No Solutions

Wow, did I miss the meeting on the use of the word 'solutions'?

Last I checked, it meant a means of solving a problem or dealing with a difficult situation... never mind the alchemists meaning of the word. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm no English professor, and I don't even claim to have better understanding of the language than Bush... but I know when a word is being used (make that overused) in a wrong way.

Unfortunately, I believe the word 'solutions' has become a lazy marketers catch-all and a first and last resort these days in describing what a company does.

The grocery store that used to sell food now sells meal solutions, thanks guys, problem solved.

The utilities company that used to provide me with natural gas now offers heating solutions, cool.

The landscaper now offers landscaping solutions, great, problem is no longer!

The courier now offers complete courier solutions... what does that even mean?

Just what is an Outdoor Power Solution Centre? Family Law Solutions? Most Unique Lighting Solutions? Creative Mortgage Solutions? Staffing Solutions? Wireless Communications Solutions? Web-based Solutions? Printing Solutions? (all from a 5 min search in the yellow pages)

Don't get me wrong, I'm not against people getting solutions, if that's what they want. But, don't you think it's a bit presumptuous of a company to assume they have a solution for you, not knowing what your problem(s) may be... what would be helpful is if they described their offering or service a bit better and more succinct. That would be a solution.

My absolute alltime favourite is 'Out-of-the Box Solutions'... really creative. Stay in that box big fella. Hey, why not, 'for all your out-of-the box needs'?

Why can't companies just call it like it is - if you sell lamp shades, tell people you sell lamp shades... not light fixture solutions. Go that extra step and tell people you have a great selection of lamp shades or that your selection is unique, half price, on sale now, imported, of the finest quality... pick one and plug it. Chances are, people may come to believe that your retail facility sells lamp shades, and may pay you a visit to purchase lamp shades.

All these solutions and talk of lamp shades could drive a person to drink (hey, a drink driving solution!)...

That's all folks.