Let's be honest, tracking expenses sucks. There's no hobbyist community out there of people who love going through receipts and tagging them expense codes. Even accountants ask you to not make them do the work for you. As an independent contractor, expenses play a huge part in the story of your income. In order to … Continue reading Start Your Year Right With Expenses
How to Decline a Job Like a Pro.
One of the most common points of confusion with new interpreters is how to decline a job with an agency. If you’ve never worked freelance before, saying “no” can be a strange new experience. If you’re a people pleaser this can be even more cringe inducing. For many of my colleagues entering the field, they … Continue reading How to Decline a Job Like a Pro.
Do I get gifts for my clients/agencies?
Holidays can be complicated. They can be even tougher for freelancers. Anyone who knows my teachings surrounding branding, will tell you. I push my students to always to be seen in the marketplace. While in the practice of interpreting, we’re quite used to blending in; when it comes to getting hired, familiarity is key. Whether … Continue reading Do I get gifts for my clients/agencies?
How Do I Accrue PTO as a Freelancer?
It can be hard to believe you can have PTO especially when there are so many other expenses that come into play when freelancing. You alone are responsible for the costs of your office, liability insurance, billing supplies, communications equipment, health insurance, tax liabilities and let’s not even talk about décor! All of these things … Continue reading How Do I Accrue PTO as a Freelancer?
My Thoughts on Foundations in Freelance
The following is a review from a Foundations in Freelance student submitted for us to post because he was so thrilled with his experience. Tim is available for questions on his experience and if you'd like to reach out just send him an email here! I want to share my journey so far through the … Continue reading My Thoughts on Foundations in Freelance
5 Things You Can Do Right Now In Preparation of Raising Your Rate
Congratulations on being ready to increase your rates! It might feel like a big step but it’s apart of any business. In order to survive you need to be able to compete in the market and you certainly can’t do that with a gas tank on E.Unfortunately establishing an increase with your clients, specifically agencies … Continue reading 5 Things You Can Do Right Now In Preparation of Raising Your Rate
Q&A I’ve Missed A Job With The Agency. What Do I Do?
I took an afternoon assignment with an agency in my area weeks ago. It was my only job of the day. The cable guy cancelled this morning and I didn't even think to look at my planner when my sister asked me for lunch while we were waiting for him. This agency doesn't send out … Continue reading Q&A I’ve Missed A Job With The Agency. What Do I Do?
What is a Rate Sheet and Why Do You Need One?
Rate sheets are widely used in various service industries with interpreting being the outlier. We’re often reduced by agencies to their budget but when you really consider how the industry should and has worked in the past, it deteriorates our worth as professionals. When working as a freelancer directly with clients as opposed to through … Continue reading What is a Rate Sheet and Why Do You Need One?
Creating a Killer Portfolio
Sometimes, the things you think impress the most fall flat. The opposite can also sometimes be true when you’re working from a single point of view. As someone who has worked on three sides of the portfolio equation, I’d been lucky enough to gain insight into what interpreters, agencies and clients want to see in … Continue reading Creating a Killer Portfolio
Interpreting Bag Essentials
Tim Smith Being a freelancer means being on the go and without an office, you'll need something mobile to hold all the supplies you would typically have at your desk. We all want to be stylish and look great! While functionality may come first, it doesn't mean you need to sacrifice on aesthetic. Brands like … Continue reading Interpreting Bag Essentials