One of the things I love most about mentoring is the opportunity to give back. I’ve built my business over the decades, and it’s so satisfying to help others avoid the pitfalls I’ve encountered along the way and fast-track their progress.
I was thrilled to receive an email recently from one of my mentoring clients, who I’ve been supporting as she builds her specialist interpreting agency, thanking me for my support in securing a €500,000 procurement contract.
This client has worked so hard to increase her visibility, build her profile and pursue opportunities – and it’s fantastic to see her tenacity (and her investment in mentoring) pay off.
It reminds me of the 2% mindset concept, popularised by the US author Michael Easter.
The figure comes from a study that found only 2% of people take the stairs when an escalator is also available, but Easter’s research revealed that the concept applies far more widely.
His conclusion was that only 2% of people would choose the harder option with a greater long-term benefit if there were an easier option.
Applying the 2% mindset to building a business means being willing to choose small, momentary discomforts that most people avoid: having the awkward conversation, making the bold ask, putting yourself out there, showing up consistently when it would be easier to stay quiet.
My client is doing exactly that – and her willingness to step out of her comfort zone is now paying dividends.
If you’re an interpreter reading this and thinking, “I want more clients, but I’m not sure what to do next,” I can help you create an action plan that draws on my real-world experience building an interpreting business, but is tailored to your particular situation. I can also support you to put it into practice, including gently nudging you to step out of your comfort zone when required!