Bridging Communication Gaps - Access Language Solutions

Interested in starting your own journey in language education but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Lynn Fors, founder and Executive Director of Access Language Solutions, located in Lexington, KY, USA.

What's your organization, and who are your members?

We provide professional interpreting (phone/video/onsite) and document translating to fellow non-profits, local government, independent medical/dental offices, law offices, and in worker's compensation cases. We feel especially passionate about meeting language needs in immigration and public education.

Tell us about yourself

I found myself becoming a first-time entrepreneur at age 53 when my choices were to work for other people or find a way to work for myself. It was a leap of faith that I have never regretted. Language access is my passion and my ministry. What I give back with this non-profit work is the price I pay for being on this planet. It is a small price since it gives me so much joy and satisfaction. I was the sickest I ever was to date when I lived in Spain. I spoke the language and had state-sponsored health insurance, and still, it was one of the most difficult situations I have ever had to maneuver. So I have true empathy for those who find themselves in a strange land with strange customs. I became a nationally certified medical interpreter in 2013. It's vitally important that the people we interpret for, both the provider and the consumer, have confidence that what they are expressing is being relayed in a professional manner.

What's your biggest accomplishment as an organization?

We have been able to grow each year due to word of mouth and little to no marketing. We are humbled that clients refer other clients to us.

What's one of the hardest things that comes with being an organization?

I learned early on that it was really important to work on your business rather than work in your business. It's hard at first when you are the only one responsible for the day-to-day operations. But as the business has grown, we have been able to delegate tasks. It's also hard to let go of those tasks and trust that others will take care of the baby, so to speak. We are in the process of training others to take on the day-to-day business operations, and it is a pivotal time for us. I, as the Executive Director, will have a lot more time to work on the business in 2023.

What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow an organization today?

1. Get a good accountant/bookkeeper.
2. Automate as much as possible.
3. Get to a point where you delegate tasks so you can work on growing your business.

Where can people find you and your group?

Website: https://accesslanguagesolutions.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AccessLangSolutions
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/access.language.solutions/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AccessLangSol
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynn-fors/

If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.

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