09/2024
Interview by Comoemprenderen.us
In this article, we’re interviewing Luis Alberto Diaz, founder of LML Translations. He’s a Venezuelan entrepreneur who has been living in the United States for several years, helping individuals and companies with translation services.
What inspired you to start your translation business in the U.S., and what was the main driving force behind your venture?
The motivation to start my business in the U.S. was being able to replicate and expand my translation agency I had been running in Venezuela for several years, serving both local and international clients. For a long time, even while in Venezuela, I focused on finding international clients to pave the way abroad and build a portfolio that would allow me to expand the business. So, when we were forced to migrate, the goal was always to keep strengthening that portfolio and sustain ourselves through that income. Of course, it wasn’t something that happened overnight. Like any immigrant, at first, I took every opportunity I could to earn money through side jobs. But thankfully, after a few months, we were able to generate enough income from the business for me to dedicate myself to it full time.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business in the U.S., and how did you overcome them?
Initially, the biggest challenge was to maintain the income levels needed to cover the cost of living. Clients didn’t come right away—it took a lot of time and effort. We relied heavily on larger agencies with high-volume projects that provided a steady workflow, and little by little we grew as an agency with our own direct clients. We built an online presence, used both free and paid marketing channels, and gradually, the clients started coming in.
What strategies did you use to grow your business in such a competitive market like the U.S.?
The first differentiator is the quality of service. But in order to show clients that you provide a superior service, you first need to attract them. So, the initial goal was to get noticed. Establishing an online presence was one of the most important and decisive strategies. In the early stages, participating in freelance job boards allowed us to make key connections with large agencies, with the promise of access to high-volume and steady work.
How did you navigate cultural and linguistic differences when setting up your business in a foreign country?
Fortunately, since we’re in the language services industry, we didn’t face any major cultural or linguistic obstacles. Setting up and starting a business in the U.S. is actually much easier than it is in Venezuela, for example. You can be fully operational and legally established in about a week.
What resources (financial, educational, etc.) and support (mentors, networks) were crucial to your business’s development?
Lots of hours reading, doing research, building profiles, and submitting proposals on specialized freelance platforms in the localization industry, as well as using social and professional networks like LinkedIn. These platforms were our gateway into the world of language services.
What technology and tools do you consider essential for success in the translation business?
Utilizing different translation software solutions gives you a huge advantage in this industry—at least in the corporate space. Of course, it’s also critical to be well-versed in broadly used tools. Email, naturally, is indispensable.
What advice would you give to other Latino entrepreneurs who want to start a business in the U.S.?
Evaluate the market carefully and assess the need for your product or service. While it’s true that the U.S. market is extremely competitive, it’s also true that there are opportunities and customers for all types of businesses. The key is identifying your niche and defining the right strategies to reach it and make the most of it.
What legal and regulatory aspects did you consider when setting up your business, and what advice would you offer on that front?
I consulted online forums and hired a company to handle the initial business registration process.
What marketing strategies have been most effective for attracting and retaining clients in the U.S. market?
Having an online presence—both a dedicated website and profiles on major search engines like Google. Using social media and, of course, word of mouth.
What are your future plans for your company, and how do you see the U.S. translation market evolving?
The market has changed a lot in recent years with the improvement of machine translation engines and the rise of artificial intelligence. While this presents challenges for companies like mine, it also brings new opportunities for growth through the use of emerging technologies, so the outlook is very interesting.
Luis Alberto Diaz’s story and the journey of LML Translations are a clear example of perseverance, strategic vision, and the ability to adapt in a highly competitive environment. His path shows how talent, preparation, and a focus on quality can open doors in a demanding market like the United States.
Beyond the initial challenges, his success demonstrates that with a combination of technical skills, effective marketing strategies, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, it’s possible to build and sustain a thriving business in the translation industry.
As technology continues to evolve and reshape the sector, LML Translations is not only prepared to face future challenges but also to seize new opportunities brought by artificial intelligence and automation. Without a doubt, Luis’s passion and leadership will continue to make a difference in this ever-changing industry.
Comoemprenderen.us Staff
