Resilience in corona times for freelance translators

I've been hearing from freelancers that their clients are disappearing because businesses are closed and I've also seen more posts on social media where freelancers are offering their services. This is very worrying, because disappearing clients of course means loss of income. Now, there isn't a miracle solution, but there are some measures you can take to take a long, hard look at your business and your view on the whole situation.

First, we need to talk about how calm or panicked you are (and everything in between). It's perfectly normal to be concerned about your health and the health of your loved ones, of course, but panic has no use. We can take safety measures to heart, that's the part we can influence, but there are also many aspects we can't influence. Worrying about those aspects is making you feel bad without there being any benefit. Try to resist that by talking to people, focusing your attention work/study/hobbies or distracting yourself with what you find comforting or relaxing.

If your business is also a source of anxiety, please relax. The economy has slowed down, yes, but many companies are continuing work by having their staff work from home. Organisations who offer essential services are obviously still operating as well. There are definitely opportunities to be found as long as you look in the right places. A crisis doesn't hit everyone in the same measure. I'll discuss some things you can try stay upright in this rough sea.

Second, there is the financial aspect. You need to have a clear idea on your financial situation. Take a look at your bank account and see how long you can survive if you wouldn't change anything in your expenses.

Third, look at your costs. Now, we're all spending less because we can't go out and shops are closed. That's no fun, but financially it's an advantage. Look at what there is in both your private and professional costs that may be unnecessary. Do beware to make smart choices though: saving on marketing is not a good idea because you're trying to find clients, for studying/courses/coaching choose well what serves in the long term because there is A LOT out there, and saving on a private expense that gives you comfort might also not be the best thing now things are hard.

Fourth, reaching out to existing clients: when you haven't heard from certain clients for a while, you can reach out but don't try to sell or ask point blank why you're not receiving work. Focus on the long-term relationship by asking how they are doing and how they are weathering this storm. This may not lead to an immediate sale, but they will appreciate it and that could lead to new projects once they are back on their feet.

Fifth, take a good look around at who is still in business or even busier than ever before. Is it possible they might need your services? Be sure to be specific about how you can help considered what they're doing in this crisis when you contact them.

Sixth, give some thought about how the needs on the market may have changed when this is all over. Do you need to adapt your service provision? Can you offer your expertise in a different way? For instance: Zoom calls are very common now, that's not going to disappear when offices are opening again. Will this impact your communication habits from before the crisis? Another example: your clients may need to change their communication or have to cancel international events. Try to find out how they plan to keep the contact with their international partners or clients intact.

Seventh, don't disappear. Some people think that because there is a crisis it's not the right time to do marketing or there's no use to start something new because clients may not have the money to spend. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. Focus on building new connections and keeping old ones alive.

These were my 7 tips for being more resilient in the crisis. If you have any questions or remarks, let me know!

To help people in these tough times, I've also organized Ask Me Anything's: freelancers can send in a question about their freelance business, anything they struggle with in these difficult times, or just life in general, and I'll answer them in public on social media so other people can benefit as well. The offer is still open by the way, so if something is on your mind, drop me a line!

To end with, I feel it's important to offer support to people who are struggling now, but on the other hand, I feel a bit overwhelmed with all the corona posts on social media. I will, next to this article and the Ask Me Anything's, also return to my regular posts without constant references to corona. It's my way to balance things a bit, I hope you understand.