Things You'll Need:
- Flexibility
- Professional demeanor
- Trusted colleagues
- Business ethics
- Website
- Mobile e-mail and phone
- Credentials--education and/or certification
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Step 1
Finding independently-minded interpreters eager to form a cooperative network is the easiest step. When the network operates on "Cooperation over Competition", everyone feels secure sharing resources without risk of an opportunist starting an agency, monopolizing clients, or price gouging. Members should either contribute private practice contacts, or a willingness to adopt the open model. Exchange e-mail addresses, or form a listserv. If you cannot trust everyone at first, or in time remove certain members from your personal list, this is fine! The network regulates itself, and you make referrals from among the changing pool as you see fit.
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Step 2
When you receive a request directly from a client but are unable to accept, ask their permission to refer it to your colleagues. Transcribe the logistics, just as you would if you were personally confirmed on the job. Send these details out to members of your network who are geographically and professionally the best match, or to the entire group if that is appropriate. Instruct them to contact the requester directly to follow up with logistics and paperwork.
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Step 3
When an interpreter confirms an assignment, they post an "all-clear" to the group, or to the individual who initiated the referral. This depends on whether it was offered in an open forum, or on a BCC: e-mail distribution. Even after an assignment has been filled, interpreters can respond directly to requesters to introduce themselves and offer their services for upcoming opportunities. Eventually, clients develop custom in-house lists, and every assignment will not need to go before the masses.
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Step 4
Never worry about losing business if you share opportunities with others. When you introduce clients to new interpreters, you become a valuable resource for both, and your name recognition will grow. To keep your conduit open with a customer, follow up to make sure the assignment has been filled, offer positive feedback about your colleague who will be working with them, and invite them to contact you next time.
