Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Isabelle Kone. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Isabelle thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Alright, so you had your idea and then what happened? Can you walk us through the story of how you went from just an idea to executing on the idea
Being a Native French Speaker, I’ve had people approach and tell me how they loved the French language and would like to take lessons. Eventually I started offering evening lessons and asking for referrals. Doing lots of research more than 10 years ago when Social Media wasnt what it is nowadays, I use the resources available to me (posters in coffee shops, on campus, craigslist and more ..). All this helped me better know my market and market myself so to a wider range of clients locally and eventually worldwide.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I started teaching French when I was still in college and eventually my clientele grew. At some points, due to demand I started working as an Interpreter and traveling with clients as needed. I am a French Interpreter and I’ve enjoyed working with people from all backgrounds. Having clients worldwide and growing to have a relationship that helped grow your business due to referrals has been great. I help people through their various needs by being the bridge and the other parties so business can be done seamlessly. It is important to know that an Interpreter does more than just translate. I serve as a liaison and help our clients in a diversity of needs. This is return help created a long lasting business relationship and generate more business through referrals.
What’s been the most effective strategy for growing your clientele?
Consistency is key in order to grow clientele. It is important to understand that the market is versatile and clients especially in this field needs to see results as they go in order to stick around. As an French English Interpreter, I’ve realized that wether im hired for a few hours , a day or a week, establishing a relationship will matter when asking referrals. If you are willing to offer more than what you were hired for clients will always remember it. Off the clock, I’ve had clients asked me to help with some errands and it has opened doors I couldn’t even have imagined.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
In my career, I started as a French Tutor but eventually took on a bigger role as an Interpreter . My willingness to travel and flexibility also has always been a plus with clients. I’ve add to assemble teams from a distance to work abroad with clients who had heard from me through referrals. Meeting clients’s needs have always been a priority and seeing how this pivot had allowed me to branch out, it was worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.anisklanguage.com
- Instagram: @anisklanguage
- Facebook: anisklanguage
- Linkedin: isabelle kone
- Twitter: anisklanguage
- Youtube: Anisklanguage