Small Business, Big Marketing
09/26/2016
Episode 107: How to build a six-figure translation business by increasing productivity – Interview with Jenae Spry
10/10/2016Episode 106: Ask Me Anything 2 – About Specialization – when and how
This is the second episode in the series Ask Me Anything and in this one I am answering questions about specialization. We all know that it is important to specialize but how do we specialize, when can we say we specialize in a certain area and how narrow should we specialize? Find the answers in this episode.
Focusing in on 1-2 areas of expertise allows you to show mastery of a particular subject matter, while at the same time helping you to identify who your target audience is, so that you can speak directly to them in all of your marketing and communications efforts.
Important things covered in this episode:
- Three key aspects for a successful business
- The skills we need
- The tools we need
- The processes we need
- Increasing work opportunities for beginners
- Creating more hours in the day
Useful links mentioned in this episode:
- Marketing Cookbook for Translators
- Thoughts on Translation – Corinne McKay’s blog for freelance translators
If you really don’t feel that you have any expertise in a particular field, then it’s time to go out and get some. You can try to gain some relevant in-house experience in a particular area, or complete an accredited course to demonstrate competence to potential clients. Avoid the temptation to add a dozen subjects to your list of specializations in an attempt to get more jobs. This completely defeats the point, and it will only damage your credibility. By choosing a niche, you can become an authority on the subject you choose and the go-to-resource for your clients.
Now over to you – What tips do you have on choosing a specialization? When do you think you can say you specialize in a field? Please share below. If you know someone who you think will like this episode, please share it by using the social media buttons below or simply email it to this person. Thank you for listening!
A special thanks to Catherine Metcalfe for editing the show notes.
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1 Comment
Dear Tess!
I know this episode is a bit older, but I hope you have the time to answer 😀 First of all, thank you so much for this. While I am working on staying motivated all the time, starting out as a freelance translator, it can be hard at times. So, your words in this podcast of how to find and develop a specialisation were more than motivating as it was quite what I hoped for!!!
Now, I am not a native English speaker and translate from English into German. I live in Australia and most of the research and the best resources I can find are in English. I have been reading in English for several years now. I might have some level of expertise in some fields, but really mainly in English and not in German. So, would you recommend to start reading everything in German? To do online courses and all of that in German in order to build up the glossary and such? Or would you recommend reading both in English AND German?
Thank you so much!
I love your podcast!
Best
Nina