Brand the Interpreter
What if La Malinche—the Indigenous woman who famously served as interpreter and advisor to Hernán Cortés during the Spanish conquest of Mexico—could share her stories? Imagine the insights and experiences she could offer about the power of language and navigating the complexities of two worlds. That’s the spirit behind the Brand the Interpreter Podcast!
Hosted by Mireya Pérez, an interpreter and personal brand advocate, this podcast gives today’s interpreters a platform to share their own fascinating stories, challenges, and triumphs. Each episode pulls back the curtain on the world of interpreting, from navigating high-stakes conversations to facilitating cross-cultural understanding, offering listeners a glimpse into the lives of the professionals who bring meaning across languages.
Whether you’re an interpreter, a bilingual professional, or simply curious about the magic that happens behind the scenes, Brand the Interpreter immerses you in the stories of language professionals making an impact every day. It’s more than just a podcast—it’s a celebration of language, connection, and the vital human element that makes communication possible.
Join us to explore how the power of language, driven by human connection, shapes understanding, opens new worlds, and transforms perspectives, revealing the deeper truths that unite us all.
Brand the Interpreter
The Reflection Room: More Than Just a Hustle with Corinne McKay
In today's Reflection Room, we revisit Episode #111: The Business Mindset: More than Just a Hustle and recap on some great strategies Corrine shared with us. Such as:
Freelancing is a journey requiring resilience, effective marketing, and continuous growth.
• Resilience is crucial for freelance success
• Proactive self-marketing is essential for attracting clients
• Targeting specific niches can lead to steady work
• Crafting concise, client-focused communication is vital
• Joining professional associations provides support and mentorship
• Strategic volunteering enhances reputation and showcases skills
• Personal branding is necessary in a digital world
• Setting boundaries and managing expectations prevents burnout
• Time management and organization significantly improve productivity
• Building a supportive freelance community is imperative
Tune in for an insightful recap and then dive into the full episode for the complete story! - Episode #111: The Business Mindset: More than Just a Hustle
Only on the podcast that shares your stories about our profession; Brand the Interpreter!
Disclaimer: The audio in this episode has been enhanced using AI-generated elements. While every effort has been made to maintain the authenticity and quality of the content, the voices are not human-produced. Thank you for embracing this creative approach as we continue to innovate and explore new storytelling techniques.
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Welcome back to the Reflection Room everyone. Today we're kind of rewinding, going back to season seven of Brand the Interpreter and revisiting an episode that had a lot of, like, really practical advice. So we're going to be diving into Corinne McKay and she had just some really incredible insights from her journey as a seasoned translator and interpreter.
Speaker 1:Yeah, I mean it's really interesting to hear her story. And she combines, you know that love for language, but then also the really savvy business skills that you need to thrive as a freelancer.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's almost like her early dream of becoming a poet kind of set the stage for her eventual success in the business world.
Speaker 1:Totally, and you know it's interesting to think about how much the industry has changed, even from when she started out, Like she was actually discouraged by a professor who thought computers would replace translators.
Speaker 2:Wow yeah, talk about a misconception.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:But it speaks to her resilience that she not only persevered but, like, carved out this thriving career and, you know, especially considering she took the plunge into full time freelancing right after her daughter was born.
Speaker 1:Oh, wow. Imagine cold calling agencies with a baby on your lap. That takes serious dedication.
Speaker 2:Definitely.
Speaker 1:You know. Her story really, I think, underscores the importance of marketing yourself effectively, especially in today's landscape. Absolutely, it's so competitive.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and Corinne's philosophy is like to market every second. You don't have paying work. So it's that proactive approach that can make all the difference.
Speaker 1:It's such a stark contrast to how you know some of the older professionals might have entered the field. You know back when it was more word of mouth and a simple business card were enough.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Today it's all about, you know, building a strong online presence, reaching out to clients directly.
Speaker 2:And speaking of direct clients, Corinne had this brilliant strategy of targeting immigration law firms.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And it's just a perfect example of finding your niche and becoming that go-to expert in a specific area.
Speaker 1:Yeah, this really highlights the steps involved in finding your ideal clients Right. It starts with identifying what you're truly good at than researching and contacting potential clients within that specialization.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:And Corinne. You know she stresses the importance of crafting concise emails that clearly demonstrate your value.
Speaker 2:She even suggests keeping those emails under 125 words. You know, it's about making every word count and leaving that lasting impression.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it's about shifting from that spam mentality to a service mindset.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Instead of bombarding everyone with generic messages, focus on how your skills can solve the client-specific problems.
Speaker 2:Yeah. So instead of saying here's what I do, it's saying here's how I can help you.
Speaker 1:Exactly.
Speaker 2:It's subtle, but it's a powerful shift in perspective.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and this ties in nicely with Corinne's advice on networking you know, joining professional associations like the Colorado Translators Association or the American Translators Association.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:These provide invaluable support and guidance.
Speaker 2:She actually credits those associations with helping her navigate the early stages of her career and connect with other professionals.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it's like having a built in network of mentors and colleagues.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Who understand the unique challenges and rewards of the field.
