of poor communication

1. Being unsure what the client really wants
2. Not keeping records of your interactions with the client, or keeping poor records
3. Client seems to have an uneven attitude towards you

If you agree with any of the points above, your communication with the client could be improved.

How to improve communications with clients

1. Determine the client’s communication style (email, phone, face-to-face).
2. Keep better records of your interactions. Save emails, record when you talked to them over the phone or when you met them.
3. Pay attention to your communication tone, especially in email. It is easy to be too brief and direct in email conversations.
4. Be very specific and record project terms and expectations in advance.
5. Set appointments for communication so you can be more prepared.
6. Really listen. Pay attention to what the client says, instead of thinking ahead in the conversation.
7. Verify by repeating and recording in writing.
8. Keep it positive.

These are some basic tips to improve your communication with clients. We will go into more depth with these in the webinar, plus discuss tips for communicating effectively on social media to attract more clients, protecting your privacy and improving your social networking skills. Communication and negotiation skills for freelance translators.

For more information and help to create a marketing plan and get your year started right, check out the Quick Start Guide – 8 steps to a marketing plan for translators.