(1). Used to refer to (in)ability to make progress (e.g. on an initiative or project).
“Team, if we stay focused on our deliverables, then maybe we can get some traction on this project.”
Props to Scott P. for the submission.
Traction
RANDOM LINGO
Prospect
(1). n. A potential client which is currently being courted by a salesperson. Prospects are generally treated as the most important person in the world during the marketing phase of the relationship. However, once the prospect becomes an actual client, they will receive the same half-interested, annual-meetings-level of service as any of the salesperson’s other clients.
“I’ve got this huge prospect I’m working on right now, Jeff. I don’t want to count chickens, but I’m feeling Bentley right now!”
(2). v. A gold-mining inspired term meaning to seek out new clients, either through direct marketing (i.e. cold calling) or networking (i.e. volunteering for a charity in hopes of meeting new clients). As with gold mining, prospecting often leads to several dead ends, fool’s gold deposits (i.e. clients who lie about their net worth) and occasionally, a gem.
“Sup, Lo-Dawg. I’m gonna need a couple hits for tonight. Going out prospecting at the clubs, yo!”
The Internet Of Things
(1). A term coined by Kevin Ashton in 2009 that speaks to the concept of machines talking to machines and learning our habits so that less waste and loss is created. While this is a great idea in theory, it’s basically saying that one day refrigerators, toasters, televisions, etc. will eventually revolt against the human race and take over the world. I don’t know about you, but I have no problem opening my refrigerator, seeing I am out of eggs, and then going to the store to restock said eggs.
(2). Skynet.
“Hey Steve, you hear about this Internet of Things stuff? Google’s acquisition of Nest is going to change the way we talk to our devices! Everything is going to be connected and I’ll never run out of toilet paper again! What? So the device has to be connected to the internet? Hmm…there has to be a company somewhere in Japan that has an internet-enabled toilet. Ok, we’re going off the rails a bit here, but once I find or invent that toilet, life is gonna be great!”