In this episode of Email Tune-up we’re looking at an email from Jenny, who is responsible for her company’s IT services. She has written the email to give her colleagues some bad news: the office email server will be “down” due to a technical problem. When a server goes “down”, it means the server has been taken offline for maintenance because of a problem.
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In this episode of Video Vocab we take a look at financial and accounting English vocabulary related to a company’s balance sheet. First we’ll hear a short article introducing the vocabulary. Then we’ll go over each word in detail, with some example sentences to show how you can use the words. At the end of the video you’ll have a chance to review and practice your new vocabulary.
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Video Vocab is a series of English videos explaining the meaning of important business terms related to many of the topics that are part of every day business conversations.
Today we’re looking at basic vocabulary related to finance and accounting. First we’ll hear a short article introducing the vocabulary. Then we’ll go over each word in detail, with some example sentences to show how you can use the words. At the end of the video you’ll have a chance to review and practice your new vocabulary.
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In this episode of our ongoing Business English Podcast series on business negotiations in English, we will discuss how to overcome blockage in a negotiation.
Usually we think of blockage in terms of stumbling blocks, or obstacles, to agreement. But blockage can also be any impediment to creating maximum value. In other words, we’re not only interested in removing obstacles to a deal but also in removing obstacles to a better deal. Doing this successfully often requires thinking outside the box, that is, thinking creatively.
So in this episode, we’ll study overcoming barriers. In particular, we’ll focus on identifying stumbling blocks, exploring alternatives, and moving towards agreement.
Recall that Peter, owner of Textacular, has been trying to buy Maxine’s company, Gamester, as part of his strategy to roll up other small businesses. His ultimate goal is to increase the value of his own operation so he can sell it to a larger company for a handsome profit. In previous episodes, Peter had tried to acquire Maxine’s company, but talks reached an impasse when Maxine wouldn’t climb down from or reduce her price of 15 million.
In today’s listening, Peter calls Maxine back to restart talks. As you listen, focus on the language they use to remove obstacles to agreement.
Listening Questions
1. How does Peter suggest restarting talks with Maxine?
2. What does Peter identifying as the main stumbling block to a deal?
3. What does Peter mean when he says, “It’s not a question of growth for us, it’s a question of survival.”
4. What is Peter’s key insight that enables Maxine and him to overcome their blockage?
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In this Business English Podcast episode, we’ll study the skills and language of bargaining. This podcast is part of an ongoing series on negotiation skills.
Bargaining is the process of swapping or trading concessions – in other words, “You give me something, and I’ll give you something in return.” This is also called making offers and counter-offers. The goal is to reach a compromise – a result in which both sides benefit.
Today’s listening focuses on a typical bargaining situation. Paul is a purchasing manager for a construction company. Tony is a supplier of anchor bolts – large metal screws used in building projects. They are in the middle of a telephone conversation in which they are negotiating an order. Tony has already opened the discussion and clarified Paul’s basic needs. Now they need to agree on the quantity and price.
As you listen, focus on the language that they use to swap concessions and reach a deal.
Listening Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he says he’ll be “throwing more business your way?”
2. Tony suggests a way of helping Paul get a higher discount. What is it?
3. When Tony says to Paul, “You drive a hard bargain!” what does he mean?
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