Tag: business and business english

Using Savings to Start an Amazon Side Hustle

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s fast-paced and competitive world, many individuals find themselves contemplating whether to continue on their current path or pursue a side hustle that shows potential for success. While the decision to leave behind stability and venture into the unknown can be daunting, it is important to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks before taking such a leap.

One common thread among various definitions of success is the idea of accomplishment. Success often implies reaching a desired outcome or fulfilling one’s aspirations. However, it is important to recognize that success is not solely measured by external achievements but also by internal satisfaction and fulfillment.

See how a 17-year-old turned her $2,000 savings into a side hustle that is now bringing her more than $30,000 a month.

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/01/05/teen-used-savings-to-start-lucrative-amazon-side-hustle-guinealoft.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to mock up” mean here,  “After a year of mocking up prototypes, Lin got distracted by a different idea: She wanted to sell athleisure for girls at a lower price point than large, trendy brands.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “to fizzle out” mean,  “It was one of a few signs that TLeggings was fizzling out: Despite the lofty revenue numbers, the company was never profitable, and Lin struggled to keep up with her competitors.”?  Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “to reek of something” mean in the sentence, “They are difficult to clean, Lin says, and often reek of excrement.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Bella Lin’s business journey?
  2. What do you think about her products?
  3. What are your thoughts on having a side hustle?
  4. “She’s also considering taking a gap year after graduating high school.” If you were Bella Lin, would you also temporarily halt your education to run and expand your business? Why or why wouldn’t you?
  5. Have you ever had to make a significant decision on your professional path? Tell me the details of what happened.

Rules to Control Spending in Video Games 

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Based on recent data, the gaming market worldwide is hundreds of billions worth, besting the music and movie industries combined.

In attempts to battle rampant video games addiction in the country, the Chinese government has outlined new set of regulations to crackdown on spending and rewards in video games so as not to encourage people from playing them too much.

These new rules affect one of the world’s biggest gaming industries which has just started seeing growth again this year.

Watch the video about the new rules to control spending in video games in China.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”deal a blow to someone/something” mean,”The decision spooked investors and dealt a blow to the world’s biggest games market which returned to growth this year.”? Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘deal a blow’.
  2. What does “take a hard/tough line on someone/something” mean? “Beijing has taken a tough line on video games over the years.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘take a hard/tough line on someone/something’.
  3. What does “suspend” mean? “It also suspended the approval of new video games for about eight months citing gaming addiction concerns.” Give two (2) synonyms or similar expressions and make a sentence using ‘suspend’.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on these new regulations? Are they necessarily crucial at this point given that the gaming industry in China is just starting to gain momentum again?
  2. What impact do these new rules have on the gaming industry in China?
  3. Is video game addiction also a serious problem in your country? Elaborate on the situation.
  4. How else can video game addiction be controlled?
  5. Should video gaming be encouraged or otherwise? State your stance.

Introverts Can Become Master Networkers

B2 – Upper Intermediate

A professional network can offer you many things, but perhaps the most talked about, is career growth. Research shows that people with stronger networks end up with higher salaries and more promotions. It makes sense. The more connected you are to people at different job levels, both inside and outside of your organization, the more likely you are to know about new opportunities when they arise.

If you’re feeling confused, anxious, or unsure about what networking really is, why it matters, and how to get started, here are some pieces of advice.

https://www.cnbc.com/2022/09/29/expert-networking-tips-for-introverts-from-coach-jevonya-allen.html

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to be cut out for something” mean? “There’s nothing wrong with having an introverted personality — and it certainly doesn’t mean you’re less cut out for a successful career.” Use it in a sentence.
  2. What does “strong suit” mean? “While networking might not be your strong suit, Allen says it’s a skill you can pick up in a few small steps.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to put forth” mean? “Consider avoiding events right after work, when you might be too tired to put forth your best effort.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What do you think about the tips from the article?
  2. How easy is it for you to do networking at business events? 
  3. When you go to business gatherings, who do you want to meet and why?
  4. Which conversation at a business event was the most memorable for you? What did you learn from that encounter?
  5. How different do you think your conversations/networking with people/colleagues/peers from other countries would be and why is that?

