Have you ever thought about the millions, no lets make that billions, of communications that take place each day in the world of business? We have e-mail, IMs, cell phones, PDAs, iphones, direct face-to-face communications in meetings, and on and on and on. Communication is taking up more and more of our time as we conduct business. So, having said that, let me ask you if you believe we really are using our time and communication strategically? And are we really thinking strategically about the most effective forms of communication for each specific situation? Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach believes you gain a significant strategic advantage in your business when you think more and act more strategically with your business communications.
Reflecting upon those lessons learned from my more than 35 years of professional experience in business and the myriad of experiences from business coaching, here are twelve (12) tips for strategic communications in your business.
Tip # 1: Commit to being yourself in your business communications. It is best to write the way you speak. Do not try to sound like someone else. You do not have to be overly formal to achieve effective business communications. In fact, my professional experience indicates that most people receiving business communications will understand what you’re saying much more easily when you use a normal, conversational tone. ??Tip #2: Be positive! Focus on delivering your business message using a positive tone and a positive approach, even if it is something the person receiving the message may not want to hear.
Tip #3: Understand the environment where your business communications will take place. What is the environment for your business communication: on the phone, in a business office, face-to-face with a client, or a non-business location? Determine what makes you feel most comfortable, sitting, standing, etc. before initiating the communication.
Tip #4: Clearly define what is at stake with your business communication. Know why you are communicating, what you want to communicate, and with whom you will be communicating.
Tip #5: Communicate at the receivers level. To achieve an effective business communication the receiver of your message must understand the message you’re sending. Don’t try to impress the recipient of your message with big words that they will not understand.
Tip #6: Always avoid sending any business communication when you are angry.
When angry, you may be vulnerable to saying or writing things that you would not normally say or write and this will present a big communication barrier. So, if you are angry, step back and wait till you are calmer and then prepare your message and choose your words carefully.
Tip #7: Always avoid the use of technical language and jargon in your business communications, unless you are communicating with someone within your specific industry and using common words, phrases, and acronyms. And if you are unsure if the recipient of your message will not understand, then define the term or terms in your communication.
Tip #8: Strive for clarity and brevity in your business communications. Extra words do not always enhance your message. Demonstrate respect for the valuable time of the recipient of your message by keeping your business communications to ones that convey something important and meaningful.
Tip #9: Always observe proper business etiquette in all business communications.
Tip #10: Be an active listener during business communications. And make sure you not only listen, but that you “hear and understand” what is being communicated.
Tip #11: Always communicate the benefits and values you are providing to the recipients.
Tip #12: Try to anticipate questions and try to answer them in your business communications. This has the potential to save time and possible additional communications.
The need has never been greater for well-crafted, carefully considered and effectively targeted business communications. Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach encourages you to fully realize the benefits of business coaching to strategically and effectively communicate in your business. If you would like to learn more about how a strategic thinking business coach can facilitate and guide you in that endeavor, please contact Glenn Ebersole today through his website at www.businesscoach4u.com or by email at jgecoach@aol.com
J. Glenn Ebersole, Jr. is a multi-faceted professional, who is recognized as a visionary, guide and facilitator in the fields of business coaching, marketing, public relations, management, strategic planning and engineering. Glenn is the Founder and Chief Executive of two Lancaster, PA based consulting practices: The Renaissance Group, a creative marketing, public relations, strategic planning and business development consulting firm and J. G. Ebersole Associates, an independent professional engineering, marketing, and management consulting firm. He is a Certified Facilitator and serves as a business coach and a strategic planning facilitator and consultant to a diverse list of clients. Glenn is also the author of a monthly newsletter, “Glenn’s Guiding Lines – Thoughts From Your Strategic Thinking Business Coach” and has published more than 275 articles on business.