Category: Interpreting and Translation

Starting and Managing Your Business with Chronic Pain Illness

Starting and Managing Your Business with Chronic Pain Illness

 

Starting and Running a Business While Managing a Chronic Disease or Illnesses

 

Those of us who are dealing with chronic pain, disease, or illness know that it’s not fun, easy, and can become very overwhelming, and can create more stress.

 

I was taught at an early age to ‘live with it, deal with it, you’ll be ok’ having aches, pains, etc…Had I know then what I know now I would have done things very differently!

 

1. I would have eaten better.
2. Would have gotten my rest.
3. Decreased my alcohol intake.
4. Would have exercised more/partied less.
5. I would have made better choices when I was younger.

 

You see living with a chronic disease or illness hasn’t been easy, it’s been a very painful road and at times I’m so sick of being in pain that I want to hurt myself even more…

1. Go on a hunger strike.
2. I get depressed.
3. Stop eating well.
4. Start overworking.
5. I stop my self-care.

 

I’ve always suffered from medical issues caused by anemia, stress, depression, anxiety, and pain (First auto accident at the age of 15).

 

So when you add the Real Life Stresses; family, kids, business, life, daily ups/downs it can trigger your pains even more! I wrote an article in 2017 Depression is a Killer finally the fact that I had some internal issues that were triggering some of these aches and pains and that I needed to get some help.

 

I also learned that there are many things we can do to help us get through life and help us with both our life and business ( Your Health is Your Business As a matter of fact, I learned that dealing with constant health concerns can actually prepare you for the ups and downs of business and life. 

 

I read this amazing article where Business.com spoke with a few entrepreneurs who actually live with similar challenges and they shared some tips on how to manage their business and life check out the article, you will love it!

 

As for me, I learned to…Listen to my body, but I’m not going to lie after years of abuse, it’s still very difficult to stay on track, but I try every day! I also shared some tips in my previous article Physical and Emotional Health

 

Listen to your body

 

Those of us who have been running a business know that it’s mentally and physically exhausting, and the risk of overworking yourself will happen daily. Therefore learning to listen to your body and learning how to manage your chronic conditions, and paying attention to your symptoms becomes a vital part of being able to continue working.

 

“If you neglect your health in the long term for a short-term business need, you may find that you’ve created bigger long-term problems for yourself,” warns Kyle Brost. 

 

I’ve been suffering from autoimmune disorders for 30 years, but I didn’t know until I was just recently diagnosed and my doctors reviewed all my medical history with me…Yeah, go figure! For the past 5 years, I’ve been learning new ways to stay healthy, I try to pay close and careful attention to what both my business and my body needs on a daily basis and I try to adjust my workload when possible, rather than pushing myself, but I’m not always successful and therefore know that I’m going to get sick! I try really hard to be in tune with how I’m feeling, my workload, daily life ups/downs, and notice when things may be headed downhill. Both my family and I know that when this happens, I need to start taking the necessary steps to prevent it from getting worse, unfortunately, that’s never the case, I push myself till the end – NO BUENO!

 

Managing stress levels

 

We all know that having high levels of stress can often make chronic health and pain problems worse. But controlling the stress “is easier said than done, right?”

 

Therefore paying attention to your stress, both with business and life, is a must if you want to continue to stay active and productive in both business and life. After all those of us with kiddos, we know that being healthy and active is a must in order to care for our kiddos, right!

 

So starting in 2015 after lots and lots of research I learned that I had to start listening and understanding my triggers because these triggers will also cause flare-ups. My flare-ups are caused by; the food I eat to the stress I have, from being overweight, to not eating or resting well, and of course, overworking has been my main triggers!

 

So keeping your stress to a minimal level is a must!

1. Staying away from the “toxic people”, even if it’s family
2. Delegating your work both home and business
3. Creating a routine/plan
4. Controlling your workload/flow both home/business is a must
5. Understanding and being ok with the fact that NOT ALL days will be easy

 

Manage Your Time

 

One of the many illnesses that I’ve been diagnosed with is; Fibromyalgia, RA, Lupus, Chronic Pain just to name a few, so understanding that having these medical conditions will cause sudden flare-ups and therefore trying to “be superwoman” and not taking breaks will cause pain and will put me out of work, but more importantly it’s not fair for my family to keep going through my aches/pains because I refuse to LISTEN TO MY BODY! Therefore listen and take some of these basic and simple steps:

1. Take a breather
2.  Go for a walk
3. Listen to some music
4. Quick exercise; yoga, meditation, stretching
5. Create a system for both life and business and DO IT!

