The Tool of Communication
Effective communication is an important tool for any type of business. Communication is the way you can get your point across to people and can be a deal breaker when you are facing a potential opportunity.
Communication is important when it comes to explaining the policies and procedures to both clients and employees. If your employee doesn’t understand something, this can have a negative effect on what needs to be done, or how to keep safe in the workplace. We can all put signs up to advertise something as well as an instruction sheet with things that need to get done. While this is a great idea for people to refer to if they need to, it isn’t as good as communicating in person. When you put signs up ensure both employees and customers understand what the sign is about and ask if they
understand what they are reading don’t just assume. They may not be able to understand what is in front of them. Communication is a very important tool when it comes to effectively negotiating to get the goals achieved and grow your business. While people like to virtually communicate nowadays as its easier and takes less time when customers are in your store, they do enjoy you taking the time to communicate with them in person. Doing so can make the person feel important like an individual rather than another profit they can potentially give you.
Efficiency is what comes from good communication within a business owner and his staff. When there is a good working relationship that has been created by effective communication your business will grow.
All top business advisors suggest that both verbal and non-verbal communications are important. Good communication isn’t just talking with people but learning how to listen and understand other people as well as understanding what their body language is telling you. A successful conversation can only be made when both parties are understanding each other and giving each person time to talk.
Key communication skills:
- Active listening
- Reading body language
- Respecting people’s individual space during communication
- Keeping eye contact
- Use positive body language even if you are frustrated or angry
- Learn how to handle opinions different to yours
- Have a positive attitude
- Have self-confidence as a business owner
- Face people when communicating
The many different ways to communicate include:
- Verbally/in person
- Verbally over the phone
- Social media platforms
- Instant chat
Asking questions
Communication can help you understand why a customer isn’t happy. It helps to know what their situation is and what they prefer. You can learn more about people by engaging in a conversation and asking them questions that are relevant to what they want from your business. Listening to their complaints can help you resolve the problem, so the customer is satisfied and will happily return for your services again. Customers respond very well to you and your business when they feel that their opinion is getting taken seriously and you are trying your best to understand what they want and how to do it or fix it.
Written communication
This is a good option for those low on time, they can simply send an instant message on social media, email or write a letter. Most business advisors say that some of the skills that you need to have in a verbal face to face conversation are also needed when it comes to written communications. When you ask a question online, you still needs to use the correct tone. You need to make sense with what you are saying and how you are saying it to the customer. If the party you are communicating with switches to informal style, yet you continue to be formal this is where you can miss the chance to gain a cooperative relationship. Be cautious when being informal as too much informal conversation can be disrespectful at times.