Communicating Effectively in Business 101 – 5 Easy Steps
Strong communication is critical in any type of business situation. It is vitally important to spend the time planning, as much as you spend the time executing the communication. Remember that every interaction is a chance to make a good impression. Whether you are writing an email, leaving a voice message, presenting an important topic or writing a deck/presentation, it is important to follow some easy steps to ensure that you are on the right path of success.
1. Determine your goal(s) or objective(s).
a. What do you want to convey?
b. Are you trying to sell something or influence someone?
c. How are you going to know if you were successful?
TIP – all communication should have a goal, figure out what your goal is.
2. Understand the audience/client, etc.
a. Who is the audience?
b. What does the audience care about?
c. What may be their objections? How are you going to handle that?
d. Why should the company or internal resource care about what you are saying?
TIP – Google the company/organization and search the person on LinkedIn. You will get great feedback and understand a lot about the audience.
3. Draft your communication.
a. What will it say?
b. How long should it be?
c. What will it look like?
d. What is your money page? This is the page that holds all of the key information to influence your audience.
TIP – draft out your slides on a blank piece of paper or whiteboard. This way you can think strategically about what you are doing.
TIP 2 – if communicating via email, keep it short and to the point. Draft your email THEN type in the email addresses, this will ensure you don’t hit send by accident. Highlight key points you want the reader to review.
