On Words and Business

If we were riding in an elevator, I could tell you what I do in 30 seconds or less. If I kept it really brief, I could tell you in about 3 seconds, in three words (one of them a contraction).

But it probably wouldn’t include a sentence along the lines of: “I help businesses solve problems,” or “I help businesses become more efficient through the use of technology.”

Maybe I am way off base here, but I don’t like to hear those kinds of vague answers to the question: “What do you do?”

There is a school of thought that believes the so-called elevator pitch should start along those lines. It’s supposed to draw the listener in, to ask more questions and become engaged. Personally, I’ll ask another question when I get that answer for three reasons, none of them being that I’m intrigued or truly interested.

1) The responder didn’t really answer my question, 2) It bothers me that they were so vague, and 3) It’s pretty rude to ask a question and walk away after hearing a one-line, five-second answer. Politeness alone dictates at a least minute or two of chit-chat before moving on.

Yes, that actually may be what they do in their job. That may actually be the end result of their work day, and the value they bring to their clients. But what is wrong with saying, “I’m a butcher.” “I’m a baker.” “I’m a candlestick maker.” Or even “I’m a management consultant.” As a listener, that will engage me or it won’t. And if I’m truly engaged and asking a lot of questions, it will be for the right reasons–because I care about that person or what they do.

What do you think?

Although, this part isn’t so much intriguing as heartening.

I called the post office inspector’s office to see if they could help me identify the source of some mysterious mailings. With the goal of stopping them and/or finding out if their existence had a larger meaning.

That afternoon, my local postal inspector called to discuss the issue, offer guidance, and tell me about their next steps.

Two days later, another local postal employee called me to follow up on the follow-up, and tell me that he’d spoken about the issue with the carrier who delivers my mail.

They are on the case!

I haven’t felt this taken care of by any company lately, so I appreciate the effort they are making on my behalf.

This will be my last post until 2008, as I take a break to celebrate Christmas with my family. Unless, that is, I can get the publish ahead function to work on this thing. The last few times I tried, though, no luck.

If you celebrate Christmas, have a wonderful holiday. And cherish the time you get to spend with your loved ones. Family and friends are precious gifts. Even if they drive you crazy!

If you don’t celebrate Christmas, have a great day next Tuesday, too. Enjoy the time away from the hustle and bustle and your daily grind. A little break is always a good thing.

I hope 2007 saw some of your dreams come true. And that 2008 brings you joys and surprises and love.

Why do people use the term zoo to define a place or situation that is hectic, overcrowded, or frenzied?

Have you ever been to a zoo where the animals were running around unconfined, bumping into everyone and everything, were loud and obnoxious, or were unaware of their surroundings?

If you have, let me know. I’m interested in visiting that zoo.