Going to conventions worth it? Thread poster: Jenny Nilsson
|
|---|
I'm trying to find interesting ways to travel for work. I haven't found anything except for translation conferences, and if someone has a handy list of those open for international translators, please tell me. I don't find proz forums very helpful or updated in the area.
I was thinking of going to comic cons and game cons as I specialize in gaming and entertainment and wondered if it's really worth,it. Is being there as a translator really going to give me anything professionally? A... See more I'm trying to find interesting ways to travel for work. I haven't found anything except for translation conferences, and if someone has a handy list of those open for international translators, please tell me. I don't find proz forums very helpful or updated in the area.
I was thinking of going to comic cons and game cons as I specialize in gaming and entertainment and wondered if it's really worth,it. Is being there as a translator really going to give me anything professionally? Anyone has experience in this. I'm completely new to this, as you notice. Thanks! ▲ Collapse
| | | | Jenae Spry 
United States
Local time: 03:58
French to English
| Client conventions instead of translation conferences | Oct 16, 2015 |
While I think that translation conventions and conferences are useful for some people, it really depends on the stage of your career. I think that budgeting for a convention where you are the expert is extremely important and if you have money left over, go to ATA or another conference.
I wrote a blog post about attending the ATA confe... See more While I think that translation conventions and conferences are useful for some people, it really depends on the stage of your career. I think that budgeting for a convention where you are the expert is extremely important and if you have money left over, go to ATA or another conference.
I wrote a blog post about attending the ATA conference (http://successbyrx.com/2015/10/08/56th-ata-conference-should-i-go/) and that information really applies to all translation conferences. I won't go through everything in the post here but basically, the networking involved will be mostly with other translators and you'll end up learning new things about the translation industry and possibly getting referrals.
On the other hand, let's say you go to gaming conventions, there's a good chance you'll be one of very few translators in the room...or, with any lucky, the ONLY translator in the room. What is that famous saying? Something like "you don't need to be the smartest person, just the smartest person in the room." ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Audio blog: finding direct clients through industry conferences | Oct 16, 2015 |
You might want to listen to this excellent audio blog by Corinne McKay, who says:
"Wondering how to find direct clients by meeting them in person at industry conferences? I recently interviewed a translator who did just that, and I think we can all learn a lot from her experiences."
It really is a fantastic interview, full of helpful tips and advice from someone who has gone down a road not many freelancers do. Miss at y... See more You might want to listen to this excellent audio blog by Corinne McKay, who says:
"Wondering how to find direct clients by meeting them in person at industry conferences? I recently interviewed a translator who did just that, and I think we can all learn a lot from her experiences."
It really is a fantastic interview, full of helpful tips and advice from someone who has gone down a road not many freelancers do. Miss at your peril!
http://thoughtsontranslation.com/2013/04/23/audio-blog-finding-direct-clients-through-industry-conferences/ ▲ Collapse
| | | | | Gaming Conventions | Oct 16, 2015 |
If I had all the money and the time in the world, I would go to E3, all the Indie Game Jams, BlizzCon, all of them! The great thing about those conventions is that you can find the game developers and promoters and make direct contact with them. It's a great way to market yourself and to meet people in the industry. ComicCons could sneak their way in, especially if you're looking to translate comic books (I proofread a few and really enjoyed it).
It's even better if you go in costu... See more If I had all the money and the time in the world, I would go to E3, all the Indie Game Jams, BlizzCon, all of them! The great thing about those conventions is that you can find the game developers and promoters and make direct contact with them. It's a great way to market yourself and to meet people in the industry. ComicCons could sneak their way in, especially if you're looking to translate comic books (I proofread a few and really enjoyed it).
It's even better if you go in costume. We just need a game where the main character is a translator. ▲ Collapse
| | |
|
|
|
Jenny Nilsson
Sweden
Local time: 12:58
English to Swedish
TOPIC STARTER | Nice input from everybody. | Oct 17, 2015 |
Going to cons in costume sounds just like something I would do. A big problem is that I don't know how to approach professionals. Perhaps it's not for me since I don't know where to start. If there was a course in 'how to take contact with people without bothering them awkwardly', I would sign up for that today.
[Redigerad 2015-10-17 14:17 GMT]
| | | | Jenae Spry
United States
Local time: 03:58
French to English
| Course on networking. Interesting. | Oct 17, 2015 |
Jenny Nilsson wrote:
If there was a course in 'how to take contact with people without bothering them awkwardly', I would sign up for that today.
Noted. Do you mean in person, online, or both?
| | | | Jenae Spry
United States
Local time: 03:58
French to English
| Course on networking. Interesting... | Oct 17, 2015 |
Jenny Nilsson wrote:
If there was a course in 'how to take contact with people without bothering them awkwardly', I would sign up for that today.
Noted. Do you mean in person, online, or both? You're giving me ideas.
Sorry for the repeat. It was an accident and there doesn't appear to be a delete button.
