The New Karen Communications Consultancy Blog

Karen Communications Consultancy Blog

Have you seen the blogs on my new website? The new series is beginning with Christmas blogs on a botanical theme, having recently completed my MSc in Plant Diversity. The plants have been deliberately chosen to show the diversity of the world's plants rather than merely repeat the standard range of Advent plant choices.

As well as showcasing the beauty of plants, my content strategy also highlights some of the serious topics on plants this Christmas. For example, climate change and plant blindness are very much to the fore this December.

Link to the blog with details of some of the individual content below:
https://karencommunicationsconsultancy.wordpress.com 

2018 Botanical Advent Blogs

Links to the first five posts on my new blog and venture for Karen Communications Consultancy are below:

Holly for all Seasons

Common or European Holly, Ilex aquifolium

Holly often only gets noticed at Christmas.
Gardeners and missing berries.
Holly works hard all year supporting local biodiversity.

Rehabilitating a Rotten Fruit

Common Medlar, Mespilus germanica

A unique fruit that is eaten 'rotten'.
Winter fruit valued in past, now out of fashion.
Does it have local potential due to climate change?
Shakespearean tale of mistaken identity, origin and unexpected new sibling.

Mahonia for Winter Sunshine

Oregon Grape, Mahonia aquifolium and other Mahonia species

Botanical classification, winter colour and fruits.
Value as a medicinal plant in both Chinese and Western medicine.

A Christmas Aspen Tale

(European) Aspen, Populus tremula

British folklore and botanical details on the quivering Aspen.
Native species as opposed to the North American Aspen, Populus tremuloides.

Fragrant Winter Daphne 

Daphne genus with a particular focus on Daphne bholua.
Valued for its fragrance and beautiful winter colour range.
Protected medicinal and poisonous plant.
Discussion of climate response, plant blindness, labelling, etc.






The new website is still in development. Feedback is welcome on what works and what needs improvement. What features do you like? What information or services would you like to see?

In the meantime, enjoy the approach to the Festive Season.

Best wishes for the end of 2018 and a great 2019.
Karen


NB:
Clarifying my Surname
I prefer to just be called Karen by everyone. I tend to write in my maiden name of Andrews. Netto remains my legal name. My apologies if this causes digital confusion. I am one and the same person. I've put both surnames together for the time being on the new blog.

There's an Australian MP who shares my first name and maiden name and it's hard to compete digitally with her. Netto seems to send everyone to the wrong country and language combination. It's a Portuguese or Brazilian Portuguese name in origin, but most French speakers think it makes me Italian. I am 100% British with a lot of Welsh and English ancestry, some Scottish ancestry and one great-grandmother who was born in Jersey.

I'm pleased to be one of that rare British species who loves other countries' languages. I speak, write and translate French. I also have varying fluency levels and understanding of German, Italian and Spanish.

2017 Top 10 Blog Posts

As the end of 2017 is fast approaching, let’s recap on the year’s most popular blogs as we did in 2015 and 2016. 

2017 has proved a quieter year for blogging - especially when compared with my exceptionally busy year of 2016. The year's writing still resulted in some very popular blogs with readers judging by my analytics. Event blogs remained popular. They were beaten by a number of other blog subjects this year. The early year blogs were the most popular. The cultural blogs of 2016 seemed somewhat dampened by Brexit.

I have remarked on a number of occasions that clients are not interested in translation. I therefore try to engage them via cultural aspects or by illustrating important considerations using another subject - e.g. boat industry safety, ice skating, art, etc. As a number of these blogs appear in the top 10 below, I consider that this strategy is working. Blogs raise a freelancer's profile and go on working for you when you are busy. Old blogs are revisited frequently. That was certainly the case for this year's No. 1.

Top Blogs

1. French v. British Cultural Debate
Summary of a French Chamber of Great Britain debate that took place at the French Ambassador's Residence in London. It centred on the differences between French and British business approaches and education. 

Every time Brexit discussions became tricky, the visits to this blog seemed to increase. Analytics reveal around 3,500 views - not bad for a freelancer's blog.

