Here at BostInno, we've been subjected to many a startup pitch. Some we've heard alongside investors, while others have been shot directly to our inboxes. Through it all, we've been mentally compiling a list of cringe-inducing words that startups need to stop using. Now, with additions from members of the VC community, we're going to share it with you.
If ever in doubt, a general rule of thumb is if a word sounds like it came straight from the PR mill, you can probably do without it. For the rest of these poor words, they have been so overused, or improperly used, that they've lost their meaning. You can only hear about 100 so-called disruptive startups before that descriptor loses its shine.
Here's our advice on shit startups should forever eliminate from their vernacular. Take it, leave it. Just don't blame us if eyes glaze over or roll the next time these hackneyed words flow from your lips. And if you've heard of any other words or phrases flooding the space - from startups or VCs - fill us in.
Lean Startup: Curse you, Eric Ries.
Scaling: Only if you're prepared to spill on specifics plans. (I.e. “We will be expanding into four markets in the next nine months.”)
Solution: Everyone has a “solution” these days. Everyone.
Growth Hacking: Do it. Don’t talk about doing it.
World-Class: Did the entire world cast a vote and deem your product best? We must have missed that.
Revolutionary: Maybe this word might have relevant uses after the presidential election. Now, it doesn’t.
Best-in-Breed: Reserved exclusively for the Westminster Kennel Club.
Platform: Unless users can build something on top of your product, it’s not a platform.
Innovative: A startup that’s innovating? I do not believe it.
Disrupt: If it weren’t for the First Amendment, I’d personally petition to have this word banned.
Ninjas/Gurus: Just go with “experts,” “really knowledgeable,” or “super skilled.”
Uber of/Airbnb of: Do not use unless you are the Uber of Uber or the Airbnb of Airbnb.
Dry Powder: “Cash” or “money” are equally as sexy.
Bandwidth: Asking whether the spotty WiFi can handle streaming a binge-marathon of Westworld? Then it’s OK to use.
NDA: No, a VC won’t sign one before you get to ask them for money. Please don’t ask.
Thought Leader/Influencer: Social media has blurred these lines.
Random Capitalization/Portmanteaus: A surefire way to ensure no one ever spells or says your company name correctly. (We're offenders of this one so we know.)
Featured image via Kevin Krejci, CC BY 2.0.
