Although the United States does
not have any official language; the vast majority of the inhabitants speaks
American English. However, there are a predictable 337 other languages vocalized
by the population. Spanish is the second most common language in the U.S. with
it being spoken by over 12% of the population. The Chinese languages, French,
German, Tagalog (of the Philippine's), Vietnamese, Italian, Korean and Russian
round out the top ten languages spoken in the United States according to the
2000 survey.
As we move forwards a more traditionally
varied country, coupled with the impact of globalization on our economy- the
need for translation services will upsurge. Most, if not all major corporations
offer a Spanish language translation to their clients via telephone IVR
systems, marketing materials and other customer profile-raising items. It's
easy for them to do this because they have the will, budget and manpower to put
into it, but this isn't the case for the small business owner - and this is
where you come in!
If you are fluent in multiple
languages, consider hitting that extremely appreciated skill to good use by
starting a Translation Service business. The Internet book of the last
15 years has had a marvelous effect on marketing, for the first time in history
the small business owner can influence a worldwide audience with just a few
clicks of the mouse. The ill-fated thing is that most of them are not exploiting
on this wonderful advantage due to fears of language and national fences.
If a
Translation Service sounds like a business that you'd be interested in keep
these things in mind:
1. What are the set up costs
of a translation service business? For the amount of marketing resources, a
website, and the charge of your business license - you can start a translation service business. The main module of your business model is the aptitude to
speak another language(s), though it is vital that you are fluent and well proficient
in the proper spelling, grammar, tenses, etc. If you need to brush up on those
things, we recommend making the investment in Pimsleur or Rosetta Stone
language courses. Remember that your customers are business possessors and
professional so their documents must replicate that no matter in which language
they are inscribed in.
2. How much money can I expect
to make? The profitable rate for professional translation services is 0.15
to 0.30 per word, however the larger companies tend to cloth this amount with nominal
requirements and other dealing out fees. It's not rare for a 75-word document
to run the neighborhood of $100 if not more. Considering the fact that the
average email sent in the United States contains 50 words, paying $100 for transformation
is not cost operative. Your competitive edge will be initiate in your price
point. By keeping your least necessities low fixed with a wide variety of amenities,
you will make a name for your business.
3. How can I market my
translation service business? The first entity you'll need to do is launch
your online existence. This will allow you to reach a global market. Your
marketing efforts however will begin on a more local level until you can figure
the profits to advertise on a comprehensive skill. Your target demographic will
be commerce that while they attract a traditionally varied customer base, they
have no materials accessible in the language(s) you specialize in.
Offer to, for a free or reduced
rate - translate one page of their catalogue, website or other important
documents in conversation for their recommendation or orientation. When advanced
with professionalism, the opportunities of the translation service business
are boundless. As your client base raises, you may also ponder hiring personnel
who are smooth, fluent in other languages. This will enlarge your influence and
give you a leg up on the competition!
