You need to think outside the box!
November 20, 2008 - 6:39 pm
“You need to think outside the box”, “Let’s touch base”, “Once we’ve got all our ducks in a row”.
Business jargon - We’ve all heard it. We’ve probably all used it. But just how common is it and is it causing a problem for businesses today? If it is, then what should a small business do about it.
According to recent research carried out by MWB Business Exchange, 41% of Britons admit to using business jargon every day, whilst over 55% of us use it at least two or three times a week. In offices all across the UK people are using phrases such as the ones above to communicate with their fellow-workers, their clients and even potential customers. But could this trend actually be harming British businesses?
72% of us believe that the use of jargon can hinder good business practice. This means that staff using too many buzz words around clients and potential customers is potentially damaging the reputation of businesses. Although research has shown that small businesses are far better than their larger counterparts, with only 25% of employees admitting to using business jargon compared to 98% at large corporates, it is still important that all businesses, whatever size, work to create an environment in which excessive and unnecessary business jargon is not used.
‘Business jargon’ really means the language peculiar to business , but has now come to be synonymous with ‘buzzwords’. This has far more negative connotations as it refers to “a word or phrase that usually sounds important or technical and is used primarily to impress laypersons” . It is for this reason that people now think that business jargon is not only annoying, but unproductive and damaging.
Trying to impress
One of the main reasons why business jargon can be damaging is that, as the definition implies, it is used by people who are trying to impress others, without putting any thought into what the phrase actually means or how it could be interpreted. The phrase “I want to get into bed with…” is often used by managers to suggest that they would like to develop good relationships or work with specific organisations or people. However, anybody not used to this phrase could find it horrendously inappropriate because of its sexual overtones. This is an especially important point to consider when you are doing business with foreign companies or clients as they may be more prone to interpret phrases literally, which can lead to misunderstandings and, in the worst situations, cause grave offence.
Whilst many people might laugh at situations and misunderstandings like this, it is important to remember that business reputation is hugely important, especially in these days of the internet, blogs and social networking. So what might start off as a simply misunderstanding can have a much wider impact.
Morale
Business jargon can also be very detrimental to the morale of your staff. 23% of us think that senior managers are the worst culprits when it comes to using buzzwords in the office, and junior employees often believe that their bosses use jargon to cover something up. For instance, many people hearing a senior manager telling staff that “in order to make an omelette you need to break a few eggs” would probably conclude that there are going to be redundancies. Such feelings of confusion and mistrust will not benefit your business.
New starters
It is particularly important to consider the impact excessive business jargon will have on new employees in your company. We all know how daunting it is starting a new job, but this is made much worse if you find that everybody else in the office is speaking a language that you don’t understand. Some business jargon, including most people’s most hated phrase “thinking outside the box”, has become so commonplace that almost everybody knows what it means. However, buzzwords that are industry specific or peculiar to your company should be avoided at all costs when talking to new starters as well as to clients and customers. It is important that all companies, including small businesses, make sure that all their staff are aware of the risks of putting off new starters from the outset by using unnecessary jargon.
So, what can you do?
So, we know that jargon can be confusing, annoying and can even damage a company’s reputation. But what should small businesses do to avoid these problems?
1) Disambiguate
Small businesses need to do everything they can to make sure they are communicating clearly with their employees. This means that important announcements should be carefully planned and checked over to make sure that they don’t include overlooked jargon or phrases that could be misinterpreted.
It is also important that when staff are being briefed about their role or a specific task you would like them to undertake, that this briefing is clear. Huge amounts of time and energy can be wasted by managers failing to make it clear what they would like employees to do. More junior employees will often pretend to understand an instruction for fear of coming across as stupid.
2) Clear out the larder
It might be worth sitting down with your staff to discuss which words and phrases your company uses. This can include general business jargon if its use has got out of hand, but also words and phrases that are particular to your company. Every organisation has them and they are often completely incomprehensible to an outsider. Why not ask your employees to watch out for buzzwords they hear being used around the office for a week and get them to write them down so that you can have a clearer idea of how much of a problem jargon is.
Once you have a list of the buzzwords that you use, it is important to think through what these words and phrases actually mean. For example, what are you are trying to say when you use them? Once you’ve worked this out you can find a clearer ways to say it. There is no point using long and clever words just for the sake of it if there is a simpler and clearer way of making the same point. It would also be a good idea to go through your company’s literature to identify and remove unnecessary buzzwords so that staff, clients and potential customers are not negatively influenced by it.
