6. Resist the temptation to do it yourself

The shortest distance between two points is not a a straight line. It's a middleman.

Translation work is not easy -- at least not good translation work. There is a science to it, there are even certificates and university degrees in translation. And managing a large translation project is difficult and time-consuming: about 80% of the work involves project management; only 20% involves actual translation. If you can, hire experts to do this work for you.

If you personally speak another language, you are fortunate. But speaking or having knowledge of another language is not a qualification for being a good translator. Oral fluency does not guarantee smooth, stylish, native-like writing. Even if you regularly negotiate successfully in French, German or Spanish, and spend lots of time in countries where those languages are spoken, 9 out of 10 times your translation will immediately come across as "foreign."

If you actually want to come across as foreign, or don't need to consider the quality of a translation as long its readers get the gist, then translating a document yourself may be a good idea. But be aware: in many cultures, awkward or sloppy use of the local language -- especially by a native English speaker -- is not amusing; it is insulting.

If you wish to project a professional international image, you will likely be better served by a professional translator or agency.