Business conversation 11

Taking a Message

 Receptionist: Janson Wine Importers. Good Morning. How can I help you?

Caller: Could I speak to Mr. Adams, please?

Receptionist: Who’s calling please?
Caller: This is Anna Beare.

Receptionist: Sorry, I didn’t catch your name.
Caller: Anna Beare. That’s B E A R E

Receptionist: Thank you. And where are you calling from?
Caller: Sun Soaked Vineyards

Receptionist: OK Ms Beare. I’ll try and put you through. … I’m sorry but the line’s busy. Would you like to hold?
Caller: Could I leave a message?

Receptionist: Certainly.
Caller: Could you tell Mr. Adams that our shipment will be postponed and that the 200 cases ordered should arrive next Monday.

Receptionist: Shipment delayed … arriving next Monday.
Caller: Yes, and could you ask him to call me back when the shipment arrives?

Receptionist: Certainly. Could you give me your number please?
Caller: Yes, it’s 503-589-9087

Receptionist: That’s 503-589-9087
Caller: Yes, that’s right. Thanks for your help.

Business Conversation 10

 Deliveries and Suppliers

 Susan: Doug, can I talk with you for a moment?

Doug: What can I do for you Susan?

Susan: I’m concerned about the delays we’re experiencing with some of our suppliers.
Doug: We’re doing everything to get back on schedule.

Susan: Could you give me an approximate timeline?
Doug: A number of deliveries are arriving tomorrow. Unfortunately, this time of year is often troublesome.

Susan: That’s not good. We can’t make excuses to our clients. Are all shipments affected?
Doug: No, but it is summer and some companies are cutting back until September.

Susan: Where are most of our suppliers located?
Doug: Well, most of them are in China, but there are a few in California.

Susan: How does that affect deliveries?
Doug: Well, there are weather delays and shipment delays due to reduced production. Sometimes, larger packages are delayed because of a bottleneck at the distribution point.

Susan: Is there any way around these delays?
Doug: Well, we often work with delivery services such as UPS, Fed ex or DHL for our most urgent shipping.

Chairman: I’d like to open today’s meeting. Kevin? 
Kevin: First, I’ll quickly go over the main points of the last meeting. 

(After discussing about last meeting.) 

Chairman: If no one has anything to add, let’s move on to today’s agenda. 
Kevin: I suggest we each give a little background on the suggestions we discussed last week. 

Chairman: Could you repeat that, please? 
Kevin: Let’s start by going over the research you’ve done on the suggestions. 

Chairman: You’ll find most of the information outlined in the summary documents in front of you. 
Kevin: These figures are interesting. It’s clear to me that customer communications are not working as they should. 

Chairman: Yes, our marketing efforts really haven’t been effective to date. 
Kevin: I suggest we break up into groups and discuss how we can improve our message. 

Chairman: Unfortunately, we’re almost out of time. I suggest you submit your ideas on marketing and we can discuss it by next week.   

Business Conversation 8

 Alice: We’re having a meeting tomorrow. Can you make it?

Kevin: When is it taking place? 

Alice: We’re planning on 10 o’clock. Is that OK? 

Kevin: Yes, that’ll be fine. 

Alice: We’re going to go over the suggestions to improve customer’s communication. 

Kevin: Good. I have some suggestions I’d like to make. 

Alice: Frank is also going to make some suggestions on improving sales in China. 

Kevin: That’ll be interesting. He’s got keen insights. 

Alice: Yes, he’s going to outline some new sales strategies. 

Kevin: Is Alan attending? 

Alice: No, he’s flying to San Francisco and won’t be able to make it. 

Kevin: Oh well.

Business conversation 6

A: Do you think prices will remain stable during the next 3 months?

B: I don’t think so because as soon as sanctions are lifted, more investments will be made.

A: So you mean it is likely that inflation rate rises again? 

B: Yes, that would be possible, because of which we should analyze market prices carefully.

A: I suggest hiring a financial manager to take care of market development.

B: That might be a good idea but we should be careful with the expenses as well.

A: Over the last few months we have made some mistakes which must not be repeated.

B: I know how you feel and you have my words that no mistakes will be made. 

Business Conversation 4

A: Can you tell me about the purpose of this market research?

B: Sure. First, we intend to find out how to enter new markets overseas, also we are planning to adopt better advertising strategies.

A: Anyway, have you ever been in this country?

B: Well, I travel a lot, but this is my first time here.

A: How often do you go abroad on business?

B: I normally take business trips every other week.

A: Are you interested in any sports?

B: Actually I am keen on tennis and I suggest that we go to find a grass court if you don’t mind.

Business Conversation 3

A: Well Bob, where are you with your survey?

B: We’ve already collected the much-needed data and we are analyzing them.

A: You know, we are short on time, so I would appreciate it if you could do the rest much faster.

B: Don’t worry, just leave it with me and I’ll take care of everything. I promise to meet the deadline.

A: Have you spoken to the lab manager yet?

B: Yes, I have. Actually I had a meeting with him yesterday and he has prepared the equipment.

A: How do you feel about the result?

B: Personally, I feel that we need to invest much more in R & D initiatives.