Effective communication is the cornerstone of any successful business. Yet, despite the growing need for language services, many businesses still hesitate to fully embrace the use of interpreters.
Often, this hesitation stems from deep-rooted beliefs that are outdated and detrimental to a company’s growth and inclusivity. These limiting beliefs create invisible barriers that prevent businesses from reaching their full potential, particularly in diverse markets.
If your business has been holding back on utilizing interpreters, it’s time to examine these beliefs and see how they might be keeping you from expanding your reach and better serving your clients. Let’s dive into three common misconceptions about using interpreters that could be holding your business back—and how overcoming them can open up new opportunities for success.
#1: The Cost of Hiring Interpreters
One of the most common limiting beliefs is that hiring interpreters is too expensive.
I understand where this belief comes from—when you break down the costs, especially if you need an interpreter for 40 hours a week at an average rate of $100 per hour, the numbers can be daunting. Many businesses look at these figures and struggle to see the return on investment (ROI).
But here’s the thing: while the direct ROI might not be immediately obvious, the indirect benefits are substantial.
The true value of an interpreter lies in the improved comprehension and communication within your team and with potential clients. When your people can effectively understand and collaborate, productivity increases, and they feel heard.
Moreover, many companies don’t realize that the entire cost of hiring an interpreter can be written off on your taxes!
This tax benefit can significantly offset the expense, making it much more financially viable than you might initially think. So, while the upfront costs might seem high, the long-term benefits and financial incentives make hiring interpreters a wise investment for your business.
#2: The Ripple Effect of Great Service
A common misconception is that the effort and expense of hiring an interpreter only benefit one person.
But the reality is quite the opposite—when you create an exceptional experience for one individual, it can lead to a wave of positive word-of-mouth that brings in more business than you might expect.
If you take care of one person from a marginalized community, they will spread the word, and soon, you’ll have many more customers!
I once asked my friend for a recommendation for an attorney. They referred me to one who was known for accommodating deaf clients by hiring interpreters without hesitation. When I showed up, the attorney was ready with an interpreter, and it turned out I was his sixth deaf client that year.
Word had spread about how accommodating he was, and it brought him consistent business.
By investing in interpreters, you are buying into a culture and community that will bring you long-term returns. The initial cost may seem high, but the loyalty and advocacy you earn from these communities will more than pay off in the long run.
#3: Misconceptions About Intelligence and Capability
A persistent and harmful belief is that deaf individuals lack intelligence or education simply because they can’t communicate verbally in the same way as hearing people. This stereotype prevents talented individuals from getting opportunities they deserve.
When I was in the process of buying Hands Up Communications, I dealt with around ten different brokers.
Some of them clearly doubted my capability to make such a significant business move. Their skepticism wasn’t based on my qualifications or experience—it was based on the fact that I’m deaf. They assumed that because I couldn’t communicate in the way they were accustomed to, I wasn’t smart enough to handle the complexities of running a company.
This kind of bias can block deaf individuals from even getting past the initial stages of a job application or business negotiation!
In another instance, when I worked for a different company, they had already hired one deaf person and were considering hiring a second.
My boss was skeptical about the added cost of hiring an interpreter and wasn’t sure I would be worth the investment. He agreed to give me a three-month trial period, essentially challenging me to prove my worth. The pressure was immense, but I rose to the occasion, generating five times the revenue of what I cost the company.
My boss quickly realized that his initial doubts were unfounded—I was more than worth the investment.
There are countless intelligent, highly capable deaf individuals who are brilliant and have so much to offer. Yet, these misconceptions prevent them from even getting a foot in the door.
By holding onto these limiting beliefs, businesses miss out on the opportunity to work with some truly remarkable talent. It’s time to challenge these outdated notions and recognize that intelligence and capability are not defined by one’s ability to hear or speak, but by their skills, experience, and potential.
Breaking Free from Limiting Beliefs
The beliefs that hiring interpreters is too costly, that accommodating one person isn’t worth the investment, or that deaf individuals lack intelligence are all deeply limiting.
Let’s leave them behind and focus on creating an inclusive environment everyone, both employees and customers, are welcome.
Need to hire an interpreter for your business? We’ve got you covered.