Poll: Is networking (online and offline) as important as some of us believe? Thread poster: ProZ.com Staff
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This forum topic is for the discussion of the poll question "Is networking (online and offline) as important as some of us believe?".
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| | | Not too important | Apr 7, 2019 |
I guess the first step is to define 'important'. For me at least. The best "networking" I ever had was working in-house with fellow translators, from whom a learned much of my craft. For freelancers, I'm not so sure that much is to be gained professionally or financially from time spent networking with colleagues. However, there is always the personal reward of getting to know interesting people. | | | pertaining to? | Apr 7, 2019 |
The problem is that one doesn't know what it is referring to. Is it networking in order to obtain translation jobs? Networking in order to get a broader understanding of a subject area one is translating? Networking in order to stay on top of common scams and trends? Or to share ideas and discoveries of procedures and tools? The "as some of us believe" also seems to assume something familiar and common. I'm in this and other forums so obviously I believe that there is some use to doin... See more The problem is that one doesn't know what it is referring to. Is it networking in order to obtain translation jobs? Networking in order to get a broader understanding of a subject area one is translating? Networking in order to stay on top of common scams and trends? Or to share ideas and discoveries of procedures and tools? The "as some of us believe" also seems to assume something familiar and common. I'm in this and other forums so obviously I believe that there is some use to doing so, but I also don't know whether this would be considered "networking". ▲ Collapse | | | neilmac Spain Local time: 16:02 Spanish to English + ...
Different strokes for different folks. A well-established translator with plenty of work coming in probably doesn't need to do much networking, if any. However, for those just starting up, it will obviously be important, as they try to build up a portfolio of clients. Just yesterday I was looking at a forum where a lot of people were complaining that translation degree courses rarely include the nuts and bolts of the "business" - such as how to go about finding and keeping clients, ... See more Different strokes for different folks. A well-established translator with plenty of work coming in probably doesn't need to do much networking, if any. However, for those just starting up, it will obviously be important, as they try to build up a portfolio of clients. Just yesterday I was looking at a forum where a lot of people were complaining that translation degree courses rarely include the nuts and bolts of the "business" - such as how to go about finding and keeping clients, billing procedures in different jurisdictions, and things like that. I suspect the notion of networking may fall into the same category.
[Edited at 2019-04-07 10:04 GMT] ▲ Collapse | |
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DZiW (X) Ukraine English to Russian + ... Good contacts: quality vs quantity | Apr 7, 2019 |
Now I mostly work as an interpreter making useful contacts, and I clearly see the difference between paper-work and people-work. Unfortunately, people working with papers are not so social to solve almost any issues whereas people working with people have a huge advantage, because others often help them directly or indirectly, saying kind words to serious people too. Shortly, unlike most* freelance translators, I have never met a decent interpreter who is a poor businessman. This ma... See more Now I mostly work as an interpreter making useful contacts, and I clearly see the difference between paper-work and people-work. Unfortunately, people working with papers are not so social to solve almost any issues whereas people working with people have a huge advantage, because others often help them directly or indirectly, saying kind words to serious people too. Shortly, unlike most* freelance translators, I have never met a decent interpreter who is a poor businessman. This makes a big difference--and important) ▲ Collapse | | | Paulinho Fonseca Brazil Local time: 12:02 Member (2011) English to Portuguese + ... Very important | Apr 7, 2019 |
Being in the translation market does not really mean one is already making profits or a living from it. Networking might make a huge difference, right?
[Edited at 2019-04-07 12:21 GMT] | | | Mario Freitas Brazil Local time: 12:02 Member (2014) English to Portuguese + ... Very, very important | Apr 7, 2019 |
In our profession, as freelancers, it's vital. there is no other marketing/job- or client- capturing method as efficient or even close to it. | | | Kay Denney France Local time: 16:02 French to English
I don't see how you can get your first client without them knowing you. I have networked a lot, forging contacts with all sorts of people, and this has helped me a lot in landing my first translations. Basically I kept in touch with all former colleagues, many of whom are now working in other agencies, and quite a few of them have sent work my way. Some people have even chased me up after finding that I was no longer working in-house, and found me on LinkedIn. | |
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Not too important | Apr 7, 2019 |
Networking was very important when I started out (though by then that was simply referred as contacts) and all the contacts I established when working in-house and what I learned there helped me get my freelance career started. Networking has brought me some clients, whether coming from other customers or from peers, but it’s no longer important as over the years I was lucky enough to have built a solid client’s base. Today the idea behind my networking with some ‘virtual’ colleagues has... See more Networking was very important when I started out (though by then that was simply referred as contacts) and all the contacts I established when working in-house and what I learned there helped me get my freelance career started. Networking has brought me some clients, whether coming from other customers or from peers, but it’s no longer important as over the years I was lucky enough to have built a solid client’s base. Today the idea behind my networking with some ‘virtual’ colleagues has gone from an open exchange of leads and introductions to an interpersonal communication on different work related issues. ▲ Collapse | | | Mónica Algazi Uruguay Local time: 12:02 Member (2005) English to Spanish
I would say essential these days. | | |
It depends if you work with agencies or direct clients. I only work with agencies, and I am fine with that. So it is not important at all for me.
[Edited at 2019-04-07 22:47 GMT] | | | Very important | Apr 7, 2019 |
Networking is the soul of any business. | |
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DZiW (X) Ukraine English to Russian + ... Communication is a must | Apr 8, 2019 |
As far as networking is a synonym for "communicating", "meeting people", "making contacts", "setting connections", "establishing", and so on, it's very important not only for starting businessmen, but also for everyone in everyday life. Of course, one should be wise and careful with the contacts, filtering out pests) | | |
Presumably networking is important to those who believe it is important, but not to those who don't. I put myself in the latter category at present, but that could change. | | | To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator: You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request » Poll: Is networking (online and offline) as important as some of us believe? Protemos translation business management system | Create your account in minutes, and start working! 3-month trial for agencies, and free for freelancers!
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