The Reflection Room: More Than Just a Hustle with Corinne McKay

Welcome back to the Reflection Room everyone . Today we're kind of rewinding , going back to season seven of Brand the Interpreter and revisiting an episode that had a lot of , like , really practical advice . So we're going to be diving into Corinne McKay and she had just some really incredible insights from her journey as a seasoned translator and interpreter .

Yeah , I mean it's really interesting to hear her story . And she combines , you know that love for language , but then also the really savvy business skills that you need to thrive as a freelancer .

Yeah , it's almost like her early dream of becoming a poet kind of set the stage for her eventual success in the business world .

Totally , and you know it's interesting to think about how much the industry has changed , even from when she started out , Like she was actually discouraged by a professor who thought computers would replace translators .

Wow yeah , talk about a misconception .

Yeah .

But it speaks to her resilience that she not only persevered but , like , carved out this thriving career and , you know , especially considering she took the plunge into full time freelancing right after her daughter was born .

Oh , wow . Imagine cold calling agencies with a baby on your lap . That takes serious dedication .

Definitely .

You know . Her story really , I think , underscores the importance of marketing yourself effectively , especially in today's landscape . Absolutely , it's so competitive .

Yeah , and Corinne's philosophy is like to market every second . You don't have paying work . So it's that proactive approach that can make all the difference .

It's such a stark contrast to how you know some of the older professionals might have entered the field . You know back when it was more word of mouth and a simple business card were enough .

Yeah .

Today it's all about , you know , building a strong online presence , reaching out to clients directly .

And speaking of direct clients , Corinne had this brilliant strategy of targeting immigration law firms .

Okay .

And it's just a perfect example of finding your niche and becoming that go-to expert in a specific area .

Yeah , this really highlights the steps involved in finding your ideal clients Right . It starts with identifying what you're truly good at than researching and contacting potential clients within that specialization .

Yeah .

And Corinne . You know she stresses the importance of crafting concise emails that clearly demonstrate your value .

She even suggests keeping those emails under 125 words . You know , it's about making every word count and leaving that lasting impression .

Yeah , it's about shifting from that spam mentality to a service mindset .

Yeah .

Instead of bombarding everyone with generic messages , focus on how your skills can solve the client-specific problems .

Yeah . So instead of saying here's what I do , it's saying here's how I can help you .

Exactly .

It's subtle , but it's a powerful shift in perspective .

Yeah , and this ties in nicely with Corinne's advice on networking you know , joining professional associations like the Colorado Translators Association or the American Translators Association .

Right .

These provide invaluable support and guidance .

She actually credits those associations with helping her navigate the early stages of her career and connect with other professionals .

Yeah , it's like having a built in network of mentors and colleagues .

Right .

Who understand the unique challenges and rewards of the field .

And don't underestimate the power of strategic volunteering . Oh interesting , corrine gave this example of an educational interpreter who wanted to work with Spanish speaking families and she suggested , you know , maybe partnering with a speech therapist offering webinars , making those resources accessible to a wider audience .

That's a brilliant idea . I mean what a great way to showcase your skills while simultaneously making a positive impact .

Exactly so smart yeah .

Yeah , it's a fantastic example of you know offering your skills in a service oriented way and how that can open up you know opportunities .

Right , it all comes back to that idea of being useful and solving problems for your clients . But Corinne's insights go beyond just marketing and networking . She also delved into , you know , the nitty gritty of running a successful freelance business .

Yeah , and one key area she highlighted there was the importance of personal branding . You know , in today's digital world , your online presence is essentially your storefront . Yeah , when potential clients Google your name , what do they find ?

Exactly , it's not just about having a website , it's about creating that cohesive and professional online identity . Yeah , corinne stressed the importance of having , even having , a professional headshot .

Right . All of those elements work together to establish you as a credible and trustworthy expert .

Right .

It's about showing potential clients that you take your business seriously .

And she didn't just stop at appearances . She also gave some really practical tips for optimizing your LinkedIn profile .

