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    Good Governance
    I well remember during my first working visit to Africa, nearly twenty years ago, that on discussing the visible corruption where I was working, a young African said to me, ‘but of course you don’t have any corruption in your country, do you?’ I gently told him, yes we do, but on the whole, there isn’t much publicity about such things.Now we are in the year 2005 with vastly expensive computer systems, layer upon layer of audit and inspection, risk management, good governance and compliance, not to mention Tony and Gordon, and waste, poor management and corruption have been minimized – haven’t they? Well if you have been on holiday on Mars for a while, you might think so, but those of us who operate at ground floor level know that this is just not the case.During the last eighteen months I have carried out several investigations relating to good governance, compliance and fraud. My work has highlighted how easy it is for public and voluntary bodies to become complacent ‘because t
    o prevent any misunderstandings.

    Business Plan
    Once you have gathered all the information you need, you should draw up a Business Plan. Examples of such plans are available at your local Chamber of Commerce, or can be downloaded (for a fee) from the Internet. These specimen copies are structured in such a way that they will assist you in each step of your own Business Plan. One of the main advantages of having a reliable Business Plan is that it will present you with a realistic estimate of the money you will need to get your agency off the ground. If your capital requirements exceed your private budget (and it is quite likely that they will), you will h

    Internet Home Business Secrets That Payoff!
    I can picture you exactly where I was just a few short years ago -- Sitting in another useless meeting organized by a group of senior managers that have a combined IQ less than your own child at 3-months old. Around in circles you go, no progress again today and only those who play the game the best will collect the bigger paychecks - but even they can't outlast this game of roulette can they? Listen - I get asked often, even by my own wife, "why are you so driven!" It's true, these days I am passionate about just about everything I do - especially my internet home business. Why? Is it the thought of a new porsche sitting in my driveway that motivated me to succeed with my internet home business? What about cruising up and down the Pacific Coast in my new yacht? Maybe it's being able to take a dream vacation to Australia and New Zealand? Nope! You guessed wrong. In fact, what motivates me
    There is no shortage of translators who take the plunge and set up shop as self-employed freelancers, but few have the ambition or the spirit to start up their own all-round translation agency. This is not surprising, of course, as the establishment of a full- scale translation agency is a quantum leap compared with what it takes to launch a viable freelance practice. Nevertheless, the intellectual and financial rewards of business ownership can be substantial. Below I will discuss various aspects you will have to take into account should you consider beginning your own professional and all-round translation business.

    All-round translations
    First of all, what is meant, in this particular context, by the term ‘all-round’? Basically, it refers to the scope of your product. As a freelancer your output would be confined to your own language combination and degree of specialisation; as an agency owner you will be able to supply your clients with translations across a whole range of source and target languages and disciplines, including commercial, technical, medical and legal documents. In theory, your range would be limited only by the number of staff you would be prepare to contract.

    Internal organisation
    If you want to establish your own translation company, you would be well advised to find a competent partner first – unless you are willing to hire staff right from the start (which, in most cases, is not a recommendable procedure). Ideally, your business partner should be a person whose qualities are complementary to your own, if only because in such cases the division of tasks is usually quite obvious (and a potential source of conflict is removed). There are good reasons to separate responsibility for product quality (i.e., the quality of the translations) from organisational responsibilities (order processing, account management, etc.). These two roles do not go together very well in practice, and the associated skills are not usually combined within one and the same person anyway.

    Find suitable office accommodation that includes at least two rooms: one library-style room where you can work in peace, and one nerve centre where the business is done. Make sure you have at least three computer workstations (one spare station is no luxury) and an office printer, a telephone switchboard with at least two external lines and a fax. Get yourself a straightforward high-quality accounting programme with a CRM module and document your working methods in detailed systematic procedures.

    Don’t forget to lay down and formalise a number of essential agreements on tasks and responsibilities with your business partner, so as to prevent any misunderstandings.

    Business Plan
    Once you have gathered all the information you need, you should draw up a Business Plan. Examples of such plans are available at your local Chamber of Commerce, or can be downloaded (for a fee) from the Internet. These specimen copies are structured in such a way that they will assist you in each step of your own Business Plan. One of the main advantages of having a reliable Business Plan is that it will present you with a realistic estimate of the money you will need to get your agency off the ground. If your capital requirements exceed your private budget (and it is quite likely that they will), you will h

