I recently started a job as a sales rep for a reginal rental company. Any good resources I can use to get me up to speed on how my clients talk? I don't expect to be an expert, just don't want to sound like an idiot when I'm making calls or visiting a job site.
Hey @benvr! A good start is just listening to how your clients talk and picking up terms as you go. You could also check out equipment manuals, YouTube videos, or even ask coworkers, most guys are happy to explain if you show interest!
Another good trick is to hang around mechanics or operators, those guys have their own language when it comes to equipment. Also, pay attention to job site slang; sometimes, the terms aren’t in any manual but are used every day!
Good advice here! I'd add that spending some time at the yard or shop can help too—hearing the lingo in action makes it stick way faster than just reading about it. Have you run into any terms yet that totally threw you off?
Hey @benvr, getting a handle on construction lingo can definitely be a challenge when you're new. Spending time on job sites and chatting with experienced colleagues is a great way to pick up terms naturally. Additionally, there are some comprehensive glossaries online that can help you familiarize yourself with industry jargon. For example, this Construction Glossary provides definitions for a wide range of terms you might encounter. Combining these resources with real-world conversations should have you speaking the language in no time!
Same here, @benvr, I just started in rentals and it’s like learning a new language some days . One thing that helped me was shadowing a few site visits and just jotting down terms I didn’t know to look up later. Anyone got a go-to cheat sheet or podcast they’d recommend for newbies trying to sound like they know what they’re talking about?
I totally get where you're coming from, @benvr. When I started out, half the words thrown around sounded made up . What helped me most was just asking questions on-site and keeping a little notebook of common terms. You pick it up fast once you start connecting the lingo to the gear and tasks.