The snowdrops
are out! How I love seeing their little bell-like heads shining above the dark
soil. We have several different kinds of snowdrop in our little cottage garden,
each one prettier than the next. Snowdrops mark the beginning of what I think
is England’s most beautiful season – spring. Years of living in continental
climates have really taught me to appreciate the long, drawn-out British
spring, where we seem to move slowly from the blooming of one gorgeous flower
to the next – snowdrops, daffodils, bluebells and apple blossom, roses…
But I get ahead
of myself. We’re still in February, which is not just the month of snowdrops,
but also – if you want to believe what the card and flower industries tell us –
the month of love and St. Valentine’s Day. So for this month’s post, I thought
I would write a kind of love letter to those people without whom I could not do
the job I love doing – yes, that’s right, I’m talking about clients!
A love letter to my clients
So why do my
clients deserve a love letter?
Because they are interesting: When I set up my business, I made a conscious choice about the kind
of work I wanted to do and the kind of people I wanted to work with. (After
all, as a business owner you get to call the shots!) So I have been lucky
enough to work with some fascinating people from all over the globe – scholars,
researchers, artists, writers, journalists. And through translating and editing
their work I am able to gain insight into their interests and passions.
Because they give me an opportunity to learn: Why work with people who don’t challenge you and help you to grow?
It’s not my idea of fulfilling work at any rate! The texts and the kind of work
that my clients provide me with is constantly broadening my horizons and
forcing me to “think outside the box” (I don’t really like that phrase, but it
fits here). I have learnt huge amounts of fascinating stuff through them – some
of which has made me change the way I view and do things in my own life.
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| Illustrations © C.A. Hiley |
Because they appreciate what I do: Last but not least, all of us like to be recognised for the work we
do. I am lucky enough that most of my clients really appreciate the work I do
for them and let me know it (and let others know it too!). Getting an
appreciative email or card really makes my day! In fact, I often print these
messages out and put them up round my work space to remind myself of my
clients’ awesomeness and why my work is great.
So, dear
clients, this is why you are getting this love letter from me! Thanks for being
such wonderful people and please keep on doing the wonderful work that you do!
Fellow
translators and business folks, let’s share the love – what are the things you
love about your clients? I’d love (there’s that word again…) to hear them!
