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Mar 6
Home-Based Business Dictionary

If you've been visiting SmallBizMentor.com for some time, you've probably noticed that category list on your right.  Ever spot the term "The Watercooler"?  Since the Watercooler or the Break Room are the unofficial "official" places I've always been able to gather the dirt or some really hilarious jokes, I believe we small- and home-based business operators should gather 'round the virtural watercooler from time to time. 

I've been thinking recently about the terms I use when I'm on the phone with other business owners, mostly home-based themselves, and I've noticed I use certain professional terms that, well, could translate to something else.  So let me get the funnies started with a little dictionary for you.  You don't have to drink water if you'd rather not...grab a Dr Pepper or cup of joe and post a comment with your favorite (or most used, at least) terms and translations. 

The (Un)Official Translation Guide for Folks Dealing with Home-Based Business Owners:

  • "Can you hold for one moment?  I've got a very important call buzzing in on the other line."  Translation: "Hang on a sec, the dryer just buzzed and I've got to grab my husband's shirts before they wrinkle."
  • "I'm very interested in your proposal, but I'll need to run it past the board.  We're meeting in about 10 minutes; what say I call you back after we discuss the issue?"  Translation:  I have twin toddlers who are about to feed each other Kibbles & Bits if I don't have lunch ready in the next ten minutes."
  • "Oh dear, I'll have to call you back.  It appears my vice-president is on the other line."  Translation:  "My wife is calling me from the car dealership; this can't be good."
  • "Thank you for calling.  At this time I'm not able to discuss the matter in depth.  I'll get back with you within the next week."  Translation:  "I've got a dog throwing up in the living room, a cat wrapping itself around my ankles, a baby about to wake up from a nap, a preschooler who needs to be picked up 15 minutes ago from daycare and a teenager with the urge to drive my car.  My spouse is on a business trip, my sweats just split when I bent over, and the cookies in the oven just caught fire.  I ain't buyin' now!"

7 Comments/Trackbacks




Great idea, Melonie.

My contribution: "I'll have the shipping department get that right out to you."

Translation: "Darn, where did I put that roll of stamps?"

Matthew

Nice post, Melonie!

Here's my submission: "I'm sorry, I guess we just got disconnected."

Translation: "I involuntarily yielded control of the phone to my two-year-old, who promptly hung up and speed-dialed Mommy."

Thanks for the contributions, Matthew and Easton! Yes, I do believe I've used both of these as well. heehee

The key, I have found, is when you put someone on hold to take care of 'administrative tasks' that you be sure the hold button is securely depressed or engaged before you yell up the stairs "if I have to come up there to break up the fight heads are going to roll!" Well, actually this might be a good way to showcase your assertive management skills!!!

I've had to say that in the "real" workplace too. Hmmmmm...out of the frying pan, into the fire, I suppose. hahaha!

You say: "My computer is having issues... I'll have to email that over after I can call IT..."

Translation: "My 3 year-old just put her favorite CD-ROM game in the computer while I wasn't looking."

Perfect! The best part is that you don't have to work from home to use the "computer issues" translation!

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