Nobody will ever tell you they don't understand what you are saying; they simply won't do business with you.
Consider for a moment that the way you describe your product or service may be vague or confusing to your perspective customer/client and you don't know it. It's because you talk about it often understand what you are talking about perfectly, so it is easy to skip the dummy down step. But changing a few words can make a big difference. For example, there are thousands of books written about the subject of gender communication. It's a hot topic but, you are more likely familiar with one book, Men are From Mars, Women are From Venus by John Gray (1992, HarperCollins, NY) than with the thousands of others written on the same subject. Much more interesting then "gender communication" and easily understandable if you have ever been in a relationship.
5 Top Tips for Avoiding Becoming a Jargon Junkie
- Think twice! Your everyday language is jargon to others. Even shorthand words like B2B may not be understood by everyone.
- Do not use acronyms in business correspondence unless you spell out the word. For example B2B (Business to Business).
- Eliminate phone text shorthand from all correspondence particularly if you are selling to someone of another (ok older) generation.
- Make no assumptions. You may know what a "C" level executive means, but does your prospect or business associate?
- Leave your tech language at the door and check understanding as you go along. It might sound like this, "Sometimes I get so excited about my product/service that I tend to speak my own language. Please stop me if I am losing you along the way."
And don't forget - Lighten up. Simplifying your language so others easily understand is a process.
Test out your 30 second commercial with people outside your business. Ask them to tell you what you do and why and see if they give accurate feedback
Joyous Prosperity,
Marilyn August,
Wealth and Wisdom Seminars
America's Leading Mind Over Money Experts
