For years, ProZ.com's translation industry forums have been a place for open discussion on topics related to translation, interpreting and localization. The topics are always an interesting read, they are often entertaining, worthy of hours of your time for education, and an opportunity to engage with the world's largest community of language professionals.

Mike Donlin

When agreeing to work with a client, it is important to discuss or understand the employer's process for sending out payroll. Is there one unified method or outside service used for sending payments? Are there multiple ways to receive your money? Can this company pay you in your country?

Mike Donlin

Most online freelancers will never meet their clients in real life, which is why it is crucial to understand how to make a good first impression on a new client without ever leaving home. Here are some tips on making a good first impression on your new client.

Mike Donlin

As a freelancer, personal business development is key to improving your business model and increasing your client load. However, with the past year's restrictions on in-person meetings, it can be harder to pitch your services when you don't get to speak with someone face to face.

So, how can you entice prospective clients?



Email, of course. Unfortunately, getting someone to open, let alone read, your email can be challenging. You need to utilize high-quality email practices, and here is how you do it.

Mike Donlin

How do I answer job offers at ProZ.com? That question came up in the ProZ.com Facebook group recently and I'm borrowing the well-crafted answer from Lu Leszinsky to include on this blog.



Highlights:
1. Browse jobs that interest you
2. Confirm you meet quoting requirements
3. Click on submit quote

Mike Donlin

As a freelancer, one of many benefits is the freedom that it allows. However, at one point or another, most freelancers fall into the trap of overworking themselves and feeling unable to take a vacation. The numerous benefits of taking time off have been well documented: relaxing, connecting with family, and giving ourselves that much-needed mental break. If you want to go on vacation but don't know where to start,  try taking these four steps.

Mike Donlin

How often do you look at reviews before doing or buying something? Most of the time, right? Nearly everyone will investigate a business or product before making a purchase, including your freelance language services. Public feedback inspires trust via its transparency.

Mike Donlin

ProZ.com head of training Paul Urwin discusses "Transcreation Essentials" in the latest episode of the ProZ.com podcast. Urwin interviews Nina Sattler-Hovdar, one of the best know global transcreators, and creator of ProZ.com Spotlight Training course "Learn how to get started and prosper in transcreation".

Mike Donlin

Did you know that you can include a logo on invoices sent through ProZ.com? Adding a logo to the invoice is one way to personalize this ProZ.com membership tool for your needs.

Mike Donlin

Is your email inbox kept as a to-do list? Often, people leave “to-do” emails in their inbox until they are completed. After completion, the email is categorized or deleted, thus removing it from the inbox.

Mike Donlin

In the series on 50 Steps to optimising your ProZ Profile being discussed at the Translators and Interpreters (ProZ.com) facebook group, group moderator and author Andrew Morris has turned the group's attention to recommendations.

Mike Donlin

As a language professional, do everything you can to boost your chances of success. Here's a short video from director of training Paul Urwin with some tips for connecting with translation agencies via email.

Mike Donlin

Have you heard of project milestones? As a freelancer, you have likely come across this term but may not have yet implemented it into your project management systems.

Long-term projects need milestones. They help the freelancer stay on track and also make sure that you are getting paid along the way.

Mike Donlin

One of the beautiful aspects of being a freelancer is freedom. You get to choose your schedule, your workplace, your clients, and more.

However, the sudden switch to complete freedom often leads freelancers to an unorganized and unproductive work schedule. Here are some suggestions for how to schedule your freelancing day.

Mike Donlin

If you are a freelancer, you must choose a freelancer profile photo. It is a big decision to make as it is one of the primary draws to your freelancer profile. Your photo must inspire trust and professionalism to entice high-quality clients.

Here are 8 freelancer profile photo tips to help you make the right photo choice.

Mike Donlin