Okay .

She suggested highlighting your unique skills and accomplishments using keywords that your target audience might be searching for , and even reaching out for recommendations from satisfied clients .

Oh , that's a good one .

Yeah .

Yeah , because those testimonials can be so persuasive for someone who's , you know , trying to decide whether to hire you Right . It's like a social proof that you deliver on your promises .

And let's not forget the power of engagement .

Right .

Corinne emphasized the importance of actively participating on LinkedIn , commenting on posts , sharing relevant articles , joining industry groups .

It's all about , you know , building relationships and positioning yourself as a valuable contributor .

Yeah .

It's a way to stay top of mind and show potential clients that you're not just another name in a directory , but that you're an active and engaged professional .

But building a successful freelance business isn't just about attracting clients . It's also about managing them effectively .

Right .

And Corrine had some fantastic advice on setting boundaries and managing client expectations .

Yeah , this is where things get really crucial .

Yeah .

You know , freelancing offers flexibility but it also requires discipline . You need to establish clear boundaries from the start to avoid burnout and maintain those healthy client relationships .

One of her top tips was to always have a written contract Right that clearly outlines the scope of the work , deadlines , payment terms .

Right . It might seem formal , but it protects both you and the client from misunderstandings .

Exactly Down the road . It sets clear expectations and ensures that everyone is on the same page from day one . I like that Exactly On the road . It sets clear expectations and ensures that everyone is on the same page from day one .

I like that , yeah , being on the same page .

Corinne also recommended establishing clear communication channels and sticking to them .

Okay .

So you know , if you prefer to communicate via email , make that clear up front .

Right . It's about managing those expectations and preventing situations where clients are constantly , you know , trying to reach you by phone or text .

Right .

Outside of agreed upon hours .

And sometimes setting boundaries means learning to say no . Corinne emphasized the importance of turning down projects that don't align with your expertise or availability .

Yeah , that can be tough , especially when you're starting out eager to take on any project that comes your way .

Yeah , but , as Corrine pointed out , saying yes to everything can lead to overwhelm and ultimately lower the quality of your work . Right , she used a great analogy Think of yourself as a jar .

Okay .

And each project is a rock . Okay , you can only fit so many rocks in the jar before it overflows .

Yeah , that's a good one .

It's a powerful reminder that we have finite time and energy .

I like that .

And speaking of time and energy , Corinne had some excellent advice on managing those precious resources .

Okay .

It all comes down to being organized and prioritizing tasks effectively .

She suggested creating a dedicated workspace to help you separate your professional and personal life . This can be as simple as having a designated desk or a room where you can focus on work without distractions .

It's about creating a mental shift as much as a physical one . Right , it helps signal to your brain that it's time to work Exactly when you're in that space .

Yeah .

Corinne also recommended using tools and systems to streamline your workflow . Yeah , Corinne also recommended using tools and systems to streamline your workflow . This might include project management software , time tracking apps or cloud-based storage solutions .

It's about finding what works best for you and help you stay on top of your deadlines and deliverables .

And once you have those systems in place , it's all about prioritizing tasks and focusing on the most important items first .

Right Don't get bogged down in busy work . Right Identify the tasks that will have the biggest impact on your business and tackle those first .

And for all the list makers out there . Corinne is a big fan of the to-do list .

Oh yeah .

She suggested breaking down large projects into smaller , more manageable tasks .

Right , that can make them feel less overwhelming .

Yeah .

Classic time management technique , but it's effective for a reason it helps you break down those daunting projects into bite-sized pieces that you can tackle one step at a time .

And when it comes to managing your time , Corrine is all about scheduling .

Okay .

She recommended blocking out specific time slots for different tasks , whether it's client work , marketing , administrative tasks or even personal time .

Right . It's about being intentional with your time and making sure that you're allocating enough time for all the important aspects of your work and life .

Yeah , and it helps you avoid overcommitting , which can lead to stress and missed deadlines .