 

At the end of the day how precious is our time and health? It’s a valuable resource and therefore should be treated as such. We also have a tendency to test our limits and push ourselves and maybe that was ok when we were young, but in the end, as we get older we start paying the price…So if you’re young and healthy take care of yourself, if you’re like me older and in pain then start listening to your body and create a plan, and change your way of life, but more importantly SEEK HELP, you are NOT ALONE on this journey!

 

Follow me for more tips, resources, and information Check out My Latest Post via my Instagram Page

 

If you prefer Audio, make sure to subscribe to my podcast and tune in for more amazing episodes to help you, and your business TUNE IN EVERY FRIDAY!

Guide to Remote Virtual Business

With the world shifting and many of us switching to remote/virtual work, there are many steps that we must take in order to successfully operate our business.

 

Throughout my years in business, I’ve had the pleasure to go from a Corporate 6-figure business; employees, contractors, offices, remote office, etc to a 6-figure Entrepreneur working from the comfort of my home on my OWN TERMS!

 

Today I want to share my proven steps you can follow to help you when starting a small business online.

 

Throughout my year’s researching, testing, and implementing some of these steps into my business not only have I grown my business, but I’ve seen thousands of people start and grow successful businesses by doing the following:

 

    1. Find something you love, enjoy – just do it!
    2. Use your skills or contract someone with the skills you need such as writing content that sells.
    3. Design and build an easy-to-use website, even if it’s a one-pager that has these key elements; who you are, what you do, and what you provide, and as your business grows you can add more to the website.
    4. You must learn how to do Sales and Marketing, but you also need to understand and learn how to use search engines to drive traffic to your site.
    5. Get trained so you can establish an expert reputation for yourself.

Always stay in touch and follow up with your customers and subscribers by email.

  • Increase your income using the right tools through systems and procedures.

 

Anyone, from a newbie to a seasoned entrepreneur, interpreter, or walks of life can benefit from this process in learning how to start a business online and offline.

 

  • Are you a freelance translator/interpreter who wants to start his/her own business, but don’t know how?
  • Are you already in business, but not sure how to expand your business; entrepreneurship, interpreting, translation, start-up, small business, etc?

 

“A plan is ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT STEPS that many Entrepreneurs FAIL to implement.   A business plan helps you build the “foundation of your business”…Just like building a house (you need a solid foundation), building a car (you need a good engine), or even raising a baby (you need to know how to, what the baby needs, be prepared, and so much more)…”

 

A plan includes – the “Who, What, When, Why, Where, and How”…It helps you with preparing, organizing, planning, and development.

 

Here are a few things to ponder when creating your plan:

  • Who is the business for?
  • What type of business are you starting?
  • When are you planning to launch?
  • What is your “Why”?
  • Where are you planning to start this business?
  • And How are you planning to do it and starting?

 

These are crucial questions that you need to ask yourself vs. just starting off and then struggling to put the pieces in place and putting your business at RISK!

 

More tips on how to start a business online and offline.

      • Space; private bedroom, small space in your home; closet, corner in your room, etc.
      • Good highspeed internet
      • Laptop/Computer
      • Headset/Headphones
      • Good background for your zoom video calls
      • Test your applications
      • Create a Plan for remote and virtual business
        • Hours
        • Rates
        • Terms/Conditions
        • Planner
        • Do not mix business with family!!!

 

Need help with starting, growing, or deciphering your business? Check out my other posts

 

Hustler Starter Kit

Business Plan 101

Introduction to Interpreting

Resources 4 you

How to Market Your Interpreting Services During the Holidays

How to Market Your Interpreting Services During the Holidays

In just a few weeks, we’re going to be entering straight into the season of goodwill. The end of the year is often the busiest time for travelers, with people traveling home to spend time with their loved ones. In fact, a Travel Channel survey found that more and more people are saving up vacation days to have longer holidays at the end of the year. If that’s not a good indicator of just how important the season is, then what is?

