(…) What are good or bad things about freelancing?

I think that, if actively run, a translation business gives you access to an amazing umbrella of options and life changing possibilities that can really bring the best out of you and make a difference. From creating your own network of clients or establishing long-term collaborations or be your own boss, there are many good aspects.

For instance, I like working with specific or small markets, as you end up building a network of supportive clients who, in some cases, become friends. And I think this has to do with the way I decided to run my business and focus on collaborating rather than selling services.

Things are now always easy, though. Chasing non-paying clients or turning down interesting offers because of a very low rate is not exactly a great way of starting a day. And there are less busy weeks in which you start to doubt about your workflow: will I make it this month?

But after a while you get used to it and find a way of using those empty hours to create a new project or work on something different. I have been working in big companies before and even if receiving a regular monthly salary gave me a feeling of safety, I would never go back. Those years taught me a lot, but now I am so enjoying what I do, I am so much pushing and challenging myself that when I’ll reach my goals the safety of a contract will mean nothing if compared to them.

In self-marketing, which factors have helped out the most so far?

I think my determination and constant research. When I started out, non-branded business cards were more than enough to promote myself, but in 2014 even students work on their design and create very recognisable brands. You need to observe, brainstorm and be brave enough to challenge the boundaries of this industry to look at what other businesses are doing. And above all, once you find your style stick to it, and be consistent.

Could you tell us how you integrate different media into one self-marketing strategy?

Saying that I have a ‘media strategy’ is a bit exaggerated. Rather, I would call myself a social media enthusiast with a passion for the web.

I like visual and written contents, and I like to create my own design or photos. I like to use different platforms, online and offline, and try to be as constant, clear and coherent as possible.

As I say here there are tips to help you optimize your time such as knowing when to post or connecting with supportive people and engage them with different contents, but I have never created a media campaign. I have a very organic approach to marketing and I think my clients appreciate it. More.

See: Lingo.io

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