Describing a Business

Exercise 1

Useful Expressions

Talking about the company's profile:

• What does your company specialize in?
• What kind of company is it?
• What business are you in?
• What kind of business do you do?

• We design/produce/supply/manufacture/sell...
• Our company provides/offers...
• We are a construction company.
• We are in the fashion design business.

Talking about one's position in the company:

• What is your position in the company?
• What kind of work do you do?
• What exactly do you do at Future Innovation?

• I am the marketing manager.
• I’m the head of the Sales Department.
• I design/operate/manage...
• I work in the Customer Support Department.
• I'm responsible for the training and orientation of employees.
• I'm in charge of the sales team.

Exercise 2

Dialogue Practice

Read the dialogue aloud with your teacher.

Matt and Alex run into each other after a while.
Matt	Hi, Alex! I heard you started your own business. Congratulations!
Alex	Yes, finally! Thank you!
Matt	How's it going so far? And what does your company specialize in?
Alex	We design software applications for smartphones and tablets. We still have a long way to go, but it's going well so far.
Matt	Nice! Glad to hear that you're satisfied.
Alex	How about you? Are you still in the same company? What exactly do you do there?
Matt	Yeah, I'm still at PB Consulting. We offer accounting and tax consulting services. And I'm in charge of the Marketing Department.
Alex	Huh, I'll have to keep that in mind. We might need your services in the future.
Matt	Sure, just give me a call if there's anything I can do for you.
Alex	Thanks, Matt!
Matt	How's your wife, by the way? Does she work with you now?
Alex	Oh, she's fine, thank you. And nope, she's still in the fashion design business. You know how much she loves that. She didn't want to let it go.
Matt	Well, that's nice. You can both chase your own dreams. Say hello to her for me. Anyway I've got to go now. It was great talking to you!
Alex	Yeah, it was great seeing you, Matt!

Check your understanding:

1.

What kind of business did Alex start?

2.

Where does Matt work and what is his position in the company?

3.

What does Alex's wife do?

Exercise 3

Role Play

Role-play the following situation with your teacher.

Situation

You meet a friend whom you haven’t seen in a while. You both have your own businesses. Talk about what you both do at work. Ask about each other's family members and what they do for living.

Exercise 4

Discussion

1.

Would you like to start your own business? If so, what kind of business?

2.

What do you think are the most important factors to consider when starting a new business?

3.

What risks are associated with starting a new business?

4.

What do you think is the key to having a successful career?