[Edited at 2015-10-17 16:48 GMT]
| | | | | It's easy ^_^ | Oct 17, 2015 |
[quote]Jenny Nilsson wrote:
Going to cons in costume sounds just like something I would do. A big problem is that I don't know how to approach professionals. Perhaps it's not for me since I don't know where to start. If there was a course in 'how to take contact with people without bothering them awkwardly', I would sign up for that today.
rad 2015-10-17 14:17 GMT]
Don't think of it as approaching a client, if that's what worries you, think of it as meeting someone that shares your passions
Step 1: Say "hi"
| | |
|
|
|
Patrick Porter
United States
Local time: 06:58
Spanish to English
+ ...
| content-focused | Oct 17, 2015 |
Triston Goodwin wrote: ... Don't think of it as approaching a client, if that's what worries you, think of it as meeting someone that shares your passions Step 1: Say "hi"
Good point. If a conference is covering your area(s) of interest there shouldn't be much difficulty coming up with things to talk about with other participants. Example: I just went to Trikonf in Freiburg last week, which focused on my main area of interest, technology in translation. It was probably the easiest time I've ever had networking, because everyone there was interested in and/or working on the same kinds of things. I also learned a lot and got plenty of new ideas, etc. My goal wasn't even really to meet new clients at this one, just to network with like-minded colleagues, but in fact I did end up meeting one or two potential clients who asked for my CV in case they have a need in my pairs. And in any case, as a freelancer working mainly alone, it was nice to attend an in-person event and be more involved in the profession.
[Edited at 2015-10-17 20:44 GMT]
| | | | Jenny Nilsson
Sweden
Local time: 12:58
English to Swedish
TOPIC STARTER | Socializing 101 | Oct 17, 2015 |
Jenae Spry wrote: Noted. Do you mean in person, online, or both? You're giving me ideas.
Hehe, definitely in person. When communicating online, it is most often messaging with a purpose. I feel I've got that down. Going up to someone and saying "Hi!" is not in my culture or personality and out of my comfort zone, therefore leading to bothersome and awkward semi-conversation.
| | | | Jenae Spry
United States
Local time: 03:58
French to English
| Exit the comfort zone | Oct 18, 2015 |
Jenny Nilsson wrote:
Going up to someone and saying "Hi!" is not in my culture or personality and out of my comfort zone, therefore leading to bothersome and awkward semi-conversation.
Do you have that problem in any social setting? If so, I would say practice makes perfect. If you can, go to new social settings with someone who is more outgoing and will interject into conversations and introduce you. Watch how they do it and try it yourself. Try to put yourself in new social situations even if it has nothing at all to do with potential clients or networking. In the US, we have a website called meetup.com that holds events all the time for every conceivable interest. I'm not sure whether they are popular in Sweden, but regardless, local happy hours or any sort of event you can make yourself attend where you don't know anyone will help you learn how to do this and not feel as weird about it. I like meetup because, by definition, the events are attended by people who are interested and trying to meet other people. This is helpful because people are particularly receptive to being approached in that setting. You could also try joining your local chamber of commerce or other organizations that hold events that you can attend. Again, the point is more to learn how to function in these settings and less about getting work right off the bat.
I'll definitely work on putting together something about networking as well on my blog. Thank you for the idea.
| | | | | Absolutely!!! | Oct 18, 2015 |
Jenny Nilsson wrote:
I was thinking of going to comic cons and game cons as I specialize in gaming and entertainment and wondered if it's really worth,it. Is being there as a translator really going to give me anything professionally? Anyone has experience in this. I'm completely new to this, as you notice. Thanks!
Definitely! Where will you learn more about the state of things than in specialised conventions?
Additionally, even if you will not necessarily come back with solid prospects or actual instant work, you will gain visibility if you talk to all different people and leave your business card behind.
Make a memorable business card, plunge into the convention and talk to all people you can! In very specialised circles, work in the long run is for those who are visible and remembered.
| | |
|
|
|
Jenny Nilsson
Sweden
Local time: 12:58
English to Swedish
TOPIC STARTER | I guess it depends | Oct 19, 2015 |
Jenae Spry wrote:
Do you have that problem in any social setting?
Actually, not really. I haven't attended a "meet up" but in that situation, everyone is in the same boat and it makes sense to talk to each other because we came there to meet. Going to a function and trying to approach someone who is busy doing something else with their own crew, that's a different game. At least for me
| | | | Jenae Spry
United States
Local time: 03:59
French to English
| People might be less closed to meeting than you think | Oct 19, 2015 |
Jenny Nilsson wrote: Going to a function and trying to approach someone who is busy doing something else with their own crew, that's a different game. At least for me
This is definitely a skill that is learned but I think the more you go, the more comfortable you will get and your perception will change. I used to HATE traveling alone or going to conventions alone. Now, I love it. I find that I meet so many more people when I go alone than if I take someone with me. Like I said, if you go with someone, make sure that person is the type that is happy to interject into other people's conversations. I find that most people are happy to make your acquaintance and if you land on someone who isn't, just move on.
| | | | To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator: You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request » Going to conventions worth it? | Trados Business Manager Lite | Create customer quotes and invoices from within Trados Studio
Trados Business Manager Lite helps to simplify and speed up some of the daily tasks, such as invoicing and reporting, associated with running your freelance translation business.
More info » |
| | Wordfast Pro | Translation Memory Software for Any Platform
Exclusive discount for ProZ.com users!
Save over 13% when purchasing Wordfast Pro through ProZ.com. Wordfast is the world's #1 provider of platform-independent Translation Memory software. Consistently ranked the most user-friendly and highest value
Buy now! » |
|
| | | | X Sign in to your ProZ.com account... | | | | | |
Login to reply/comment 