Speaker 2:And don't underestimate the power of strategic volunteering. Oh interesting, corrine gave this example of an educational interpreter who wanted to work with Spanish speaking families and she suggested, you know, maybe partnering with a speech therapist offering webinars, making those resources accessible to a wider audience.
Speaker 1:That's a brilliant idea. I mean what a great way to showcase your skills while simultaneously making a positive impact.
Speaker 2:Exactly so smart yeah.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it's a fantastic example of you know offering your skills in a service oriented way and how that can open up you know opportunities.
Speaker 2:Right, it all comes back to that idea of being useful and solving problems for your clients. But Corinne's insights go beyond just marketing and networking. She also delved into, you know, the nitty gritty of running a successful freelance business.
Speaker 1:Yeah, and one key area she highlighted there was the importance of personal branding. You know, in today's digital world, your online presence is essentially your storefront. Yeah, when potential clients Google your name, what do they find?
Speaker 2:Exactly, it's not just about having a website, it's about creating that cohesive and professional online identity. Yeah, corinne stressed the importance of having, even having, a professional headshot.
Speaker 1:Right. All of those elements work together to establish you as a credible and trustworthy expert.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:It's about showing potential clients that you take your business seriously.
Speaker 2:And she didn't just stop at appearances. She also gave some really practical tips for optimizing your LinkedIn profile.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:She suggested highlighting your unique skills and accomplishments using keywords that your target audience might be searching for, and even reaching out for recommendations from satisfied clients.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's a good one.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Yeah, because those testimonials can be so persuasive for someone who's, you know, trying to decide whether to hire you Right. It's like a social proof that you deliver on your promises.
Speaker 2:And let's not forget the power of engagement.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Corinne emphasized the importance of actively participating on LinkedIn, commenting on posts, sharing relevant articles, joining industry groups.
Speaker 1:It's all about, you know, building relationships and positioning yourself as a valuable contributor.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:It's a way to stay top of mind and show potential clients that you're not just another name in a directory, but that you're an active and engaged professional.
Speaker 2:But building a successful freelance business isn't just about attracting clients. It's also about managing them effectively.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:And Corrine had some fantastic advice on setting boundaries and managing client expectations.
Speaker 1:Yeah, this is where things get really crucial.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:You know, freelancing offers flexibility but it also requires discipline. You need to establish clear boundaries from the start to avoid burnout and maintain those healthy client relationships.
Speaker 2:One of her top tips was to always have a written contract Right that clearly outlines the scope of the work, deadlines, payment terms.
Speaker 1:Right. It might seem formal, but it protects both you and the client from misunderstandings.
Speaker 2:Exactly Down the road. It sets clear expectations and ensures that everyone is on the same page from day one. I like that Exactly On the road. It sets clear expectations and ensures that everyone is on the same page from day one.
Speaker 1:I like that, yeah, being on the same page.
Speaker 2:Corinne also recommended establishing clear communication channels and sticking to them.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:So you know, if you prefer to communicate via email, make that clear up front.
Speaker 1:Right. It's about managing those expectations and preventing situations where clients are constantly, you know, trying to reach you by phone or text.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:Outside of agreed upon hours.
Speaker 2:And sometimes setting boundaries means learning to say no. Corinne emphasized the importance of turning down projects that don't align with your expertise or availability.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that can be tough, especially when you're starting out eager to take on any project that comes your way.
Speaker 2:Yeah, but, as Corrine pointed out, saying yes to everything can lead to overwhelm and ultimately lower the quality of your work. Right, she used a great analogy Think of yourself as a jar.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:And each project is a rock. Okay, you can only fit so many rocks in the jar before it overflows.
Speaker 1:Yeah, that's a good one.
Speaker 2:It's a powerful reminder that we have finite time and energy.
Speaker 1:I like that.
Speaker 2:And speaking of time and energy, Corinne had some excellent advice on managing those precious resources.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:It all comes down to being organized and prioritizing tasks effectively.
Speaker 1:She suggested creating a dedicated workspace to help you separate your professional and personal life. This can be as simple as having a designated desk or a room where you can focus on work without distractions.
Speaker 2:It's about creating a mental shift as much as a physical one. Right, it helps signal to your brain that it's time to work Exactly when you're in that space.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:Corinne also recommended using tools and systems to streamline your workflow. Yeah, Corinne also recommended using tools and systems to streamline your workflow. This might include project management software, time tracking apps or cloud-based storage solutions.
Speaker 1:It's about finding what works best for you and help you stay on top of your deadlines and deliverables.
Speaker 2:And once you have those systems in place, it's all about prioritizing tasks and focusing on the most important items first.
Speaker 1:Right Don't get bogged down in busy work. Right Identify the tasks that will have the biggest impact on your business and tackle those first.
Speaker 2:And for all the list makers out there. Corinne is a big fan of the to-do list.
Speaker 1:Oh yeah.
Speaker 2:She suggested breaking down large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks.
Speaker 1:Right, that can make them feel less overwhelming.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:Classic time management technique, but it's effective for a reason it helps you break down those daunting projects into bite-sized pieces that you can tackle one step at a time.
