Hieronymus Day in Lund

Of course, there was a fatigue-induced crack in the rails, and my train to Lund was delayed by half an hour, so I missed the first speaker at the afternoon of "non-academic lectures" organised by SFÖ, the Swedish Association of Professional Translators. Although I paid my membership fees as early as July, I've yet to receive any proof of my membership, however, the Secretary for the south region assures me that the Board approved my membership last Sunday (!) and so it should be arriving by post any day now. In a way, it's comforting to know that they do not accept just anyone, which is why you have to provide two references for each language combination that you'd like to be displayed next to your name in their online translator database. On the other hand, for the next four years or so, I'll still be an Associated member. Only then can I apply to be a Member and have a posh stamp made with my name on it.
Anyway, back to the Hieronymus Day in Lund - Hieronymus is the patron saint of all translators, and is most famous for translating the bible from Greek and Hebrew into Latin. The main speaker in Lund showed us two paintings of Hieronymus - one where he is clearly agonizing about something (a translator such as myself can only too well imagine all the linguistic difficulties at hand), and one which is more "representative" with iconic symbols of wisdom etc. also included in the picture.
Unfortunately, the first thought that struck me after I'd sat down for the second speaker, was not a new one: "translators really make for awful public speakers!". I realised this the first time when I was listening to presentations at Heriot-Watt university by the local ITI branch in Edinburgh, and I absolutely include myself in the group of people who cannot deliver an impromptu speech to save their lives, sometimes hardly even string a coherent spoken sentence together. But there is a very plain and simple solution to this problem: preparation. Therefore I always feel slightly insulted when a speaker gets up and mumbles, repeats him/herself lots and generally doesn't have a plan, although he/she has had plenty of notice.
The keynote speaker was an Americanised Swede who gave a very inspiring speech on the subject "Translating - a job or a way of life?". After that we shuffled out into the foyer, where crisps, peanuts, wine and juice was served, and we were encouraged to "network". I spoke to two girls with German connections, and one of the speakers, who represented the "young, newly established freelance translators". I wanted to ask him about pricing and dodgy terms and conditions, and came out of the ensuing chat with one firm conviction: the main thing is to learn to appraise your skills, your worth and then your price. And to be confident.
I guess that should be my motto for the first year of my company; "don't sell your self too cheaply".