Get more Spanish translation jobs by networking

Spanish translators are always in need of more Spanish translation jobs. However, one of the hardest things about owning your own translation business is finding work. Networking can help you solve this problem.

Definition of Networking

First of all, there have been many books written about what networking is and how everyone from students to employees to employers can use it to help them get what they want. However, as it relates to finding more Spanish translation jobs, I actually like the definition of networking provided by the I.T. department at CSUMB (California State University Monterey Bay):

Connecting with people of like interests for the purpose of uncovering opportunities, identifying landmines and learning of best practices.

This is exactly what networking is and following this definition will help you get more Spanish translation jobs. So what can you do?

Networking Help for Spanish Translators

The fundamental issue in networking is finding other people that a similar interest as you in terms of building a freelance translator business. This is not always an easy thing to do, due to the fact that translators often work alone. However, there are ways that translators can network with others and get tips on improving their business.

One of the best ways to meet other translators is to attend translator conferences. In the United States, one of the more prominent translator conferences is an ATA conference held every year for translators. According to the ATA, these conferences "...showcases panel discussions, expert presentations, training workshops, and scholarly papers. The conference also features a job marketplace, a vendor exhibit hall, certification testing, and networking sessions designed to build professional contacts for attendees."

Form a Network Group

Another great way to find more Spanish translation jobs from networking is to either form or join a translator networking group. If you live in a relatively big city, there are usually such groups you can join.

However, if you can't find one of these groups, think about forming one on your own. Contact any local translators you know and tell them you are forming a networking group for translators. If you don't know anybody, tell everyone you know what you are doing and that you are looking for people to join. Eventually the word will get around and you will have a group that you can bounce ideas off of and it will at least give you a social network that you can be a part of so you don't feel so isolated.

These groups don't have to be really formal or follow any outline, but instead can be something like getting together for lunch once a month with other translators. This can give you something to look for and people to share your frustrations with and may even be a source of more Spanish translation jobs.