Background: This ESL podcast is about the 80/20 rule. This is a concept that you hear about often in business and time management. Listen to this podcast, and you will learn English and also how to be more efficient. Let us know what you think.
Discussion forum Lesson Below
Phrases and Vocabulary used:
What is the 80/20 rule?
It’s a term used a lot in business and other areas to describe the phenomenon that quite often a small % of something can have most of the impact on something else. The examples will help you to understand
Examples of the 80/20 rule
- 80% of donations come from 20% of the donors
- 20% of beer drinkers consume 80% of the world’s beer
- 80% of a company’s sales come from 20% of its customers
- You spend 80% of your time with friends, with only 20% of your friends.
- 80% of the time spent listening to China232 comes from 20% of our listeners
- 20% of the students in a class cause 80% of the problems for the teacher.
How can we apply the 80/20 rule to our lives?
Time management at work is a big one. This is true, especially in sales. If you know that 80% of your sales come from 20% of your clients, for example, it would be worthwhile to find out exactly who those 20% are, and then spend most of your time dealing with them. If one particular customer (especially one who doesn’t buy much) asks a lot of questions and wastes a lot of your time, then it may not be worth your time to deal with them at all because they are wasting so much of your valuable time that could be used better somewhere else.
In life it’s better to spend most of your time doing things that are the most beneficial to you and not get caught up with silly time wasters that do no one any good.
Tell a friend about China232.com
greetings from Poznań,... 
September 9th, 2008 at 9:33 pm
hi guys,
i just want to great you about what you are doing. Its realy helpfull for foreigners to learn English. You can trust me that i recommend this site to all my friends. I still couldnt catch the latest podcasts coz, im still listening first 25. Im excited to listen them all and trying to be patient on it.
Thanks for what you are doing and please keep on doing it.
Best regards from Istanbul.
September 10th, 2008 at 1:20 am
Hi guys! I’m from Brazil. I discovered your podcast a few weeks ago through iTunes, since then, I’m listening every day.
It’s very fun to learn with the shows, the pronunciation is very clear, the themes is great. I’m improving each day. The guide lessons in the site also help me a lot.
Be sure that I will recommend to all of my friends. Thanks a lot once again!!
September 10th, 2008 at 10:21 am
Hi guys,
Thanks for your great job . Learning english by your podcasts is fun . I can spend a long time to hearing your podcasts without becoming bored . The energy in voice impress me. I\\\’m always eager to your lessons. Your job is awesome
Concerning with this lesson, I totally agree with you. I always try to put into action this rule and do first 20% works which have 80% importance in my life, but it\\\’s not easy all the time !!! It\\\’s easy for you ?
Wish you all the best from IRAN.
September 11th, 2008 at 9:10 pm
Hello guys
I’m happy to make advertising your site in my country forum. I think that your job is great, and I wander how you earn many if you don’t get they for this awesome podcast.
I wish that your site will be biger nad bieger and more people will be listen you.
Have a good time!
Greeting form Poland
September 12th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
Hi Guys,
My name is Beata and I am from Poland. I just love your podcasts and I love your voices. They are really hot :-). So, please, KEEP DOING THIS!!! I would like to listen you both for the rest of my life. You do really a good job. My listening skills are better every day. I have told all my friends who learns English about you and about your website. Thank you very much.
Kisses for you
Bye
September 17th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
Hi guys
I`m Henri from Cameroon (Africa ) presently in UK.
I would like to congratulate you for the great job you are doing , I really enjoy listening to your podcasts.
I`m not a native English speaker , but my english is getting better because of your podcasts
Cheer`s
HENRI
September 18th, 2008 at 1:19 am
Hi ,
My name is Jed and I’m from Philippines. I just want you guys to know that I’m one of those 20% who cares, yes i listen to a certain episode 3 to 5 times.
Goodluck to your show
Jed
September 18th, 2008 at 3:32 am
I am a big fan of your website. I’m very thankful for your effort to make this site useful.
I’m teaching English to children so I totally agree that 20% of students in my class cause
80% of problems for the teacher. I’m trying those of 20% students enjoy my class more.
September 23rd, 2008 at 11:51 am
Hey, guys!
What about new lessons?
maxim
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Hey, I have been looking for new episode for a long time but I guess this time it will be some late. You have never been late like that . Is there any problem ?
September 23rd, 2008 at 12:53 pm
Hello Sinan and Maxim,
The new lesson will be out within the next few days. Sorry for the delay.
September 23rd, 2008 at 1:49 pm
Thanx Add!
I\’m loking forward to hearing a new one!
maxim
October 4th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
Hey
Just wanna congratulate and thank you guys for providing and helping us, non-native english speakers with your helpful and entertaining podcasts.
Keep up the good work.
October 9th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Hi boys !!
You´re great.
I miss you so much, because I have access to internet only a few days of the week.
Thanks for all your work. I practice a lot with your lessons. Please more videos
bye (mar)
October 14th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
Hello guys,
I´m from Brazil, Rio de Janeirooooo.
I love your lessons. I always work out listening you!!! It´s awesome.
THANK YOUUU Raquel..
October 16th, 2008 at 1:03 am
Hi, I’m Anita from China
I listen to your podcast everyday.
I’m sure that we all would improve our english with your great job.
You are good
October 27th, 2008 at 4:10 am
I\’m from VietNam
I\’m not one of 20% but I will try
thanks