Gather all Elements for the project and define how they relate to the whole. For example, translating an Instruction Manual requires a binder cover, index tabs, registration cards and any additional materials. Everything must be consistent (i.e. chapter headings need to match the binder's index tabs).

Know your audience. The translation must reflect the international audience you are targeting. Culture and language must blend. Poor translations are most frequently the result of cultural versus technical ignorance.

Quality, Cost, Schedule must be balanced. When possible, do not start translating a manual or video until the entire original production is complete. All timetables should allow for your staff to revise a glossary of terms before starting the process. Their feedback is important, even if they are not linguists or professional translators.

Precision, Clarity, Professionalism are required for business communications in all major languages. Avoid translating into "dialects." For example, translators must understand language nuances to avoid words that can lead to misunderstandings due to different meanings among various Spanish-speaking groups.

What are your objectives? Is the project a technical manual for the purpose of teaching factory workers how to operate a tool? Is it a press release for the Spanish media in the U.S.? Is it a marketing brochure?