ESL Podcast 448 - Making Business Contacts
pointer - a tip; an idea or suggestion for a way to do something
He asked the famous author to give him some pointers for improving his own writing.
this side of the fence - in a certain position or situation, where "that side of the fence" is the opposite position or situation
She has always had a lot of money and has never been on our side of the fence, struggling to pay the bills.
out of (one's) comfort zone - in a situation that one is not familiar or comfortable with, usually because it is new and unknown
Meghan was out of her comfort zone when she realized that she was the only female engineering student in the program.
networking - the process of speaking with other people in one's profession, sharing contact information and helping each other
The university is hosting a networking event so that students can meet people who can help them find a job after graduation.
referral - a recommendation; a statement from person A who tells person B that he or she had a good experience working with person C and recommends that person B work with person C, too
We're looking for a good doctor, so we're asking our friends and colleagues for referrals.
track record - a proven ability to do something; past success that shows that one can do something well
Tomasuri has a great track record for selling new homes.
direct mail - letters and marketing materials that are sent to individuals, using their names and trying to personalize the materials as much as possible, usually to sell something
The organization is using direct mail to tell people about the work that it does and ask for money to help support it.
cold calling - the process of calling people whom one has never spoken with before and who might not know anything about oneself or one's company, usually to try to sell them something
The club members are doing cold calling, trying to get donations for their event.
connection - a relationship with another person; knowing another person, usually professionally
Francesco wants to get a job at the hospital, so he's asking all his friends and relatives if they have connections there.
prospect - a person who might want to do business with oneself; a potential customer or investor
Which of these companies do you think are our best prospects for the new product we're selling?
to woo (someone) - to try to get someone to do something by being very nice to that person, or by understanding and responding to that person's needs and desires
When Yolanda applied for the job, she tried to woo the hiring manager by sending a box of gifts.
contact - a person whom one knows, especially professionally
Do you have any contacts in the energy industry?
reception - an event or party where many people gather, usually to drink or eat, often before or after a larger event or conference
The conference began with a morning reception where all the participants were able to drink coffee and speak with each other.
who's who - a list or gathering of the most important and active people in a particular profession
He knows a lot of important people, so his parties are like a who's who of the wealthiest people in the city.
to tag along - to go to an event with someone, often following that person around
Why is your sister always tagging along, following us wherever we go?
quid pro quo - an exchange of favors; something that one does or gives in order to do or get something else
There's a quid pro quo at the office: if you want other people to help you with your projects, you'll have to help them with their projects, too.