Last week’s Juntos Conference delivered powerful insights into how we, as localization professionals, can improve partnerships, negotiation strategies, and client relationships in today’s fast-evolving landscape.
If you couldn’t attend, here’s your quick recap of key lessons shared by top industry experts and buyers—packed with actionable advice you can apply immediately.
1️⃣ Winning Partnerships: Beyond Deliverables
Speakers Karla Vargas, Kathy Byrd and Karina Drosenos broke down what makes partnerships truly successful:
- Be proactive: Anticipate challenges and offer solutions early.
- Communicate openly & clearly: Consistency and transparency build long-term trust.
- Quality & timeliness are non-negotiable: Never sacrifice the end-user experience.
- Flexibility matters: Adapt tools, workflows, and services based on client needs.
- Stay accountable: Deliver on promises and take ownership.
Pro Tip: Offer services clients may not even realize they need. Suggest new ideas, backed by data, and always support your recommendations.
“If I have to choose between time, quality, and price—I’ll choose time and quality every time.” – Karla Vargas.
2️⃣ Small Business, Big Negotiation Power
Vera Hooijdonk delivered essential strategies for small vendors negotiating with big players:
- Defend your price, value, and capacity.
- Offer strategic concessions: Give where it impacts you the least but trade for referrals, volume, or favorable contract terms.
- Never give anything for free—always negotiate an exchange.
- Know your limits and stand firm.
3️⃣ Sales & Account Management Tips
From Alex Carney, key points:
- Know your message, customers, competitors, and opportunities.
- Actively listen and operate with integrity.
- Map key customer contacts and build meaningful relationships.
- Be a partner, not a vendor
4️⃣ Buyers’ Panel: What Clients Want
Patrick Nunes, Jose Palomares, Karla Vargas, Kathy Byrd, and Karina Drosenos (nicely moderated by Eddie Arrieta) gave clear feedback on how vendors can step up:
- Adopt new tech & AI solutions faster. Think MTPE, automation, AI-driven workflows.
- Communicate more strategically—especially when issues arise.
- Align with client business goals: Know their roadmap, suggest tailored solutions, help reduce manual work.
- Bring new ideas to the table. Challenge outdated processes and show how you can help them scale.
Key message: “Understand our business. Don’t just deliver—help us grow.”
5️⃣ Industry Outlook: Insights by Renato Beninatto
- Disruption is everywhere: AI, education, processes. Adapt now.
- Focus on what won’t change: Quality service, trust, problem-solving.
- Upskill: Reviewers and strategic thinkers will lead the future.
- Most of your clients in 5 years don’t exist yet—stay agile and prepared.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a freelancer, LSP, or client, the themes were clear:
✅ Communicate strategically
✅ Adapt boldly
✅ Deliver quality & value
✅ Build real partnerships—not transactions
What takeaway resonated most with you? How do you see your partnerships evolving in 2025? Let’s keep the conversation going below!
#Localization #LSP #JuntosConference #Translation #AI #Partnerships #Leadership #GlobalBusiness #TeamLatamways