3) Win-Win
Whilst it is important to be aware of the problems that business jargon can cause and, as suggested above, do whatever you can to make sure that there is no excessive or unnecessary use of buzzwords in your company, we must also remember that business jargon should not be taken too seriously. So why not find a fun way of drawing your staff’s attention to its overuse?
You could start a ‘buzz box’ so employees have to put in a charity donation anytime they are heard to utter an outlawed buzzword or jargon phrase. If you have a regular company meeting, you could give a prize to the person who goes for the longest without using jargon or, alternatively, provide a wooden spoon prize for the person who uses the worst jargon each month.
However you approach the problem, remember that the words we use have more power than we realise, and that businesses can lose custom and staff if they are not careful about the language they use. But always remember to keep a sense of perspective and don’t go so overboard that you end up ‘throwing the baby out with the bathwater’!
WOW Award Nominees Pt4
November 14, 2008 - 5:10 pm
MWB Business Exchange and our people are passionate about service. We strive to exceed the expectations of our clients and give their businesses the freedom to excel. That’s why we have introduced the WOW awards. The WOW awards enable our clients to recognise individuals who have excelled in our clients eyes. Here are a few examples of what they have said about our People:
Jen Neale from Guildford deserves The WOW Award because:
I came into the building, cold from riding my motorcycle - and Jen so kindly offered to make me a cup of coffee - which I graciously accepted; Such attentiveness to my needs is admirable.
Nominated by Gavin Wallis — November 14, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Rhiannon Stranks from Oxford deserves The WOW Award because:
Rhiannon development has been sublime over the past year.
Nominated by Simon Pollard — November 14, 2008 at 3:48 pm
Hazel from Berkeley Street deserves The WOW Award because:
Just quite simply helpful, supportive and interested.
Offered to go the extra mile, if external resources were not acceptable and provide in house facilities.
Worked for the customer throughout
Showed interest and enthusiasm in her job, and in the customer service she gave.
First rate service.
Nominated by Mike Daniels — November 14, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Felicity Haines from Baker Street deserves The WOW Award because:
She is prompt with our answers etc.
Nominated by Terry Bellenie — November 14, 2008 at 3:45 pm
David Joseph from Milton Keynes deserves The WOW Award because:
Since our business moved in to the above mentioned address, we have always found David to be very professional and helpful. Each day we feel welcomed and David always ensures that our offices are met to the highest standards.
Nominated by Karen Parker — November 14, 2008 at 3:42 pm
Charlene and Kelly from Birmingham deserves The WOW Award because:
I have been arranging an event for charity through Alliance and Leicester. Frequently throughout the last few weeks I have had visitors to the building bringing cheques to pay for the tickets for the charity event. Both of the girls have been at the forefront in assisting and asking the appropriate questions needed of the visitors-Little stars they are!
Nominated by Lisa joyce — November 14, 2008 at 3:40 pm
Queenita Obengdauda from Canary Wharf deserves The WOW Award because:
We are in the Canary Wharf serviced office site of MWB and it has been a very pleasant experience for us, as the MWB Team at the 25 Canada SQ location are always happy and eager to help. Queenita in particular is always sorting out little issues for us and like to make sure we are a happy customer. She also helps in a very timely fashion and you can also have a laugh and a joke, as she has a very good sense of humour. Queenita never over steps the mark on the Joke front and always maintains a very professional approach to her work. We at RFlex think that she should really be nominated for the WOW award!!!
Nominated by Bradley Donkin — November 14, 2008 at 3:38 pm
Guildford deserves The WOW Award because:
I wish to nominate the staff at MWB Guildford for their services ‘above and beyond the call of duty’. We had to change our filing system to incorporate fire proof cabinets. These cabinets are large and extremely heavy. They were also delivered at short notice.
The staff at MWB could not have been more helpful. Within hours an engineer had visited to check the floor loading, and the staff ensured the delivery lorry had ample room to deliver the cabinets. The movement of the cabinets was tricky but the staff could not have been more helpful in making sure the operation went smoothly.
