Why Are You Loyal To Your Translation Service?


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What makes your translator different or better, why do people come 
back to a service or a brand? These thoughts led me to think that 
maybe some readers didn’t know exactly what to expect from their 
translators, what standard of quality and service should they receive, 
what makes one better than the other. 

   
In this issue, I will help you recognize the signs of translator’s 
quality service. This not only means a job well done, it also entails 
sensing that passion for the work and the customer-focused approach 
that reinvests itself every time you assign a new project.

1. Is the translator identifying you and your individual needs? 

Maybe you are an Advertising Agency with a creative staff that 
gets paid to keep changing their minds and be inventive. Your 
translators should know this and expect last minute changes to every 
job, that’s the nature of the beast.  Or a Print shop that already 
has the final approved copy from your client but needs to make final 
decisions regarding format and they require them from the translator.

2. Is the translator showing knowledge and passion for his work?  

Translators in general, are entrepreneurs and their passion is shown 
when they ask you questions, do the homework, and investigate cultural 
adaptations and terminology conflicts. They keep updated. 

She rethinks that key phrase, maybe seeks the opinion of a colleague 
or source, or checks that new native-language website to identify that 
one critical in vogue word. The term that will give the client, YOU, 
the edge... the one gem that will put gold in your hands and make your 
readers connect! Passion is seen in the details of the work. 

3. What are the signs of translator’s dedication? Read it in the word 
   CLIENT. 

· Care. Do they really care? Do they ask questions about the target 
  audience and the product? 
· Localization. Do they localize the content with adaptations that 
  identify preferences, strategies and styles?
· Imagination of your target audience. Do they understand you so well 
  that they can imagine the target audience receiving your final 
  product? 
· Effort and enthusiasm. Can you perceive the effort and the commitment 
  to deliver on time and within budget, I mean: no surprises here?
· Nuances. Can you tell if they understand cross-cultural aspects 
  related to this job?
· Try again. If something must be changed, are modifications made 
  accordingly and promptly?

If you can spell CLIENT when describing your translation services 
agency, you are in GREAT shape. You have invested time and effort 
by nurturing that relationship. Keep them updated about your new 
ventures, new mergers, etc…and watch it blossom. 

Can you sense the care and the personal nurturing when you deal with us? 
Loyalty is earned.  We understand and appreciate that. I am convinced 
that we need to make sure that clients perceive the passion in our 
writing, passion in our keyboards... and when they fall in love with 
that, it is pretty much up to us to keep the love affair alive...

Romantic? I do not think so; passion and service go hand and hand. 
It is good for business and good for the soul. 

So, for your next translation ask yourself if the translations company 
has taken you for granted, or if they really think of you and sometimes 
even go beyond your expectations.


See you next time!


Martha
P.S. For those of you that celebrate it, Happy Thanksgiving! We have 
so many things to be thankful for. All of you make a real difference 
in our lives. 
Curious about a Spanish version for this U.S. Holiday?
Feliz Día de Acción de Gracias


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About the Author, if using, please include:

Martha E. Galindo, President and CEO of Galindo Publicidad, Inc.
A multilingual translations agency, selected twice as 
a Florida 100 company. Author of “How Do You Say…?” 
an eNewsletter designed to help you improve your 
business communications in other languages,
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GPI, Inc. Request a free project quote- 
http://www.translationsandmore.com/contact.html
 
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