Human-Centered Design

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Human-centered design is a way of solving problems, and it’s getting a lot of attention. This video shows you what human-centered design is all about and why it’s making waves. It explains how focusing on people can make a big difference in different areas or industries.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the idiom “on the fly” mean in the sentence, “The inspiration phase is about learning on the fly, opening yourself up to creative possibilities, and trusting that as long as you remain grounded in the desires of people you’re designing for, your ideas will evolve into the right solution.”? Give two synonyms and use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “shore up” mean in the sentence, “During the implementation phrase, you’ll build partnerships, shore up your business model, and get your idea out into the world.”?  Give two synonyms and use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What does the expression “to get one’s idea/s out into the world” mean in the sentence. “During the implementation phrase, you’ll build partnerships, shore up your business model, and get your idea out into the world.”?  Give two synonyms and use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What makes human-centered design effective?
  2. How does human-centered design uniquely benefit users?
  3. Share successful examples of human-centered design applications.
  4. Has your company adopted human-centered design in its projects? Cite examples on how.
  5. Do you think this method can work for personal projects? Why or why not?

Viral Post Blew Up a Business

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In today’s digital age, social media has become an integral part of our lives. It has revolutionized the way we communicate, connect, and promote ourselves or our businesses. With just one social media post promotion, individuals and companies can reach a vast audience and make a significant impact.

When it comes to promoting a product or service on social media, suppliers can be valuable allies. By collaborating with suppliers and showcasing their contribution in the production process through engaging posts, companies can not only increase brand visibility, but also strengthen their supplier relationships.

Watch this video to find out how a single Facebook post transformed a business.

https://www.bbc.com/news/av/business-67692431

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does idiom “blow up” mean in the sentence? “A viral Facebook post nearly blew up our business.” Use this in your own sentence.
  2. What is the meaning of the phrase “supply chain“? “We quickly sold out of everything we had in the warehouse and we had to dial up our relationships with the whole of our supply chain.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning when “to change the game“? “We started the brand, launched it nationwide in 2014, but everything changed in 2017 when a viral Facebook post completely changed the game for us.” Use this in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How important is advertising for a company or a product?
  2. Do you advertise your business (the company you are working for) or its products? If so, in what ways?
  3. How significant is it to research a product’s supply and demand chain?
  4. Why should a company value its relationships with its suppliers?

Slogan Is Necessary for Business

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Slogans play a strategic role for any business. They say what your company is all about in a few words. Good slogans “play” with customer’s minds, making them believe your product is reliable.

Read the article to know why brand identity is necessary and how catchy slogans help in achieving it.

https://mailchimp.com/resources/is-a-slogan-necessary/

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What is a “catchphrase”? “”Let’s Go Places,” is the catchphrase for Toyota, the maker of the world’s most popular car, the Corolla.” Give 2 synonyms and use “catchphrase” in a sentence.
  2. What does “rent real estate in someone’s brain” mean? “Imagine that you could rent real estate in your customer’s brain.” Use it in a sentence.
  3. What does “to stay fresh in one’s mind” mean? “We listen to people, and we say things to people, but, at least for most of us, not a lot of what we hear stays fresh in our minds.” Give 2 synonyms and use “to stay fresh in one’s mind” in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How good are you at slogans? Give examples of some catchy slogans.
  2. Do you know any examples of companies failing their marketing strategies?
  3. What can you say about this statement “”If your competitors start copying you, then your marketing strategy is working!”?

Payless’ Fake Luxury Shoe Store

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Payless, the affordable shoe retailer, played a clever prank by opening a fake luxury shoe store. They set up a high-end atmosphere, complete with sleek designs and fancy displays, tricking customers into thinking they were shopping for expensive designer shoes. Little did they know, the shoes were actually affordable Payless ones. It was a humorous way to challenge perceptions of value and brand prestige.

Watch the video to know more about this effective PR stunt and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “markup” mean? “$35 shoe going for $645, an 1800% markup.” Use this word in a sentence.
  2. What does the idiom “sit on one’s heels” mean? “Store owners sat on their heels as fashion influencers emptied their wallets.” Use this expression in a sentence.
  3. What does the phrase “let on” mean? “Then, they’re letting on the prank.” Make a sentence using the expression.

Discussion Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts on Payless’s prank of opening a fake luxury shoe store? Do you find it humorous or do you think it might have crossed any boundaries?
  2. In your opinion, does this prank challenge your perception of brand value and the psychology behind luxury purchases? Why or why not?
  3. Do you think experiments like Payless’s fake luxury store are effective in highlighting the influence of branding on consumer choices? Why or why not?
  4. How do you believe the participants in the prank felt when they discovered the true nature of the shoes they were admiring? Would you have a similar reaction?

