Corporate Buzzwords vs Small Business Buzzwords

Corporate Buzzwords
One of the benefits of being a small business owner, is that you get to avoid some of the most commonly used corporate buzzwords during the course your work day. For example:

• Thirty Thousand Foot View: The big picture.
• At the End of the Day: The final result.
• Game changer: Do something different.
• Value-add: If we spend money or change processes, something good needs to happen.

"At the end of the day, we need to look at this from a thirty thousand foot view to see if this new product will be a game changer and give us a real value-add for our customers."


Small Business Buzzwords
The realm of buzzwords could go on and on. In fact, they do go on and on. One thing that I have noticed over the last couple of years is that some of the corporate jargon has slipped in to the small business world. They are simpler words, but they are on their way to becoming as annoying. For example:

• Opportunity: Give me the chance to sell you something.
• Partner: Actually sell you something and maybe vice-versa.
• Resources: Money, assets, time.
• Leverage: Take those resources and use them.

"I would like to meet with you to see if we had the opportunity to partner together and leverage our resources."


I'm not saying that you shouldn't massage the English language once in a while, especially if you need to be tactful or even creative. Just be aware that the person or audience you are addressing is probably aware of possible, hidden meanings. If you want to sell someone something, don't be afraid to tell them how it will make their life easier, especially if it will. You don't have to bowl them over, but please don't try to trick them into thinking you are just having a cup of coffee either. That will kill a potential "partnership" and "opportunity".

To learn more about buzzwords, check out these websites:

http://www.businessbuzzwordbingo.com/bbbingo.html
http://therussler.tripod.com/ling/corporate_buzzwords.html
http://www.buzzwhack.com/buzzcomp/indac.htm

The TSBDC offers free and confidential one-on-one counseling for existing and start up small businesses. To register for go to www.tsbdc.org.Other contact information - Phone (615) 230-4780 www.volstate.edu/tsbdcThe Tennessee Small Business Development Center Network is funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration and local community donors.