Translations That Kill

Many different companies and industries rely on translation to help provide added value and better service to their customers and clients.

These translations are critical to both the companies that use them, as well as the customers that rely on those translations for information. As such, professionals who understand the role of translation and why it is so important must do translations with the utmost care.

One of the industries that must rely on precise translations for their clients is the medical field and that is why qualified professionals must do medical Spanish translations.

Medical translators translate a wide variety of medical literature, including everything from brochures about medicine to invoices and patient notices. In addition, there are many times when translators are asked to interpret for patients who are visiting with nurses and doctors. In all these instances, it is critical for the hospital or doctor's office to find someone that is professionally qualified because if not, these translations can kill.

So how can a person prepare to become a professional medical translator or interpreter? The best way is to take classes or earn a certificate or degree in the profession.

There are many schools and institutes all over the world that offer this kind of training and it is mainly just a matter of finding one that is close to where you are.

I did a bit of research on the Internet a couple of weeks ago and was able to find some resources of available medical certification programs in the United States that you might be interested in:

1. www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/is/spanmedical/details.phtml
2. www.butrain.com/cpe/interpreter-translator-ovrview.asp
3. www.harvardpilgrim.org/portal/page?_pageid=213,193564&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL
4. www.cccsorg.com/training/index.html (not really a certification, but it is training nonetheless)
5. www.cambridgecollege.edu/academics/programs_ug.cfm (click on medical interpreter training)

Some companies believe that they it is too much of a bother to find a professional translation services, but in the end, they will be much better off by doing so. By preparing yourself as a qualified professional, you can take advantage of this opportunity and find additional work as a translator.

Clint Tustison is a translator interested in helping other translators improve their businesses. His website, http://www.spanish-translation-help.com Spanish-translation-help.com is filled with information helpful to translators regarding the translation industry, and his free monthly newsletter, Translator Techniques, has tips and techniques for translators.

10 Effective Tips for Promoting Your Medical Transcription Business

Looking to build your existing MT business or just starting out? These marketing tips will give you some good ideas for finding new clients.

Promotion Letter ? A very effective way of landing accounts. Send out a promotion letter to all your local medical offices describing your services. And follow it up a few days later with a personal phone call.

Freebies and Giveaways ? Give away a certain amount of services for free, such as a free sample transcript or a discount for a certain amount of work. Tell clients about your giveaways in all your advertising material.

Flyers ? Flyers are great for marketing a medical transcription business. Distribute them to doctor?s offices, hospitals, clinics, social workers or any other targeted customers.

Business Cards ? Carry them with you wherever you go and give them out as necessary. Use proper business card etiquette. Always ask for a business card in return and don?t just stick the card in your purse or wallet. Glance at it a few seconds to show the person you are interested in them.

Magnetic Signs ? Place a magnetic sign or bumper sticker on your car. Make it short but effective so people will remember you. Include your website address and/or contact details on it. Remember it will be easier for people to remember a catchy .com website address than a phone number. Not everyone will have pen and paper handy.

Pens or Other Tokens ? Pens, mouse pads, mugs, t-shirts or other small tokens with your business name and details on them is an inexpensive and effective marketing tactic. Pens, mouse pads and mugs work especially well in the MT field. Your business name will be displayed in busy medical offices and hospitals for potential clients to see.

Charitable Acts ? Support a local charity in return for exposure. Choose a medical related charity for targeted exposure, such as cancer awareness or heart charities. You?ll raise funds for needy charities and feel good about yourself in the process.

Ask for Referrals ? Don?t be shy about asking for referrals from current clients. If you?ve provided a good service for them, they will be happy to spread the word about you in return. Ask if they would please pass out some business cards to their colleagues for you.

Network, Network, Network ? Find other local MTs and network with them. The key to network is not to go out with a ?what?s in it for me? mentality. Genuinely make friends and help others wherever you can and people will do the same for you in return.

The Phone Power Hour ? Set aside an hour every day or every few days of uninterrupted time and make this your phone power hour. Pull up a list of local potential customers and start calling them. If you?re a bit nervous at first, write down what you would like to say. Follow up with potential customers you?ve sent letters to or potential marketing partners. Use this hour to expand your networking opportunities as well.

That?s it, 10 easy, affordable and effective ways to start spreading the word about your MT business. With a little practice you?ll be well on your way to finding new clients.

Mila Sidman is an experienced MT and owner of www.AskTheMT.com - an informative website dedicated to answering all your medical transcription questions.