What was, was. It may not have been as bad as people
feared and felt. That is a good omen for 2026. I, like many business
people, did a basic calculation of my numbers for last
year, analyzed the details and attempted to derive some conclusions from them. Clearly, each business has its own narrative and situation. I will
share my key takeaways:
1. AI did not wipe out
the business, translation in my instance. In fact, my invoiced total increased almost
8%. Although it felt there were far too many slow months, I cannot complain.
The landscape changed but it is not a post-nuclear apocalypse.
2. Speaking of AI, like
Covid, it has transformed the business world but its effects are far from
omnipresent. Specifically, people still have an effective choice to use or
ignore AI, just as many people led perfectly normal lives without cellular
phones for at least a decade. Some professionals have embraced AI to one degree
or another while others ignore it by choice. There is still sufficient room for
both groups. In translation, AI has not replaced other machine translation
models, merely becoming one of the options. Its use in freelancer business
management is still developing.
3. Having stated that
my revenues actually increased, the relative importance of various services and
niches changed this year. Some previously regular clients and work decreased signficantly but new niches compensated for the drop. The key to survival is the
readiness to explore new opportunities and supplemental services. While it is
never optimal to equate previous success to future possibilities, in today’s
extremely dynamic market, it is dangerous.
4. In trying to remain
relevant, it is important to seek and take advantage of marketing
opportunities, i.e., never stop searching for new business. For example, this
week, I am attending a speed marketing event (first time) in Jerusalem. I have
no idea whether it will lead to new business but it is vital to make the
effort. Marketing is a long-term process and requires consistent effort. Attend
conferences of peers and target customers. For translators and interpreters,
the Israel Translator Conference in Tel Aviv will occur on February 16-18 and will be available online. I suggest you check out the program. Opportunity comes those that
seek it out, as Mr. Buffet said.
5. Certain essential
elements of a service business do not change. Prompt and professional service
and communication remain the keys to long-term consumers. Customers prefer to
buy from pleasant and capable people.
As the French said, until 1789 at least, le Roi est
mort. Vive le Roi, which in English comes out “The King is dead. Long live
the King”. 2025 is over. For some, that is quite fortunate. Every business had
its challenges and can learn from them. It is now time to make 2026 a
successful year. May its reign be well remembered.