I would also like to add that the staff are always happy, friendly and approachable, which really gives an excellent impression to our clients, whether by telephone or personal visit to the office. The office services are always run incredibly efficiently demonstrating excellent centre management.
Nominated by Chris Baigent — November 14, 2008 at 2:08 pm
Felicity Haines from Baker Street deserves The WOW Award because:
Felicity is always ready with a smile and a laugh and we all feel that, when we ask her for something, it gets done quickly and with the minimum of fuss. She is a great person to have around and I have no hesitation in sponsoring her for a WOW award.
Nominated by John Thirkell — November 13, 2008 at 2:51 pm
Helga Kiraly from Canary Wharf deserves The WOW Award because:
Unfailingly helpful and efficient
Nominated by Fiona Gummerson — November 12, 2008 at 1:15 pm
Andrea from Trident One, deserves The WOW Award because:
Andrea always greets you with a smile and any request for help is no trouble. A little STAR.
Nominated by Ray — November 12, 2008 at 11:57 am
WOW Award Nominees Pt3
November 7, 2008 - 6:22 pm
Richard Homer from 55 Old Broad Street deserves The WOW Award because:
On joining Networkrail, I met Richard from day one from getting my security pass. From that moment nothing was too much or a problem for Richard he always has a smile on his face and his overall demeanour is good to have around. It must also be said that the whole team of girls that work here on the first floor that look after us at networkrail are very pleasant and always helpful. I have always said a manager is only as good as his team, but the two do go together and Richard is a great manager with a great team.
Nominated by Martin Goodwin-Grafton — November 7, 2008 at 5:09 pm
The MWB Team from Oxford deserves The WOW Award because:
The MWB support team here at John Eccles House are a real pleasure to work with. They are always friendly,professional and helpful. Nothing is too much trouble.
Nominated by David Dodds — November 7, 2008 at 5:05 pm
Hannah Whitewick from Staines deserves The WOW Award because:
Hannah very kindly took me home and went out of her way to do this. I was poorly whilst at work and had only public transport to get home and Hannah kindly helped out. She is also a very pleasant and helpful person to work with
Nominated by Carol Sutcliffe — November 7, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Anna Bourton from Oxford deserves The WOW Award because:
Above and beyond the call of duty.
Nominated by Don Maree — November 7, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Fiona Conway from Birmingham deserves The WOW Award because:
A very professional and well equiped meeting venue, excellent facilities and pleasant staff who were helpful and considerate.
Nominated by Gerry Byers — November 7, 2008 at 4:58 pm
Michiel Fortuin from Marble Arch Tower deserves The WOW Award because:
We use MWB ’s meeting rooms very often across the UK(week long courses), and always receive a great, outstanding customer service. We always receive very good feedback from our delegates as well.
Michiel Fortuin always go that extra step, very much appreciated by our organization
Nominated by Buke Soyusinmez — November 7, 2008 at 4:56 pm
Andrea from Trident One deserves The WOW Award because:
Andrea is always pleasant & helpful and deserves the WOW award
Nominated by Rob — November 7, 2008 at 9:35 am
Andrea from Trident One deserves The WOW Award because:
Andrea Greets us and our clients with a freindly smile. She is always very helpful and nothing is too much trouble to ensure a high level of service is delivered.
Nominated by Ben — November 7, 2008 at 9:32 am
Beth from Manchester South deserves The WOW Award because:
Beth is always really helpful and members of Intec who have come to visit have commented on how responsive she is.Always trys to sort out extra parking when needed.
Nominated by Ian Torres — November 6, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Nisha Harrisparsad from Hammersmith Grove deserves The WOW Award because:
Nisha & Team organized our office move and IT installment in a way I almost forgot BT existed. Well done!
Nominated by Tor Inge Vevatne — November 5, 2008 at 11:11 am
Meeting Venues - Victoria deserves The WOW Award because:
MWB Meeting Venues is the location of choice for the CIPS Event Services Group. As well as excellent service, attention to detail and nationwide coverage, the environment created by MWB provides the contemporary yet professional enviroment so important for the meetings we host.
Mark Budge, Chairman CIPS Event Services Group.
Nominated by Mark Budge — November 4, 2008 at 4:51 pm
Reception Staff from Staines deserves The WOW Award because:
Having worked in many serviced offices.
I have found all the reception staff without exception to be friendly and very professional.
