31/05/2008 by stefi.

Hello!

I am a loyal fan of The Apprentice. I missed last week episode (the day was changed due to the football match) and I cannot wait for the replay tonight.
The best episode so far - for me - was the buying task in Morocco. As a translator, I was interested to see how the candidates managed the language and culture barriers. A bit of “offshore English” helped the language communication, but in terms of culture….
“How can five candidates, who are meant to be relatively smart, and whose number includes one half-Jewish boy as well as a 36 year-old know-it-all, not know the meaning of the word KOSHER?”
Learning a bit of culture of the place you go - especially on business - is vital to avoid embarrassment. This is why we designed the dos and don’ts guide How to speak Culturese. This is a unique quick reference guide on business culture in 10 countries (France, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Russia, Tunisia and the USA). “A great tool for the traveller. Gives a rapid inside view on people you are about to meet.” At only £7.99, the guide could help you winning the international task on the next edition of the Apprentice, or solving the challenges of your next meetings abroad.

Stefania

Posted in North East News and Events, Languages for Holidays, Evoluzione di WLS, Experience | No Comments »

16/05/2008 by stefi.

Ciao a tutti!

Last night I attended the North East Digital Awards ceremony at Hyena Cafe in Newcastle (btw, nice place). If you follow the blog, you may know that Williams Language Solutions was shortlisted in the Best Online Learning category. Events like these are fantastic opportunities to meet great people, and I am very lucky indeed to sit at a great table, always. Must be instinct.
At the door, I met James and Jane from n-e-life. I was looking forward to meet James, he kept us updated on the awards with inspiring newsletter, with great tips on marketing (I learnt so much via the NE Digital awards! But I will tell about this another day, now I have more important news!!!!). James is very kind and I was pleased to meet him. At the bar, here is Pascal Fintoni, the head of the e-business. If you need to know something about e-marketing, e-whatever in the North East England, Pascal is certainly “the man”.
Then I found a place; “Good evening, my name is Stefania Williams”. The guy opposite me asked me if I was there for an award “Yes, I said” and pointed out my name on the brochure. It turned out that he was competing in the same category…he left and went on another table…nothing personal, I hope. Too much perfume, maybe???
Anyway, let’s do some networking….the girl on my right is an English teacher and copywriter. We exchanged contacts and spoke most of the evening. I am sure we can work together soon, I was just looking for a good English editore for an article I am writing for a US global magazine, CSN.
On my left, a fantastic lady: a speech therapist. I am fascinated about this job, of course, I love languages and words. I asked her so many questions about her job, we got on very well, I hope to see her again (her husband was on for an award as well, and won!! Congratulations, Robert!).
And then, I heard “And the Best Online Learning category, the winner is WIlliams Language SOlutions!” I heard it, I saw it, but could not put 2 and 2 together. Mrs Lavender said “Hey, it’s you” Was it me? Really? Went on the stage, it was a great moment. After all these efforts, all the hard work! The recognition.
Thank you everyone who voted for us, thanks to the organisation. I will make you proud.
What now???
Well, we will keep going. We will continue our online services, we will make more of the Translation Academy, we have plans for an online course for translation. We will also invest in our Translations resources with some special offers on Marketing translations - a full package on languages for marketing strategies.
Now I am tired….
I want to tell you why I think entering awards - and especially the Digital awards - is a good, positive thing.
More later.. (have you seen the logo 07 winner on the homepage of the website www.translate-it.org?) I keep on looking at it, it’s soooo nice.
Any ideas for the future of online learning, shout! Any ideas on geo-translations? (translations for marketing?) We are here to hear…

Ciao e THANK YOU!!!!!!

Stefania

Posted in North East News and Events, Evoluzione di WLS, Experience, Uncategorised | 3 Comments »

11/05/2008 by stefi.

Appreciating that individuals from different cultural backgrounds have different cultural customs, business etiquette and expectations is vital for success in international business.
Newcastle-based company Williams Language Solutions has just developed a guide on dos and don’ts when travelling abroad in 10 different countries, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Russia, Hungary, USA, Japan, the Netherlands, and Tunisia. “In cultural terms, we explain the best ways to make contact, host a meeting, enjoy a meal of visit the factory or offices abroad”, says Managing Director Stefania Williams.“ The knowledge of cultural differences is also important when meeting foreign guests at home. Nobody wants to offend others unintentionally, and our guides teach those little culture p’s and q’s which are vital in business”.
Each guide was prepared by a linguist consultant with marketing and sales experience in the country with the specific goal of raising awareness about cultural diversities. The guides are available in paperback or downloadable, ideal for internet use and intranet sites, and are also used as part of the cultural awareness training offered by the Company to businesses.
“Business etiquette is part of the cultural marketing programme offered to our clients, together with translations of press releases, catalogues, company documents, and most importantly, localisation of websites. The internet is serving as an international business medium; if you reach the rest of the world with your website your hope is that the rest of the world will then respond in some way, and you must be prepared to it.”
According to Stefania, a linguist should always be consulted when creating a new brand name or logo. She explains that Gerber, the name of a baby food maker, is also a French word for vomiting. “Simple faux pas can sink you,” she says. Learning the customs and culture of a foreign country signals communication competence and shows a great respect for others. Culture speaks louder than words.
For further information on the Travel dos and don’ts guides, contact Stefania Williams at 01912860612 or visit www.translate-it.org.

Posted in Languages for Holidays, North East News and Events, Evoluzione di WLS, Corsi di lingua, Language Courses, Experience | 1 Comment »