#204 Language Network CEO Jordan Evans on Sales Tactics and Growth Through M&A

SlatorPod

Jordan Evans, the CEO of Language Network, joins SlatorPod to talk about the evolution of his family-founded language service provider (LSP) and his sales-focused growth strategy.
Jordan's professional trajectory began with a blend of sales, tech startups, and a stint as a linguist and translator, before acquiring Language Network and achieving significant growth.
Regarding growth strategies, Jordan discusses the challenges and benefits of acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of finding the right fit and maintaining stability during integration. He advises starting with acquisitions within one's core expertise before branching out into new areas.
The conversation shifts to sales and marketing in the language industry, with Jordan highlighting the need to cut through the noise and engage customers effectively, whether through traditional methods like cold calling or newer digital channels.
When it comes to the role of AI in language services, Jordan advocates for adopting off-the-shelf technologies to meet customer needs efficiently while allowing for scalability and adaptability.
The CEO attributes the growth of interpreting in the US to increased awareness of language accessibility issues and funding initiatives, especially in sectors like healthcare and immigration.
Jordan advises that LSPs should capitalize on their unique strengths and niches, enabling them to differentiate themselves from larger competitors and maximize value for clients.

Chapters

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. Career Trajectory (00:00:45)

3. Acquiring Language Network (00:06:22)

4. Language Network in a Nutshell (00:09:18)

5. Strategy Behind M&A as an LSP (00:10:52)

6. Experience Sourcing and Integrating (00:13:18)

7. Challenges in Sales (00:17:28)

8. Challenges in Marketing (00:24:24)

9. Buy vs Build in Tech (00:30:15)

10. US Demand for Interpreting (00:33:41)

11. Adjacent Areas for Growth for LSPs (00:38:29)