Tag: business and business english

B2 – Upper Intermediate

During times of inflation, companies usually increase the price of their products, but some don’t. They choose to sell the product at the same price, but with less contents inside of their containers or packaging. This is colloquially known as “shrinkflation”.

This might sound like a normal thing for companies to do, but after the periods of inflation are over, companies typically don’t go back to their old ways.

To find out more, let’s watch this video about shrinkflation.

Discussion Questions:

1. What are your thoughts on shrinkflation?
2. In the long run, do you think that this practice would be a problem? If so, how could we spread awareness?
3. Have you personally experienced shrinkflation? How did you feel about it?
4. Are you meticulous/savvy when it comes to the products you buy? What are some things you do to make sure you are getting value for your money?
5. Now that you have heard of this practice, would you be a bit more mindful about buying products, their prices and contents? Why or why not?
6. What are other ways to help companies deal with inflation without passing the burden to their customers too much?
7. How did companies you have worked for in the past try saving money?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

When out doing your grocery shopping, you might have thought the choices you made were yours and yours alone. More often than not, though, we are being influenced by manufacturers’ manipulations. Our sense of taste and smell are exploited when we walk into a supermarket and notice the pastries and ready-to-eat food found at nearby counters.

Read the article and watch the video to know other clever tricks food marketers pull on their customers.

https://www.sciencetimes.com/articles/27561/20201002/supermarkets-manipulate-people.htm#:~:text=Supermarkets%20are%20designed%20to%20persuade,route%20to%20the%20dairy%20products.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is impulse buying? Why do we do it and how can we stop?
2. What are the ways supermarkets make you buy more?
3. Give some tips for spending less at supermarkets.
4. Have you ever fallen for these tricks? Which ones worked on you?
5. How do you make sure your grocery runs are efficient and as economical as possible?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Companies and businesses use the tactic of scarcity marketing to stand out. The idea is to make product scarce in order to attract customers and boost sales. It’s based on a psychological principle that the more difficult it is to obtain something, the more people want it.

Watch the video on how scarcity is used in marketing strategy and be able to express your opinions by answering the questions that follow.

Discussion Questions:

1. Why do you think scarcity marketing has been effective and why has it become a powerful sales and marketing tool?
2. What are some of scarcity marketing do you know of? Cite some examples.
3. Share an experience you had when you fell for scarcity marketing which led you to purchase a product.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Business presentations are one of the most vital parts of closing in business deals. They’re conducted to present and express the idea of your products and/or services.

Usually, visual materials are being used to convey the important information to the prospective clients or buyers.

Here are some tips on how to have a great Business Presentation

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you experienced to do a Business Presentation? If yes, what’s the product/service you present?
2. What are the tips to have a great Business Presentation according to the video?
3. Can you give other tips?
4. Why is it important to know you audience first?
5. Can you explain the importance of visuals in business presentation?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Identifying your business’ goals and objectives is very important in order to properly present them to a prospective customer or client. It will help you persuade your prospects to have a solution to any business problems they might have.

Here is the video showing some tips on how to make a business proposal.

Discussion Questions:

1. Have you tried presenting or doing a business proposal? How did it go?
2. What products or services did you offer?
3. What are the things that we have to keep in mind when drumming up business proposals?
4. What are the usual problems/difficulties that can be encountered when making business proposals?
5. Why is business proposal important? Explain your thoughts.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Negotiating our way in the workplace can sound daunting and challenging. It can sometimes take all our energy preparing for it. Whether it’s something big or small, negotiating for something that we need for our job is part of our work life. Some might think that there are only certain people that are gifted with special skills to effectively negotiate their way through situations.  This is not true. These skills can be learned, and anyone can successfully and effectively negotiate once these skills are gained. 

Watch this video to learn the ways to be ready in negotiations:

Discussion Questions:

1. What are your experiences with negotiations in the workplace?
2. Do you feel worried when you think of negotiating? Why or why not?
3. Which of these tips seems the easiest to do? Which seems the hardest?
4. What are some effective ways that you use when negotiating in any situation?
5. When was the last time you had a failed negotiation? What could you have done better in that situation?
6. What are some tips that you can add to the list?