The holidays are especially relevant for interpreters because it’s a time when people are more likely to work to overcome cultural barriers. Whether it’s between family, friends, or neighbors, there’s an increased effort to communicate and share meaningful memories. According to the Washington Post, over 15% of the adult population in the U.S. speaks a language other than English at home— making translators and interpreters more important than ever. Here are a few ways you can take advantage of the season and share your skills with the people who need it most.

Make a Good Impression

Language interpretation and translation is a pretty specialized skill, and a lot of your success will hinge on how good of an impression you make. Sometimes the simplest way to get clients is to show that you’re amiable, alert, and communicate well.

In our article ‘Overcoming Language Barriers Before, During, and After an Interview’, we talked about how to prepare for a successful interview as an interpreter. Prepping beforehand and practicing communication and answering questions in your language of choice is the best way to prove that you’re the best interpreter for the job. If you show clients you’re capable, you’re more likely to get a referral. In tight-knit cultural communities, there can be no better marketing tool than that.

Holiday Postcards

Another tool you can use to advertise your services during the holidays is the holiday card. Postcards are a great, personalized way to reach out to potential clients and inform them of your skillset. Marketing solutions company Triadex Services suggests using seasonally-appropriate formats, such as picking cards that are die-cut in the shape of holiday ornaments, to really make an impact.

They’re fun, memorable, and a great way to capture your clients’ attention and remind them that you’re here to help. Plus, customers who receive physical mail materials like these are more likely to keep and remember them, meaning you have a higher chance of pulling in return customers.

Social Media

The Internet is one of the best tools available to any modern interpreter, and that especially includes social media. Social networking is a fantastic way to connect with different cultural and linguistic communities. It’s also a free and easy way to advertise and establish your credibility.

There are tons of ways that interpreters can use social media to their advantage, especially during the holiday season. Chiara Grassilli writing for A Translator’s Thoughts recommends presenting translation on social media as a solution to a problem: it’s not about what you can do, but how you can help your customers. You can build your network and credibility by writing about relevant topics like uniting across cultural barriers during the holidays, or learning how to connect with immigrant parents and grandparents. You can also offer online translation services through chat or video call, keeping things convenient for clients no matter where they are.

The Entrepreneur’s Business Plan

Hello friends! You’re here because you’re either seeking a career as an Interpreter, or you’re looking to start your own business.  Whatever the case may be – WELCOME!

  1. Are you a freelance translator/interpreter who wants to start his/her own business, but don’t know how?
  2. Are you already in business, but not sure how to expand your business; translation/interpreting business?

Well, if you answered Yes to one of these questions, then you’re in the right place – so let’s get started!

Business Planning
How to Start Your own business

Let me tell you that in order to START ANY TYPE OF BUSINESS, YOU, MY FRIEND – WILL NEED A BUSINESS PLAN!

 

This is ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT STEPS that many Entrepreneurs FAIL to implement.

 

A business plan helps you build the “foundation of your business”…Just like building a house (you need a solid foundation), building a car (you need a good engine), or even raising a baby (you need to know how to, what the baby needs, be prepared, and so much more)…SO YES – YOU NEED A PLAN!

 

A plan includes – the “Who, What, When, Why, Where, and How”…It helps you with preparing, organization, planning, and development.

 

  • Who is the business for?
  • What type of business are you starting?
  • When are you planning to launch?
  • What is your “Why”?
  • Where are you planning to start this business?
  • And How are you planning to do it and starting?

 

These are crucial questions that you need to ask yourself vs. just starting off and then struggling to put the pieces in place and putting your business at RISK!

Other things to do when starting a business:

  • Sales and Marketing Plan
  • Business Operations; staff, location, logistics, finance, etc.
  • Action Plan; how, when, etc.

Need help with deciphering your business or with your Interpreting business? Check out my other posts

 

Hustler Starter Kit

Business Plan 101

Introduction to Interpreting

Overcoming Language Barriers Before, During, and After an Interview

Overcoming Language Barriers Before, During, and After an Interview

Interviews are roadblocks for anyone seeking a job, but adding a language barrier can add even more hurdles. Employers and future candidates must be on the same page, and to ensure this, there are several things you can do to prepare. Seeking out those who have gone through Interpreter Training can help you feel more at ease if speaking in your mother tongue is the best way of getting your message across.