This has come to light with numerous clients of mine mentioning this
and in my business first impressions go a long way.
MWB Staines certainly has the WOW factor.
Nominated by Simon handley — November 4, 2008 at 3:10 pm
Hayley Taylor from Manchester King Street deserves The WOW Award because:
Hayley’s quick thinking this morning regarding our unusually internet problem minimised our down time /any loss of business. She was efficient and helpful whilst assisting and advising our IT department.
She deserves a WOW award.
Thank you Hayley
Nominated by Laura Nicholson — November 3, 2008 at 11:24 am
Tracey Dawkins from 55 Old Broad Street deserves The WOW Award because:
Since moving into the 55 OBS site in January, Tracey has provided our team with excellent support with general services Always pleasant, friendly, efficient and quick to respond to any new requests for support.
Nominated by Doug Palmer — November 3, 2008 at 10:28 am
Lisa Kilner from Newcastle Q16, Balliol Business Park deserves The WOW Award because:
From moving into the building earlier this year Lisa has looked after us as clients very well.
She greets us in a friendly and positive manner at all times and resolves any issues that may arise efficiently and effectively.
She has also gone the extra mile supporting me as a stand alone Manager by talking through confidential situations with me to assist me personally when she had no need to in her role.
She is the key asset to this exchange and it would not be the same here without her.
It is evident when she is not here due to holidays or meetings. Her sparkle is missing.
Nominated by Hilda McManus — October 31, 2008 at 4:31 pm
Downsizing Office Requirements
November 6, 2008 - 5:24 pm
With the constant reports of a global economic meltdown its no wonder that many businesses are looking for office space solutions such as serviced office that help them to cut costs and give them the flexibility to downsize if needed. Small businesses often get hit first in these times and therefore they are coming up with creative ways to share costs such as shared office space and hot desking.
Choosing a Good Office
November 5, 2008 - 5:13 pm
When looking for the perfect serviced office what actually makes it a good office base? Here’s some top tips:
Accessibility
You need to ensure the office can be accessed by a wide range of transport including on pedestrian, car, cycling and train. If your office is close to a major airport this is also hugely advantageous especially if you deal with overseas contacts. For employees if its easy to get to it becomes an attractive option and people are more likely to stay.
Virtual Technologies Taking Hold
November 4, 2008 - 5:02 pm
Modern technologies are offering people flexible working opportunities via virtual offices, hot desking and mobile work practices. Time and place is no longer an issue and the boundaries of a nine to five working day have been eroded. Email offers fast and efficient communication unconstrained by time whilst video conferencing packages are opening up the world to us allowing face-to-face meetings between offices based in different countries.
Mobile Technologies Help Working Parents
November 3, 2008 - 4:51 pm
New technologies that allow us to work on the move or remotely from the office using virtual office set ups can often get bad press for creating a 24/7 working culture in the UK. However these technologies offer benefits not only for the businesses but the employees themselves.
Recycling High on MWBEX Green Agenda
November 3, 2008 - 12:58 pm
At MWB Business Exchange we take all green issues very seriously. We are at the forefront of eco-friendly initiatives in the working environment and enjoy an active partnership with Recycling Services our waste and recycling provider, who are part of leading waste company Cory Environmental.
Through a sustained effort from our UK network of business centres we have managed to achieve a fantastic level of 42% of all our waste being recycled.
We aim to help our staff and customers to play a part in benefiting the environment through a variety of schemes including recycling bins, and segregated disposal of waste.
Our goal is to achieve 47% recycling rate on our waste by the end of the year and will continue to aim for sustainable working environment.
For more information please contact Property Services at MWB Business Exchange on 0207 868 8500.
Virtual Practices Good for Business
November 2, 2008 - 4:50 pm
Offering flexible work practices such as working from home and virtual office is deemed to be a good idea for the business. Industry surveys have highlighted that staff work more productively when they work from home:
It’s all in the Biscuit
November 1, 2008 - 1:12 pm
With all the amenities that a serviced office has to offer the kitchen with its corporate snacks can be a hub of activity. Corporate snacks can be a great motivator for the workforce. They project a caring company image and can make employees feel valued. So when you’re being interviewed for a job, discount what the HR managers says about the great company culture and team spirit, cast a sneaky glance at her tea cup saucer and see what biscuit delights are nestled in the rim.