Ask HN: I cannot afford to scale…

That's exactly what I am doing. Translation agencies nearly always operate by employing freelance translators. All of my translators are freelance (though have all gone through my trainings and we enjoy a very close relationship during the work day via Skype). My job is business (and everything that goes with it), project management, development (xib customization), QA and proof reader. I'm "doing" too much, but like I said, can't afford the time / money at the moment to get someone else on board.

outsource it.

http://mygengo.com should sort you out.

you still take on clients, you just won't be the one doing all the translation yourself. your role will be more of a project manager / QA role. should be easier to scale.

Speaking as someone going through the process of commoditising at a fixed price what is traditionally a very variable price service business, my biggest piece of advice is figure out how to be profitable at one type of job in this space, systemise and do only that, and say not to everything else.

Once you're profitable at that one type of job ("type" here could be size of app, type of client, whatever) you can repeat the process. Rome wasn't built in a day and you don't have to cater to everyone immediately.

Work out how you can automate each step, but most importantly the qualification step that will tell you if the client is a profitable one for your process or not.

Once you've done this, you'll find it easier to outsource each part of the process.

Hi Guys,

Thanks for all the answers so far - much much appreciated. A few points I should clear up.

1) I do outsource translation. I work closely with a group of freelance translators who I interviewed back in January when I started up. I wish I could speak 20 languages, but I don't ;-)

2) Running a business unfortunately isn't just Project Management and Project QA. There's also finances, marketing, the website to maintain. Certain things can be outsourced, and I have for the smaller jobs.

3) I am happy to make some investments to improve long term returns. Indeed, I didn't pay myself last month to pay for a few improvements. Not ideal when you have rent, but sometimes sacrifices have to be made and I'm ok with that.

4) After reading your comments I'm a little less nervous about increasing prices. I worry, of course I do, that'll I'll be too expensive. Pricing is definitely something I am learning, it isn't easy.

What do you guys think about partnering with someone? Perhaps taking on a junior partner so we can work together towards common aim of Applingua… Is this ever a good idea?

You answered your own question.

"I don't charge enough."

Tada. Fix that.