Increasing Your Business Vocabulary

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Increasing your business vocabulary holds significant value in the professional world for several reasons:

  1. Clear Communications
  2. Professional Image
  3. Enhanced Collaboration
  4. Career Advancement
  5. Global Communication
  6. Negotiation Skills
  7. Adaptability
  8. Confidence in Communication
  9. Improved Writing Skills
  10. Networking Opportunities

In essence, expanding your business vocabulary is an investment in your professional development, offering tangible benefits in terms of effective communication, career advancement, and overall success in the business world.

Read the article below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/business-vocabulary

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. Explain the phrase “corporate jargon”. “Having an extensive business vocabulary can help you navigate the corporate jargons used in business environment.” Cite a similar expression or a similar word and use ‘corporate jargon’ in a sentence.
  2. Define “accrued expense”. “Liabilities include mortgages, outstanding loans and accrued expenses.” Use the phrase in your own sentence.
  3. What does “opportunity cost” mean? “If you can choose only one option, calculating the opportunity cost of each can help you determine the best course of action.”. Use the phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which of the listed business words do you find particularly crucial in discussions related to marketing, finance, production, and business management?
  2. Have you ever taken a business course, and if so, what benefits did you gain from it?
  3. In what way might an improved business vocabulary positively impact professional networking and career advancement?
  4. How can an individual leverage a strong business vocabulary when crafting a resume or participating in a job interview?
  5. In what ways do you continue to enhance your business vocabulary?

Conscious Consumerism

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Conscious consumerism is a mindful approach to shopping and spending, emphasizing awareness of the social, environmental, and ethical implications of one’s purchases.

It’s about making intentional choices that align with personal values, supporting products and companies that prioritize sustainability, ethics, and social responsibility.

By being a conscious consumer, individuals play a role in fostering positive change and influencing businesses to adopt more ethical and sustainable practices.

Watch the video and be able to answer the questions below.

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does the expression “to jump on the trend” mean, “A lot of people are jumping on the trend right now.” Make one sentence.
  2. What does the phrase “a sense of community” mean, “The greatest benefit for the women we help employ is that they get to work in an environment that promotes dignity, pays them a wage that is a livable wage that can provide for their families, and give them a sense of community and access to healthcare and education for their children.” Use the phrase in a sentence.
  3. What is the meaning of “cycle of poverty“, “It’s a holistic approach that really will break a cycle of poverty and be sustainable for those women.” Make one sentence using this phrase.

Discussion Questions:

  1. How do you prioritize conscious consumerism in your daily shopping habits?
  2. What factors influence your decision to support a particular brand or product from a conscious consumer perspective?
  3. In your opinion, how can conscious consumerism contribute to positive societal and environmental change?
  4. Do you believe that businesses have a responsibility to adopt more sustainable and ethical practices, and how does this impact your purchasing choices?
  5. How do you handle situations where there’s a conflict between a product you want and the ethical considerations associated with its production or sourcing?

Young Successful Spanish Entrepreneurs

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Being in the business world is a huge feat these days. Many young people have taken their million dollar idea and turn it into a prolific business.

These young Spanish entrepreneurs didn’t waste any more minute and became successful in their chosen fields.

Read this article about the top young successful Spanish businesspeople. 

https://www.lexington.es/en/blog/young-successful-spanish-entrepreneurs

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does ”prowl around” mean? “After the pandemic and all those months that we had all the time in the world alone with our minds, many young people finally decided to take the plunge and get on board that business idea that had been prowling around their minds for years.” Use this phrase in a sentence.
  2. What does “empower” mean? “Andrea is already an inspiration empowering women with her podcast Vostok6, and she has been considered one of the most business-creative women in Spain, no less!” Use this word in a sentence.
  3. What does “to climb one’s way up to do something” mean, “We had to highlight these three names because they have climbed up their way to become part of the TOP20 most promising entrepreneurs in Europe this 2021.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Which among these young entrepreneurs do you find very inspiring? Why?
  2. What might be ways to inspire young people to go into business?
  3. Are you familiar with any of the companies mentioned in the article? Where did you hear them from?
  4. Yaiza Canosa said, “I am not the cleverest woman there is, the thing is that I encounter a problem and I look for a solution.” What do you think about her principle?
  5. Share your thoughts on this, “The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now.”.