Post from 25 January 2017

2. A Bubble about to Burst?

Summary of the FIT President's Presentation at the University of Bristol in the presence of the Chair of GALA and a former Chair of the ITI. There was much discussion on the night and following the event - especially about hype affecting the translation industry.

Post from 16 February 2017

3. Video for SMEs

Review of Guardian Masterclass on Video production and editing by Rosenblum TV - and my experiences of putting what I learnt into practice afterwards.

Post from 10 January 2017

4. Boat Show Quality Translated

This could be considered number 2 if I combined all the viewings for the French and German versions too. An example of trying to explain translation issues to clients using safety and quality considerations from another field.

Salon nautique : comment se traduit la qualité ?

Bootsausstellung: Qualität übersetzt

Post from 13 January 2017

5. Virtual Reality as an Art Form
This high entry surprised me. Art is a field that interests French clients. However, the subject is relevant to considerations on artistry and innovative tools in the translation industry. The possibilities are only just beginning. Real excitement tinged with concerns as with any new field.

Post from 12 January 2017

6. Is Speech Technology Unstoppable?
A blog inspired by a webinar on speech technology by TAUS. This is probably the most controversial subject matter and approach of the year. However, given how the year has developed with President Trump and North Korea, etc, the concerns seem even more relevant. The technologists have been dictating the direction of the translation industry for some time, it is time for the human-centred counterrevolution.

Post from 17 January 2017

7. Australian Impressionists - Glocalisation in Art?
Review of the National Gallery's Australian Impressionists' Exhibition. It was interesting how the Australian artists were inspired by French Impressionists to depict their own country. Is native expression better in art as in translation?

Post from 20 January 2017

8. Inspirational Legacies of Words
Summary of talk linked to South African exhibition at the British Museum. Consideration of the legacy of words left by Presidents Mandela and Obama. Some great quotations and an emphasis on the importance of education.

Post from  18 January 2017

9. Canary Wharf Winter Lights Festival
Review with video of the light festival in Canary Wharf, London.

Post from 25 January 2017

10. Choosing an Inspirational Statue
Comments on leadership inspired by the selection of models for the next Fourth Plinth Statue in Trafalgar Square.

Post from 26 January 2017

A reminder of last years' top blogs:

Top Business and Cultural Blogs in 2016

Plant Diversity in 2016-17?
What can you expect in 2017? The MSc in Plant Diversity at the University of Reading is keeping me very busy, but you can probably expect more on botanical, ecological and climate change subject matter. There's a rich seam of material and comparisons yet to be explored.

In the meantime, have you seen my Advent Blogs on Dr Alastair Culham's site at the University of Reading?
The Glastonbury Thorn
Christmas Cyclamen 

Have you seen the botanically-inspired blog about professional translation?

Cow Parsley or Hemlock








Season's Greetings and Best Wishes for 2018
Karen


Karen Andrews is a French to English marketer and marketing strategist, translator, transcreator, content writer and editor. She holds an MSc in Scientific, Technical and Medical Translation with Translation Technology from Imperial College London (2005-7). She is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists, Society for Editors and Proofreaders, Society of Authors and the Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators. She can also offer your brand the value of over 15 years' expertise and experience in global marketing. Karen Andrews is  studying for an MSc in Plant Diversity at the University of Reading (2017-18).

Bitten by the Reading Botany Bug

The Protea represents change and hope

My regular blog followers have probably noticed that my blog has been somewhat quieter in 2017.  There's a simple explanation. I enrolled on the MSc in Plant Diversity at the University of Reading in September.

I appreciate having access to the expertise of two highly experienced botanists on the course. It is patently apparent that Dr Alastair Culham and Dr Jonathan Mitchley enjoy teaching students. Teaching does not come across as an inconvenient distraction from research work for them.They make learning about plants fun. We laugh a lot as we learn - if you don't believe me check out our #MScPlDiv Twitter hashtag.

Despite all the laughter, serious learning takes place. The field trips are undoubtedly my favourite part of the course. As a kinesthetic and visual learner, being out is the field with an expert botanical guide is great. I have discovered a whole new world with my hand lens and a microscope. As keen gardener and garden visitor, I thought I knew plants quite well beforehand. Oh my! I can't believe how much I missed that was right under my nose.

