Sunday Business Cliche Thread:

[Robb]

Picked up a few new ones from saidwhat, some well explained:

Best of Breed
Context: If we're going to survive in this market, we'll need to challenge the best of breed
Meaning: Our service is rubbish compared to our biggest competitors. Similar: Best in class.

Bespoke
Context: We'll develop you a bespoke solution
Meaning: We won't flog you the mass market solution - we'll actually develop something specifically for you.

Blue Sky Thinking
Context: Let's start with a blank sheet of paper and do some blue sky thinking and see what happens
Meaning: this is similar to thinking 'out of the box' and is supposed to be a situation where you come up with ideas taking into account no preconceptions and not dismissing ideas instantly

Brain Dump
Context: Have a brain dump and see what you come up with
Meaning: Brainstorm

Core Competencies
Context: We need to focus on our core competencies in order to maintain our edge in the marketplace
Meaning: What you/your company does well

Customer Centric
Context: We need to be customer centric from now on
Meaning: Since ultimately we sell to the customer, we might as well listen to what they're saying. Similar: customer driven.

Cutting Edge
Context: This is cutting edge technology we're using
Meaning: This is the most recent version. Slightly less bugs.

End to End
Context: Let's visualise the process end-to-end
Meaning: Let's work out the whole process

First Mover
Context: If we launch 3G now, we'll have first mover advantage
Meaning: If we pay massive advertising costs to educate customers about this new development, we'll hopefully have the advantage of getting lots of customers. If not, we've paid to educate people whilst other companies with no ad costs will reap the rewards.

Going Forward
Context: I think it's important that, going forward, you continue to manage the project pro-actively.
Meaning: In the future

Joined Up
Context: From now on this company will only engage in joined up thinking
Meaning: Looking at things from the wider point of view rather than with a narrow focus

Leverage (the Proposition)
Context: See if you can leverage the proposition with them over point 2b, sub-para 5, clause 2
Meaning: Getting some value out of a certain situation for you/your project goals

Low Hanging Fruit
Context: We started off by removing the low hanging fruit, before looking at the tougher problems
Meaning: The bits that can be done quickly and easily but still have an effect. Origin: unknown, and that's probably a good thing.

Manage Expectations
Context: Make sure that you manage expectations so that they're not disappointed if we can't deliver
Meaning: Make sure people expect realistic outcomes from a project - e.g. not too much

Pro-active
Context: I think we need to be a bit pro-active here
Meaning: If you don't keep on pestering someone about this, nothing will happen

Quick Win
Context: Please come up with a list of quick wins we can look to implement
Meaning: Things that are fairly simple (in terms of time and/or cost) and will help improve the situation with regards to a project/product

Robust
Context: Before taking this to market, let's make sure it's robust
Meaning: Let's be sure it doesn't break down within the first few months

Scalable
Context: It's a great solution for 100 customers, but is it Scalable?
Meaning: Will it work for lots of people as well as just a few?

Take ownership
Context: I think it's up to you to really take ownership of the piece of work
Meaning: You need to get a grip and be responsible for the piece of work

Touch Base
Context - "I need to touch base with Fred on this one."
Meaning - "I need to go a speak to fred about something"

Traction
Context: I'm concerned. We're working hard, but not getting much traction on this.
Meaning: Despite our best efforts, no-one is doing what we want and that's stopping our progress with what we want to do.

Turnkey
Context: I'm striving for that illusive thing - the turnkey solution
Meaning: A solution that really opens doors - hence turn key. Funny really.

Upskill
Context: During your career it's important to ensure you continue to upskill
Meaning: To improve your marketability and worth to a company by developing your skills

Win win
Context: Try and see if you can come up with a win-win situation
Meaning: A situation that is good for people on both sides. A bit of a myth and so management are pretty keen on asking for it.