Speaking of deadlines , Corinne stressed the importance of setting realistic ones and avoiding the temptation to say yes to everything .

Right .

It's better to under-promise and over-deliver than to disappoint clients by setting unrealistic expectations .

And finally , Corinne reminded us to take care of ourselves .

Oh , that's important .

She emphasized the importance of taking regular breaks throughout the day to prevent burnout and maintain focus .

That sounds counterintuitive , but sometimes stepping away from your work for a few minutes each hour can actually increase your productivity .

It allows your brain to rest and recharge , which can lead to greater creativity and focus when you return to your work . Yeah , it's like hitting the reset button for your productivity . It allows your brain to rest and recharge , which can lead to greater creativity and focus when you return to your work .

Yeah , it's like hitting the reset button for your brain . Corrine also talked about the importance of having a supportive community , especially as a freelancer Right you know , connecting with other freelancers , whether online or in person , can provide a sense of camaraderie , shared experiences and valuable advice .

Yeah , it's so easy to feel isolated when you're working from home .

Right .

So having that network of people who understand the unique challenges and rewards of freelancing can be a game changer .

Absolutely . Sharing those challenges and successes with others can be incredibly validating and empowering .

Yeah .

It reminds you that you're not alone in this journey .

Corinne's insights on building a sustainable and fulfilling freelance career go beyond just the practicalities of running a business Right . She really emphasized the importance of mindset and resilience .

That's so key . Freelancing is a roller coaster ride with its share of exhilarating highs and challenging lows . Right , you need to develop the mental fortitude to navigate those ups and downs .

She had some great tips for staying motivated even when faced with setbacks .

Yeah

One thing that stuck with me was her advice to celebrate your wins , no matter how small .

It's easy to get caught up in the never-ending to-do list and forget to acknowledge our accomplishments . Taking a moment to appreciate those wins whether it's landing a new client or simply making it through a tough week can boost your morale and fuel your motivation .

It's a reminder that you're making progress , even when it feels like you're stuck in a rut .

Right .

And , speaking of progress , corinne also stressed the importance of focusing on your long-term goals .

Yeah , why did you start freelancing in the first place ? Right ? What are you working towards ?

Keeping those goals in mind can provide a sense of purpose and direction , even when faced with obstacles . Totally , and let's face it , rejection is a part of the freelance world .

It is .

Corinne had a really interesting perspective on dealing with it . Okay , she encouraged viewing rejection as an opportunity to learn and refine your approach .

Oh , interesting .

So , instead of dwelling on the no , she suggests analyzing what might have contributed to it . Okay , was your pitch not compelling enough ? Did you target the wrong audience ? Could you have improved your proposal ?

Yeah , it's about turning those rejections into valuable learning experiences .

And perhaps most importantly , Corinne emphasized the importance of not taking rejection personally . Oh , that's hard . It's easy to internalize those no's and start doubting your abilities .

Yeah .

But remember , rejection is often a matter of fit , timing or other factors outside of your control .

Right .

Don't let it derail your confidence or dampen your enthusiasm .

Yeah , embrace it as part of the journey and keep moving forward .

Speaking of moving forward . One of the most inspiring takeaways from Corinne's episode was her emphasis on continuous learning and growth .

She actually shared a story about how she decided to learn simultaneous interpreting later in her career , even though she initially thought it was too late . Wow , it was a big challenge , but it ultimately opened up exciting new opportunities and brought her to a new level of fulfillment .

It's a powerful reminder that it's never too late to learn new skills and expand your horizons . Freelancing is a journey of continuous growth and evolution .

Absolutely , and that's a perfect note to end on . Corinne's journey and her insights are a testament to the power of combining passion , skill and a dedication to continuous learning .

Huge thank you to Corinne McKay for sharing her wisdom and experience on Brand , the Interpreter , and thank you all for joining us in the Reflection Room today .

Yes , thank you .

We hope this rewind has sparked some new ideas and inspired you to embrace the possibilities of your own freelance journey .