As an entrepreneur, a solopreneur, or a person, what is it that sets you apart from the next person? Is it your ideas, or your education? What makes you an individual is your ability to communicate.
To effectively communicate, we must realize that we are all different in the way we perceive the world and use this understanding as a guide to our communication with others. – Tony Robbins
We have all had bosses that have left little to be desired in the leadership department, but why is this? Is it their ability to run a company, or is it that you didn’t respect them?
Commanding respect in running a business is what will keep everyone on the same page, and by tailoring your ability to communicate with everyone you are communicating with people on their level, commanding respect.
You must be the person you never had the courage to be. Gradually, you will discover that you are that person, but until you can see this clearly, you must pretend and invent. – Paulo Coelho.
Ultimately, good communication is good business. And with the internet dominating the way we run a business, every word can be pored over, from emailing to video conferencing.
How you present yourself is key to this, whether you are greeting a new employee or in a business meeting. Something as simple as how you stand communicates so much about you as a person.
People make judgments about someone before a single word is uttered, so make it a positive judgment.
Every battle is won before it’s ever fought – Sun Tzu, The Art Of War
Around every corner is a new deal, a new negotiation, from negotiating a merchant cash advance to negotiating new terms of your contract. So, presenting yourself in this arena is of the utmost importance. After all, you are about to do battle.
source: www.flickr.com
An organization becomes bewildered rather than energized when it’s asked to do too much at once. – Michael Hammer and James Champy, Reengineering The Corporation
Running a business requires you to wear many hats and spin many plates. Delegating work is part of the job when in charge of a small business, and knowing who to delegate to is a key component when entrusting your company in the hands of another.
Communicating what you need to be done effectively pays dividends in the long term, and helps establish relationships with your colleagues as you are investing something other than your time and resources, you are investing in their trust.
If you can’t explain it to a six year old, you don’t understand it yourself – Albert Einstein.
Simplicity is key, and when it comes to communicating your ideas, the simpler the language the better.
Using complex terminology only serves to alienate your colleagues and dilute the weight of the task. Keep it simple and it will be effective.
Overall, communication is how you are representing yourself, representing your brand, and representing your business. To be an effective communicator isn’t an overnight task, but understanding how to best communicate yourself over time is an invaluable tool in work and in life.
