Here’s a new ProZ.com podcast (see announcement).

This month I interviewed Certified PRO and ProZ.com professional trainer Konstantin Kisin on his upcoming workshops on improving essential business skills. Konstantin’s background in the psychology of communication and human behavior, as well as his extensive experience in the language services industry, give him unique insight as to how freelance translators and interpreters can improve their negotiation skills, be more productive, and achieve a better balance between work and life. These workshops will be held on November 17^th, February 16^th, and March 30^th in the London area: http://www.proz.com/conference/group/8

I begin this interview by asking Konstantin which characteristics make someone an effective negotiator. In his response, Konstantin dispels the notion that a good negotiator must necessarily be tough or confident – but focuses instead on the value of exhibiting what he refers to as “behavioral flexibility.” According to Konstantin, behavioral flexibility is “doing the right thing, at the right time, and for the right reasons.”

Konstantin continues by saying that negotiation skills are essential in allowing freelance translators to put themselves in control of their businesses. These skills are largely what help freelancers determine how much they are paid, when their deadlines will be, and what their working patterns will be like. In short, he explains that negotiation and communication skills are key in fostering successful and healthy relationships with clients.

Later in the interview I ask Konstantin what makes his workshops on productivity different from the rest. He explains that while most productivity courses or training sessions deal with this topic from a general business standpoint, his workshops focus specifically on what freelance translators can do to improve their productivity. As a successful freelance translator himself, Konstantin offers some unique advice focused on what language service providers can do to cut procrastination and be more productive.

Finally, I ask Konstantin to sum up what makes the content of his workshops so valuable for freelance translators and interpreters. He says that, simply put, the topics covered in this three part workshop series are aimed at helping language service providers be in control of their businesses, increase their productivity, and achieve more balance between work and life.

Think these workshops might be right for you? Be sure to check out what others have said about Konstantin’s training courses in the feedback section of the workshop pages:

Negotiation & Communication Skills – Saturday, 17 November 2012

Boost Your Productivity Now! – Saturday, 16 February 2013

Work | Life Balance – Saturday, 30 March 2013

You can listen to the interview here: http://blogproz.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/proz-com-podcast-2012-11-7.wav

I hope you enjoy the podcast. Feedback, comments and suggestions for future podcasts topics can be directed here or via Twitter @ProZcom

Maria

Filed under: events, ProZ.com Tagged: business skills, negotiation, ProZ.com, translation business, translators’ workshops