Use the same language as your clients

One of the things I've learned over the years when working with clients or really anyone in an organization is that you have to use their language.

It's a small thing but it makes a difference.

For example, the other day I used the term "KPI" (Key Performance Indicator) in a deck and my client thought I was referring to specific KPIs in a particular dashboard. I was using it generically. It caused some confusion.

Tom Critchlow, an indy consultant who has some smart things to say about working with clients, writes:

"Become a language chameleon - study and adopt the language, acronyms and buzzwords of the client’s business. If they call it “earned marketing” you should too. If their CMS is called PinkCloud you call it that too. Specificity allows you to avoid confusion and helps you distinguish between the client’s CMS and the market’s CMS (for example)."

Yes! And... How to be effective in the theatre of work, Tom Critchlow

If you're prone to communicating in a way that is "basically the same thing," try testing out using the client's language for a few days. See if you become more effective. You might be surprised how the small switch can help you become more effective at work.

Want the full playbook? Check out Going 1099.