How do you want to manage your translation projects?
As one of the oldest language service providers (LSPs) in the nation, we’ve seen our fair share of management styles when it comes to translation projects. While there are many variations, the two types of clients that we typically see are the Engaged Emily’s and the Detached Danny’s.
This article takes a look at the attributes of both translation management styles and how BURG works with each type to ensure quality translations.
Engaged Emily
This type of client prefers to be involved at every stage of a translation project. And at BURG, we welcome the participation. If you’re an Engaged Emily managerial type, you are probably highly organized and involved in every aspect of your projects. You strive to know the status of all your projects and probably use project management software to track where a given project is at any given time. As well as being highly organized, you keep the lines of communication open to track project progress and to nip potential project issues in the bud before they become game stoppers.
When we work with Emily, we strive to provide open communication. Her translation account manager ensures she always knows where we are in a translation project, and if we have questions that need answering before we proceed, they’ll be asked immediately so we can stay on track.
Our project management software logs each translation as its own project, and sets milestones, assigns translators and editors, and keeps the client apprised of the project status. This process helps us to ensure that our Engaged Emily clients are happy with the translation project progress throughout all of its stages.
Detached Danny
On the other side of this spectrum are the Detached Danny’s. This type of client may not have the time to be an active participant in the translation process, or just doesn’t have interest in translation work. Danny simply wants it done, and done right the first time. BURG has processes in place to give our Detached Danny clients quality translations without the need for them to be too involved.
During our initial onboarding meeting with this type of client we ask questions to determine what the right amount of communication should be. Since we don’t want to send Danny reports and updates if he doesn’t want them, we will mutually agree to what he needs to ensure the progression of the project. For example, does he want weekly reports, or just an update when we hit a milestone or encounter questions?
Although we limit communication with Danny-type of clients, we always make sure that they are aware of any regulations or requirements that are needed for translations in their industry. This helps us help Detached Danny’s to succeed — whether entering new markets, or in a highly regulated industry like law or healthcare — Detached Danny knows it will be done right.
Translation projects can be complex, and we understand that sometimes there are multiple people on your team that need to be involved and review the document. Given the spectrum of client types, BURG has the processes in place to communicate with you as much or as little as you want. Regardless of your managerial style, our goal is to deliver quality translation in a timely manner.
If you’d like to learn more about how BURG Translations helps you ensure high quality translations, contact us today.
