“Cutting corners when it comes to translation could cost you big time. Just ask Nike.
In 1989, they aired an commercial featuring Kenya’s Samburu tribe. Nike wanted them to say their famous slogan, “Just Do It,” for the ad. But when they couldn’t get the Samburu tribesman to say the slogan in their language, Nike improvised and made something up.
An anthropologist caught the error and called them out. The New York Times reported Nike’s weak excuse: “We thought nobody in America would know.” The backlash made them look careless.
If you’re marketing to Spanish-speaking clients, bad translations make you look untrustworthy. Even with good intentions, sloppy work screams, “we cut corners.” Hiring real, native-speaking translators is a necessary business expense. Especially for law firms where a clear, accurate message isn’t optional — it’s everything. Get it right or lose trust.”
– Hugo E. Gomez, Founder (Abogados NOW)