Do not let language barriers prevent you from climbing your career trajectory.

So here’s how to overcome language barriers, before, during, and after an interview:

Before the Interview: Develop Your Story


A Medium article on preparing for an interview as a non-native English speaker suggests that you must first educate yourself on standard interview questions: strengths and weaknesses, knowledge of the company, what you can contribute to the job. You know your story and can memorize your answers, but have someone check if your grammar and pronunciation are correct and if everything you’re saying makes sense.

Having two monitors would make this process much easier. As emphasized in HP’s list of best home office setup ideas, one screen will be able to keep the primary program in view—or the app you’re communicating with your interviewer through—while you can keep your notes on the other screen. Plus, employers often ask if you have any questions as a test to see your engagement, so a second screen is also a good place to list them on.

Do a mock interview with someone beforehand so you can feel more confident in your delivery.

During the Interview: Communicate it to the Best of Your Ability



Given that employers either put together structured Q&A sessions or conduct unstructured interviews, preparing for interviews can sometimes be tricky, especially when you don’t know what’s in store for you.

For example, The Balance’s interview guide highlights that in a semi-structured setup, the interviewer will always ask follow up, open-ended questions. As such, your preparation should also include knowing how to elaborate on your earlier statements. Take notes as often as needed if you need any further explanations. If you need to learn English to do your job efficiently, either commit to learning the language or tell your employer your plans to do so. Any effort on your end will be appreciated.

After the Interview: Use Being Multilingual to Your Advantage



Don’t be afraid to clarify and check for understanding as this will show that you are efficient and value understanding. “Thank you” is a well-understood concept across all cultures and languages. Show professionalism by sending your interviewer a short note of gratitude for his or her time. This will also shift the focus from your language abilities to your character and skills as a candidate. Forbes Insights deems a multicultural workforce as an asset and success factor for any company. If you know that being multilingual can benefit the company, show them what you can do for them.

Barriers will stay barriers only if you let them. Being multilingual can always be leveraged to your advantage and introduce you to a world of possibilities.

How to Become an Interpreter and Entrepreneur

How to Become an Interpreter and Entrepreneur

Understanding what you need and what it takes to become a professional interpreter.​

Want to learn how to become an Interpreter and Entrepreneur?

Did you know that if your Bilingual you can actually become a professional Interpreter or Translator and start your own business?

Let me tell you…

If your bilingual interpreting can be an amazing career in today’s economy.  For decades Immigration into the US has led to a growing number of individuals seeking assistance in immigration settings, medical, and legal settings just to name a few.  Unfortunately, many are unable to speak or understand the English language and therefore require the assistance of a professional, skilled and trained interpreter. 

But – let’s make it CLEAR! They need HELP from a trained interpreter who speaks FLUENTLY both English and their target language, as well as knowing the right terminology in the respected field.

Ever wonder what you need to become a professional interpreter? Well, the first step to becoming a professional interpreter is to make sure you understand the requirements. 

Secondly, if you are seeking to become a certified interpreter then there’s also steps you must take in order to become a medical/legal certified interpreter.  The requirements to start and become certified are different from one to the other, so it’s important you understand the requirements.

There’s many steps you need to follow to become a professional interpreter.

  • Be bilingual (fluent in 2 or more languages)
  • Get trained
  • Decide what business sector you will work in
  • Learn the terminology
  • Get business experience
  • Get experience in that specific field

Check out this video and learn more…

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Paths to starting your career as a professional interpreter

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About Faviola Valencia, the CEO Hustler providing Elite Services 4 You

Faviola Valencia, the CEO Hustler dba Elite Services 4 You has over 20 years of professional business and language experience. 

 

I’ve been providing interpreting, translation, transcription, over the phone interpreting, localization, interpreter training and business coaching services to small businesses, freelancers, entrepreneurs, law firms, government agencies, international corporations and professional organizations just to name a few.  

 

I’m proud to say that I’ve been the company and interpreter of choice for so many years to so many amazing companies and organizations.  If you are ready to Boss Up and Rise and ready to Start and Grow Your business using my same steps, processes and procedures then let’s Chat!