It’s generally believed that the market for language-related services is a niche market.

But that couldn’t be further from the truth. In 2012 the global market for language services is expected to exceed 26 billion euros and this market will continue to expand. Studies by Common Sense Advisory show that the global market for these types of language services will grow annually by 12%. Written translations form the major part of the growth, but directly followed by interpreting services and software localisation.

These figures are based on the regular language related services. But I believe this market can grow even more than the anticipated 12% – if only interpreters are willing to change their way of thinking, their way of working and their way of providing their services. Sounds challenging doesn’t it?

Unfortunately, a lot of interpreters still think that the perfect ‘oral’ translation can only be provided in a face-to-face meeting, with all speakers in the same room. And in their view interpreting via the phone is acceptable, but not ideal.

I would be the first to acknowledge that there are – and there will always be – situations in which face-to-face interpretation is preferable. When a doctor gives a negative diagnosis to the patient, for example, it’s better to have the interpreter close by. But there are also a lot of situations when the physical presence of the interpreter is not necessary. For example:

• A police officer interrogating a foreign suspect can be perfectly helped by an interpreter via Skype

• A businessman meeting his foreign business partner can be perfectly helped by an interpreter via Skype

• A market researcher interviewing his foreign respondent, can be perfectly helped by an interpreter via Skype

In short, there’s a whole new market for interpretation services if you are willing to embrace this new technology and go global. If you are ready for the challenge, then go to our website and fill in the easy and free registration form. It won’t take you more than a few minutes. We make it possible for you to work from any location, for any client!