Learn the Customer’s Language
Every organization has their own language, so to speak. They have many acronyms, abbreviations, or short-hand ways of describing that which is part of their unique company culture. For example, try to translate the following message that is expressed in a particular customer’s company language.
A VMX and e-mail was sent from HQ to all N. A. R & D, field, production, distribution, and satellite sites about 1st -quarter P & L report. CEO and Board want costs down, ROI & ROC up, and to be back on track on plan by 4th quarter.
Translation: A message was sent from the company’s headquarters via the voice mail telephone system and electronic mail to all research and development facilities, manufacturing locations, distribution centers, and smaller facilities supported by other company facilities throughout North America. The Chief Executive Officer and the corporation’s Board of Directors are requesting that a cost reduction program be begun to increase both the return on investment and return on capital financial performance measures to meet the year-end goals established in the company’s strategic business plan.
What are some of the words, acronyms, symbols, slang, abbreviations, etc., that you must learn in order to speak your customer’s language?