20. What do you really need?

Do you need a translation for publication, for information, raw computer output, or just to get the gist of material? And what budget do you need for it?

One approach is to calculate how many people will read your translation. Is it a nation-wide press campaign, a web site, or an in-house memo for a team of 12? How would a seriously flawed translation affect your corporate image and/or legal liability?

Answering the above questions should give you an idea of the budget you should set aside for the translation.

Bear in mind: translation is an industry of niche markets and specialists for those markets. The team that did a perfect job on your software localization and manuals is not necessarily the right one to translate your company's annual report. These are two different areas requiring different specialists.

As a rule, play it safe. Get everything properly translated, especially if you're a business. Every point of contact counts. Published material endures and you have no idea where it may end up. Everything you publish is marketing that leaves an impression with readers. Make that impression a good one.