    What Life Is Really Like As A Limousine Owner And Chauffeur
    Here’s a little insight into what life is like being a limo owner and chauffeur, it isn’t as glamorous as you might expect!At 8.30a.m. you have to start the day, take a nice warm shower and have a shave (it’s considered unprofessional to turn up at a fancy restaurant smelling of last nights dinner!)Then, we have the jobs that no-one wants to do, ever; Pressing a suit, and choosing a tie! Arrive at unit (dressed in very stylish overalls of course! Have to change into my posh suit later)Start the limo, (hoping to have no problems!) back out of the unit first thing walk round the car making sure that everything is pristine and functioning as it should; check the tires, the lights, the oil, the water, the list seems to go on forever (Especially on a Monday morning) !Rinse off the car, wash it, dry it off and finally for the outside, wax it. The amount of time I have to spend making the outside look nice is almost as long as most women spend doing their makeup!Hoo
    what is meant, in this particular context, by the term ‘all-round’? Basically, it refers to the scope of your product. As a freelancer your output would be confined to your own language combination and degree of specialisation; as an agency owner you will be able to supply your clients with translations across a whole range of source and target languages and disciplines, including commercial, technical, medical and legal documents. In theory, your range would be limited only by the number of staff you would be prepare to contract.

    Internal organisation
    If you want to establish your own translation company, you would be well advised to find a competent partner first – unless you are willing to hire staff right from the start (which, in most cases, is not a recommendable procedure). Ideally, your business partner should be a person whose qualities are complementary to your own, if only because in such cases the division of tasks is usually quite obvious (and a potential source of conflict is removed). There are good reasons to separate responsibility for product quality (i.e., the quality of the translations) from organisational responsibilities (order processing, account management, etc.). These two roles do not go together very well in practice, and the associated skills are not usually combined within one and the same person anyway.

    Find suitable office accommodation that includes at least two rooms: one library-style room where you can work in peace, and one nerve centre where the business is done. Make sure you have at least three computer workstations (one spare station is no luxury) and an office printer, a telephone switchboard with at least two external lines and a fax. Get yourself a straightforward high-quality accounting programme with a CRM module and document your working methods in detailed systematic procedures.

    Don’t forget to lay down and formalise a number of essential agreements on tasks and responsibilities with your business partner, so as to prevent any misunderstandings.

    Business Plan
    Once you have gathered all the information you need, you should draw up a Business Plan. Examples of such plans are available at your local Chamber of Commerce, or can be downloaded (for a fee) from the Internet. These specimen copies are structured in such a way that they will assist you in each step of your own Business Plan. One of the main advantages of having a reliable Business Plan is that it will present you with a realistic estimate of the money you will need to get your agency off the ground. If your capital requirements exceed your private budget (and it is quite likely that they will), you will h

    Finding the Appropriate Team
    You must be able to define the ultimate goals and find the holes before you can look for team members to fill the void. Without this definition of where you want to go and what additional services you want to provide, there is not point in adding Power Team members. Establishing the ground rules first and then seeking "partners" is the best route to take. One of the biggest questions that come to mind is where to look for your team members. I have always found team members through looking at my existing clients, people in organizations and leads groups that I am involved with. I never advertise for a team member, they are always referred to me by someone I know. Once you find a potential team member, you will need to do a background check with past customers and also their financial status. This does not mean they have to be making lots of money; it simply means that you should check their credit rating. A healthy credit rating means that they are likely to handle their money well
    artner first – unless you are willing to hire staff right from the start (which, in most cases, is not a recommendable procedure). Ideally, your business partner should be a person whose qualities are complementary to your own, if only because in such cases the division of tasks is usually quite obvious (and a potential source of conflict is removed). There are good reasons to separate responsibility for product quality (i.e., the quality of the translations) from organisational responsibilities (order processing, account management, etc.). These two roles do not go together very well in practice, and the associated skills are not usually combined within one and the same person anyway.

    Find suitable office accommodation that includes at least two rooms: one library-style room where you can work in peace, and one nerve centre where the business is done. Make sure you have at least three computer workstations (one spare station is no luxury) and an office printer, a telephone switchboard with at least two external lines and a fax. Get yourself a straightforward high-quality accounting programme with a CRM module and document your working methods in detailed systematic procedures.

    Don’t forget to lay down and formalise a number of essential agreements on tasks and responsibilities with your business partner, so as to prevent any misunderstandings.

