Ways to obtain social media success

It is always important to keep your brand up to date, and elements of this include having a fresh, relevant website and a strong presence on social media. I am looking forward to updating my website over the next few months and I hope that you enjoy its new look and content.

I recently chatted with some newly qualified interpreter colleagues who confessed that they neither had Linked In accounts, nor websites. Social media for me has been a gradual learning curve, and in many ways I am fortunate as it is an area that has grown as my business has grown. For those entering the industry, newly qualified, it must appear quite a daunting prospect to set themselves up effectively and market themselves on these platforms.

I am always happy to share knowledge and guide new interpreters in this industry, and would be glad to talk about what I have learned and what works for me with those who are starting their careers. My new interpreter friends asked if I might run a course for them, but I think this might be taking it too far! I am, however, so grateful for all I learned from my mentors over the years, and am very keen to do the same for the next generation, so a (free!) conversation or guidance in social media for those starting out would be something I’d always be happy to offer.

Using social media for me has been a real journey and at times I admit I have struggled, but I thought this might be a good opportunity to share a few easy step by step instructions for those new to social media to enable them to gain the confidence to embrace it. I hope these are helpful.

1. Observe the platforms for a while, see what others post and how people comment.

2. Take the bull by the horns and post something. It doesn’t have to be an essay – it can just be a comment on something you’ve read, or a topic that you are thinking about – but the key is to make it relevant and interesting.

3. Read any responses and make sure you comment and connect with those who respond.

4. Find your tribe! Post, comment and connect with others as much as you wish. Make posts interesting and link to people who interest you or whose work is relevant to your own, so you have a definite audience! The more active you are on Linked In and other sites, the more visible you will be.

5. Some clients view Instagram and Linked In almost like a resumé, and they will expect to see your presence on these. It is almost suspicious if you cannot be found on them!

Along with activity on social media, I would also recommend creating your own website, buying a corporate email address, and owning your own domain – these actions all show that you’re serious about your business. It isn’t costly to set up a website and email, but it makes a valuable statement that you are a professional and you take your work seriously.

I am so looking forward to having my website refreshed with new content and navigation to help new and existing clients find out more about my offers, skills and experience quickly and easily.

It is great to keep current and relevant and show my most recent work at the forefront.

An extraordinary European Works Council Meeting in Dublin

Dublin is one of those cities which always thrills me with its joyful spirit and energy. I have been there many times before, but with such a long break from travel I had forgotten how fabulous it can be.

My recent visit there interpreting for a European Works Council (EWC) meeting was something rather out of the ordinary, however, as we were treated to an amazing week seeing some sights that I won’t ever forget.

On arrival, I was finally able to catch up with some colleagues I had not seen for some time. When working, I often see some colleagues more frequently than others as particular language pairings are requested more often. For this EWC meeting there were between eight and ten interpreters present, so it was brilliant to see some faces I’d not seen in real life for ages!

Interpreting for a conference is hard work! We often interpret in pairs as the concentration levels can be rather exhausting, and for this conference we were also required to interpret using whispered interpretation during the dinner events too. It was lovely to be given the delicious dinner alongside our clients, but sadly it is impossible to interpret and eat!

On the Wednesday we were all taken to Slane Castle for a tour and dinner. All I can say is, wow, what an incredible treat that was!

The owner of the castle, Alex Conyngham, greeted us all with champagne and canapes, and we were captured by his recounting of the history of the castle. We were in good company, with bands including U2, Metallica and the Rolling Stones having held sell-out concerts there in the past on the vast rolling grounds behind the castle. As the sun set on the castle the sight was truly spectacular!

Sitting down for dinner in the exquisite King George IV’s Ballroom, a beautiful Neo-Gothic ballroom looked upon by walls of wonderful historical portraits and accompanied by a harpist, made a wonderful evening I will never forget!

I do feel very lucky to have a job which offers such unique opportunities.