Speaker 2:And when it comes to managing your time, Corrine is all about scheduling.
Speaker 1:Okay.
Speaker 2:She recommended blocking out specific time slots for different tasks, whether it's client work, marketing, administrative tasks or even personal time.
Speaker 1:Right. It's about being intentional with your time and making sure that you're allocating enough time for all the important aspects of your work and life.
Speaker 2:Yeah, and it helps you avoid overcommitting, which can lead to stress and missed deadlines.
Speaker 1:Speaking of deadlines, Corinne stressed the importance of setting realistic ones and avoiding the temptation to say yes to everything.
Speaker 2:Right.
Speaker 1:It's better to under-promise and over-deliver than to disappoint clients by setting unrealistic expectations.
Speaker 2:And finally, Corinne reminded us to take care of ourselves.
Speaker 1:Oh, that's important.
Speaker 2:She emphasized the importance of taking regular breaks throughout the day to prevent burnout and maintain focus.
Speaker 1:That sounds counterintuitive, but sometimes stepping away from your work for a few minutes each hour can actually increase your productivity.
Speaker 2:It allows your brain to rest and recharge, which can lead to greater creativity and focus when you return to your work. Yeah, it's like hitting the reset button for your productivity. It allows your brain to rest and recharge, which can lead to greater creativity and focus when you return to your work.
Speaker 1:Yeah, it's like hitting the reset button for your brain. Corrine also talked about the importance of having a supportive community, especially as a freelancer Right you know, connecting with other freelancers, whether online or in person, can provide a sense of camaraderie, shared experiences and valuable advice.
Speaker 2:Yeah, it's so easy to feel isolated when you're working from home.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:So having that network of people who understand the unique challenges and rewards of freelancing can be a game changer.
Speaker 1:Absolutely. Sharing those challenges and successes with others can be incredibly validating and empowering.
Speaker 2:Yeah.
Speaker 1:It reminds you that you're not alone in this journey.
Speaker 2:Corinne's insights on building a sustainable and fulfilling freelance career go beyond just the practicalities of running a business Right. She really emphasized the importance of mindset and resilience.
Speaker 1:That's so key. Freelancing is a roller coaster ride with its share of exhilarating highs and challenging lows. Right, you need to develop the mental fortitude to navigate those ups and downs.
Speaker 2:She had some great tips for staying motivated even when faced with setbacks.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:One thing that stuck with me was her advice to celebrate your wins, no matter how small.
Speaker 1:It's easy to get caught up in the never-ending to-do list and forget to acknowledge our accomplishments. Taking a moment to appreciate those wins whether it's landing a new client or simply making it through a tough week can boost your morale and fuel your motivation.
Speaker 2:It's a reminder that you're making progress, even when it feels like you're stuck in a rut.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:And, speaking of progress, corinne also stressed the importance of focusing on your long-term goals.
Speaker 1:Yeah, why did you start freelancing in the first place? Right? What are you working towards?
Speaker 2:Keeping those goals in mind can provide a sense of purpose and direction, even when faced with obstacles. Totally, and let's face it, rejection is a part of the freelance world.
Speaker 1:It is.
Speaker 2:Corinne had a really interesting perspective on dealing with it. Okay, she encouraged viewing rejection as an opportunity to learn and refine your approach.
Speaker 1:Oh, interesting.
Speaker 2:So, instead of dwelling on the no, she suggests analyzing what might have contributed to it. Okay, was your pitch not compelling enough? Did you target the wrong audience? Could you have improved your proposal?
Speaker 1:Yeah, it's about turning those rejections into valuable learning experiences.
Speaker 2:And perhaps most importantly, Corinne emphasized the importance of not taking rejection personally. Oh, that's hard. It's easy to internalize those no's and start doubting your abilities.
Speaker 1:Yeah.
Speaker 2:But remember, rejection is often a matter of fit, timing or other factors outside of your control.
Speaker 1:Right.
Speaker 2:Don't let it derail your confidence or dampen your enthusiasm.
Speaker 1:Yeah, embrace it as part of the journey and keep moving forward.
Speaker 2:Speaking of moving forward. One of the most inspiring takeaways from Corinne's episode was her emphasis on continuous learning and growth.
Speaker 1:She actually shared a story about how she decided to learn simultaneous interpreting later in her career, even though she initially thought it was too late. Wow, it was a big challenge, but it ultimately opened up exciting new opportunities and brought her to a new level of fulfillment.
Speaker 2:It's a powerful reminder that it's never too late to learn new skills and expand your horizons. Freelancing is a journey of continuous growth and evolution.
Speaker 1:Absolutely, and that's a perfect note to end on. Corinne's journey and her insights are a testament to the power of combining passion, skill and a dedication to continuous learning.
Speaker 2:Huge thank you to Corinne McKay for sharing her wisdom and experience on Brand, the Interpreter, and thank you all for joining us in the Reflection Room today.
Speaker 1:Yes, thank you.
Speaker 2:We hope this rewind has sparked some new ideas and inspired you to embrace the possibilities of your own freelance journey.