When you are learning new subjects, there are inevitably times when the going gets tough. Our botanical lecturers seem to know as much about learning psychology as they do about plants. Activities are also supported by back-up staff - including past students. I have also benefitted from the knowledge of fellow students. Our group is a mixture of nationalities, ages and backgrounds.

I'm still translating and providing transcreation services. Look out for further blogs on botanical subjects. I plan to increase my writing output in the future. In the meantime, you can read my guest blog in Alastair Culham's 2017 Advent blog series. Keep following his Advent blog for contributions from a host of expert and knowledgeable botanists in the run-up to Christmas. Alastair opened the new season with a blog on the Christmas Cherry.

Link to my Guest Blog on the Glastonbury Thorn: http://blogs.reading.ac.uk/crg/glastonbury-thorn/

Karen Andrews is a French to English marketer and marketing strategist, translator, transcreator, content writer and editor. She holds an MSc in Scientific, Technical and Medical Translation with Translation Technology from Imperial College London (2005-7). She is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Linguists, Society for Editors and Proofreaders, Society of Authors and the Institute of Scientific and Technical Communicators. She can also offer your brand the value of over 15 years' expertise and experience in global marketing. 

Karen Andrews is  studying for an MSc in Plant Diversity at the University of Reading (2017-18).

Anglicity's Top 2016 Business and Cultural Blogs

2016 has proved a busy year for blogging. Unfortunately, any review of 2016 is not complete without a mention of Brexit. I think it is especially important for us to stress to current and potential clients how much we value our European connections.

The end of 2016 is fast approaching, so let’s recap on the year’s most popular blogs as we did in 2015. The most popular posts were the lists of largely European conferences and events. Many readers commented on how useful they found them. Thank you!

Mixing Business and Culture

Cultural posts are very popular. They are part of my marketing strategy - not a whim or a travel log. They reach out to both clients and colleagues. Cultural awareness is an essential part of translation. It is also an easier route to engage clients about translation issues.

When working with France, it is important not just to focus on business aspects. I noted with interest recently that a top tip for the British working with France is to:

‘Show an interest in French culture, history and society’

Le piège de la ressemblance / Light at the End of the Tunnel
French Chamber of Commerce in Great Britain

My blog is not just for France or French-speaking countries. I never cease to be amazed by my blog’s analytics and the number of countries that it reaches worldwide. It’s not all about high numbers. Sometimes a blog with just 40 readers can be more effective in reaching new clients than one with hundreds of readers. That said, here are the most popular blogs of 2016:

Top 3 Event lists:

1. 2016 European Language and Cultural Events

2. 2017 Preview: Language and Cultural Events

3. November 2016 - Localisation, Language, Terminology and Cultural Events 

December 2016 is now available as a separate post to include end of year and festive events.

Other Blogs:

4. Belgium’s Ninth Art 

Photo blog of visit to Comic Art Museum in Brussels. Status of comics in Franco-Belgian culture. Tintin, Asterix, the Smurfs. Humour of 'How to become Belgian'.

Post from 21 February 2016

5. Dutch is FUN

Dutch language and culture taster class at EU Representation in the UK's home in London. A highly entertaining and humorous event.

Post from 18 March 2016

6. Should you choose a robot or a human?

Reflections from music and robots to machine translation. Why you should choose a professional human translator for creative marketing translations.

Post from 3 April 2016

7. Elia Together Conference

Review of the 1st European Conference bringing freelance translators and language service providers together in Barcelona. Focus on communication, relationships, growth and technology.

Post from 18 February 2016

8. Commemorative Poppies

Commemorative display at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. Created for Anzac Day, remembering the Battle of Verdun and Somme Centenaries and vigils.

Post from 29 May 2016

9. Big Data in Action

Transport for London's use of Big Data. London's transport challenges, data collection, planning and overcrowding. Future plans for open data and a personalised data service for passengers.

Post from 25 April 2016

10. Brexit Battles Ahead

Reflections on Brexit on the centenary of the Battle of the Somme. 

Post from 30 June 2016

Happy reading!

