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Unity in Diversity: Unveiling Coopetition Triumphs with Emmanuel Clifford Gyetuah in the African Language Industry
In a recent insightful interview with Emmanuel Clifford Gyetuah, the Growth Manager responsible for Finance, Partnerships and Revenue Generation at Bolingo Consult, the dynamic landscape of the language service industry came into focus. The conversation delved into key aspects of the industry, shedding light on challenges, opportunities, and the significance of collaboration.
Gyetuah, a goal-oriented leader, emphasized the pivotal role of mindset in the language service industry. Beyond the technicalities of translation, he underscored the need for a holistic approach to business. Project management, marketing, HR, vendor management, quality checks, and sales were identified as integral components for success.
The interview unveiled the triumphs of Bolingo Consult in coopetitive collaborations with fellow Language Service Providers (LSPs), resulting in a notable surge in revenue. Speaking on coopetition, Gyetuah expressed, “Coopetition allows us to work together while fighting for the same spot, meaning sharing resources and…” This unique approach has been pivotal in propelling Bolingo Consult to the forefront of the language service industry in Africa.
A recurring theme in the conversation was the necessity of long-term investments. Gyetuah emphasized the importance of certifications, citing ISO as an example. This strategic investment positions language service providers for higher-tier projects and enhances credibility amid fierce market competition.
The interview touched on the transparency of rates within the industry. Gyetuah expressed the value of understanding competitors’ rates, suggesting that this knowledge could empower language service providers to make informed decisions and negotiate effectively.
Recognizing that challenges are inevitable, Gyetuah highlighted the key to learning from them. The importance of integrity was emphasized, with anecdotes shared about admitting mistakes and offering refunds as a demonstration of commitment to honesty in business relationships.
For those venturing into the language service industry, collaboration was positioned as the cornerstone of success. Gyetuah encouraged newcomers to embrace partnerships, leverage shared experiences, and collectively contribute to the industry’s growth.
The conversation took a broader turn towards the benefits of promoting competition within professional associations, notably alluding to ALCA. Gyetuah portrayed competition as a catalyst for industry growth, dispelling the notion that growth in one entity necessarily means contraction in another.
The interview concluded with reflections on the pivotal role of effective language policies in propelling the industry forward in Africa. Drawing parallels with successful Western strategies, Gyetuah urged African nations to adopt policies supporting language services, envisioning the industry as a significant global player.
As Bolingo Consult charts its course in the dynamic language service sector, the revelations from Emmanuel Clifford Gyetuah serves as not just a testament to their success but also as a guiding light for others navigating the ever-evolving landscape of language services.