    Business Plan
    Once you have gathered all the information you need, you should draw up a Business Plan. Examples of such plans are available at your local Chamber of Commerce, or can be downloaded (for a fee) from the Internet. These specimen copies are structured in such a way that they will assist you in each step of your own Business Plan. One of the main advantages of having a reliable Business Plan is that it will present you with a realistic estimate of the money you will need to get your agency off the ground. If your capital requirements exceed your private budget (and it is quite likely that they will), you will h

    Belize Incorporation Services
    Belize is a democratic, politically and economically stable Central American country - facts which offer potential investors and companies looking for incorporation services the peace of mind required when it comes to their consideration of the jurisdiction. These business types require special licensing. The country is committed to remaining 100% attractive in terms of its ability to secure the privacy and wealth management of international companies who choose to incorporate and/or bank offshore in Belize. Shareholders and directors can be the same person or corporate entity, there is only one shareholder and director required, they do not need to reside locally in Belize and nominee shareholders and directors can be appointed. Belize international business companies have many benefits and this article provides an overview of the most relevant and pertinent features.Simply put, offshore company incorporation in Belize is not only easy, it is highly effective when it comes to overall t
    e same person anyway.

    Find suitable office accommodation that includes at least two rooms: one library-style room where you can work in peace, and one nerve centre where the business is done. Make sure you have at least three computer workstations (one spare station is no luxury) and an office printer, a telephone switchboard with at least two external lines and a fax. Get yourself a straightforward high-quality accounting programme with a CRM module and document your working methods in detailed systematic procedures.

    Don’t forget to lay down and formalise a number of essential agreements on tasks and responsibilities with your business partner, so as to prevent any misunderstandings.

    Business Plan
    Once you have gathered all the information you need, you should draw up a Business Plan. Examples of such plans are available at your local Chamber of Commerce, or can be downloaded (for a fee) from the Internet. These specimen copies are structured in such a way that they will assist you in each step of your own Business Plan. One of the main advantages of having a reliable Business Plan is that it will present you with a realistic estimate of the money you will need to get your agency off the ground. If your capital requirements exceed your private budget (and it is quite likely that they will), you will h

    Get a Step Ahead of Your Competition on The Executive Job Search - Tips You Need to Know
    So you have been around the block and you think you know everything there is to know about an executive job search. Well guess what we just may have some tips that can help you out and give you some additional information that you may help you land your dream job.If you are striving for career advancement at your current company and it just does not seem to be happening. You know you have the credentials, and you are hard worker and your skills are not paying off in your current environment, sometimes is better off to take your skills to another company.In this article we explore two key things that every executive should know when they go out for an executive job search.Become a MasterIf you are on an executive job search, then obviously you have the skills in your field and will make a viable candidate for most companies. One of the most important things you can do is show that you have mastered all the skills that come along with your job requirements. Companies
    o prevent any misunderstandings.

    Business Plan
    Once you have gathered all the information you need, you should draw up a Business Plan. Examples of such plans are available at your local Chamber of Commerce, or can be downloaded (for a fee) from the Internet. These specimen copies are structured in such a way that they will assist you in each step of your own Business Plan. One of the main advantages of having a reliable Business Plan is that it will present you with a realistic estimate of the money you will need to get your agency off the ground. If your capital requirements exceed your private budget (and it is quite likely that they will), you will have to present a thorough Business Plan to the bank in order to persuade them that your plans will pay off.

    High-quality freelance translator network
    The main asset of any translation agency is obviously its network of reliable translators. Incidentally, you need not be a networking freak to build up such a freelance network. Many freelancers will present themselves to you spontaneously as soon as they get wind of your existence; alternatively, you can actively recruit them and check out CVs on a variety of collective freelance websites, such as Translators Caf? or GoTranslators. The snag is that you will be hard put to appraise a freelancer’s skills if you do not master the language concerned. CV assessment is important, but by no means sufficient: you will need to be able to judge the quality of a freelancer’s actual output before entrusting him or her to your clients!

    To obviate this problem, check your own network of colleagues or friends for highly-educated native speakers of the language concerned, ask several freelancers to submit (free) trial translations, have them assessed and select the two or three most promising freelancers for each language combination you intend to offer. Carefully document the strengths and weaknesses of each selected freelancer and list the specialisations. Note that you won’t get a truly reliable picture of a freelancer’s capacity and skills until he/she has had the opportunity to do several translation jobs for you.

    Once you have a pool of reliable freelance translators for each language combination, you can obviously also ask them to check and assess trial translations submitted by other candidates.

    Another point to bear in mind is that the freelancers you decide to work with should comply with all the requirements imposed by your country’s Tax & Customs Administration. Each freelancer should be able to produce a formal statement, issued by the tax authorities, attesting to his/her status as an independent translator.

    Reliable network of suppliers
    Your freelance translators are obviously your most important suppliers, but the supply network comprises other parties as well that will need to be carefully selected as you will need to use their services on an ongoing basis. These include the bank, the accountant, the printer and the graphic designer.

    Marketing
    Once the internal set-up of your agency is in place, your first priority should be to recruit clients in a systematic manner. For many start-ups in the translation business, this is the most difficult hurdle. Obviously there is a multitude of strategies that can help you attract clients in the business-to-

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