Anglicity's 2015 Top 10 Blogs

Anglicity's Top Ten

An increase in blogging was Anglicity's New Year's Resolution for 2015. November seems a good time to have a recap. Below is Anglicity's top ten as selected by On the Bridge readers in 2015.

1.  Visible translators: A new business model
A very popular blog with freelance translators about working with direct clients.
(See February 2015)

2.  A pan-European agreement on translation working practices?
Summary of presentation at French CNET Conference.
(April 2015)

3.  A Rosy Review
Something a little bit different - a book review with horticulture, history and the role of women in society intertwined.
(See January 2015)

4.  Hitting your Target Audience with Blogging
A blog about blogging animated with a ten pin bowling image.
(See January 2015)

5.  A long open letter to SDL
Write-up of SDL's London Roadshow with a well-received, possibly controversial discussion of a long-overdue change in translation pricing.
(See November 2015)

6.  Is the British Linguist endangered?
What happens to the British linguist and understanding of other cultures in Britain if we rely on the rest of the world speaking English?
(See April 2015)

7.  Sales at the French CNET Conference
A summary of the French translation companies' March conference in Paris with a focus on sales. 
(See April 2015)

8.  Japanese Tea Ceremony
A reflective cultural blog for the 70th Anniversary of the atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
(See August 2015)

9.  Overcoming the "Curse" of  Technical Knowledge
Like origami, simplicity isn't as simple as it looks. Technical experts need help to adapt copy for non-technical audiences. 
(See March 2015)

10.  On Round Tables
A blog on the equality of negotiating power in international relations inspired by a visit to the Centre Georges Pompidou in Paris.
(See April 2015)

If you missed any of the above posts, go to the Popular Posts or the Archive section in the right-hand column. Enjoy! Please come back to read future blogs.


For further information on Anglicity's copywriting, editing and transcreation services, please email karen@anglicity.com.
 

Hitting your target audience with blogging

In this third blog on target audiences, I move on from the National Gallery documentary to my own blog. Marketing is not an exact science. There are constant adjustments. Sometimes you hit your target audience. Sometimes you miss. Sometimes you hit an unexpected target. I will share what I have learnt from my own blog targets.

Early blogs

I wrote my first blog back in 2012. I came from the conservative marketing world of financial services. The reaction to my first blog was unexpected. My perspective was still very much that of a client on translation. That first blog went "viral" on Proz.com. Success or failure?

Other early blogs drew vocal reactions. They were not generally my targets at all. Over time I have developed my style and tone. Adverse comments can make you think that you have got something seriously wrong. To the outside world, it may appear that blogging is risky. However, I have now learnt that if something feels 100% comfortable and safe, it won't have many readers.

Analytics

Checking my blog, Google+ or Twitter analytics is like looking under the bonnet of a car. I can see which subjects gain a bigger readership, on which devices and in which countries. Initially, a post receives some adverse comment perhaps. The uproar is visible. But analytics show that my blog has a much larger, quiet readership.

Blog content often seems to reach a wider audience than even analytics reveal. Other translators refer to my blogs at events. I hear my own written words quoted quietly and indirectly. Some disagree. Some agree to disagree. But many more seem to quietly agree. Translators are not my target audience, but they do sometimes give referrals.

Evolution

When I started my blog, my target audience was direct clients. My actual clients and prospects have turned out to be direct clients (private individuals, freelance translators and companies), translation, transcreation and content management agencies. Blogging hasn't brought this about in isolation. My strategy has evolved. I have tested out different content to reach my varied target audiences.

It's a bit like ten pin bowling. Some blogs end up in the gulley. Others hit the buffers and bounce back in. Sometimes you hit the outer pins only. Over-adjust and you hit the pins on the opposite side. Sometimes it takes two blogs to hit all the pins.  And then, just when you think the ball is rolling off to the side, you get a strike.

Whatever... I enjoy writing and building up a portfolio of work. It's a hit.

What are your views on blogging?

Karen Andrews runs
Anglicity Ltd. She is
an entrepreneurial
French to English
translator, editor,
content writer and
marketing consultant. 

Contact: karen@anglicity.com 
for further information 
on Anglicity's services.