Conversations between colleagues can be more difficult for an industry outsider to decode than an obscure foreign language. Jargon and acronyms should be avoided in Business Communications, but for many people it is a hard habit to break.
Here’s an example of jargon gone wrong that might get a belly laugh out of you, and at the very least, remind you not to assume that “everyone” knows what you mean when use jargon.
B2B is a common abbreviation for Business to Business sales or marketing. Imagine the comedy and horror that could ensue when a Business Owner, in industrial sales no less, comes across the acronym in a trade journal and misinterprets B2B to mean Belly to Belly!
The cringe factor escalates when the Boss adopts this trendy new buzz phrase and spreads his newly found wisdom throughout his organization! The puzzled looks from the sales team as they are urged to get Belly to Belly with their clients can only be imagined if you have ever seen an episode of The Office.
Technology and Social Media are both jargon traps, increasingly difficult to avoid as the tools and terms rapidly evolve. It may be comfortable or refreshing to encounter people “who speak your language”, but make sure your lingo isn’t putting too many people off, or even worse, making them look (or feel) like a fool.
People want to do business with you if you know your stuff and they like you, making them feel stupid won’t necessarily help. Explaining industry terminology without sounding condescending can be a fine line. How do you avoid the jargon traps?
Photo Credit ijiwaru jimbo
Suzy Ogé is an American born business woman living in The Hague, The Netherlands. 