When TLA's start frying your brain...

I was at an event last week and just ended up getting frustrated at the number of three letter abbreviations [TLA’s] that the speakers were using……to the point of utter distraction I have to say. In the end my mind was just trying to figure them out and the words were running over my head as a result…..time to get Dr Google out! Once I figured them out I could listen.

I REALLY hate it when people use too much technical jargon……when they assume that I know the intricacies of their industry, whereas all I really want to know is what the end result will look like.  It happens an awful lot in the print industry – both printed materials and labels…I'm not an expert print buyer, I never will be.....just tell me what I'll end up getting.

I can only really think of 3 abbreviations that are used in my world of soft drinks…..

• MOQ = minimum order quantity
• SKU = stock holding unit
• BBD = best before date

and I am proud to say that I would NEVER use these either internally or with anyone I was communicating with at Breckland Orchard. When they are used in communications to me then I do at least understand them, but I wouldn’t expect anyone else to understand them [why would they?].

So……..I think my learning from last week’s frustration is:

1. Super-buckle my resolve never to use technical jargon
2. Never assume that people understand your industry as well as you do

PS - Sorry for using the term TLA.....but in my defence I did state straight after what it meant!!