Communication is vital to any business. Internal communication and communicating with your potential customers must be done thoughtfully, clearly, and through proper channels.
However, miscommunication is one of the most common issues in human existence. Miscommunication can be devastating in interpersonal and business relationships.
In a recent interview, Adi Klevit of Business Success Consulting Group spoke with Andrea Heuston, CEO of SpeakHer, about her strategies for effective communication. During their discussion, Andrea addressed how she had resolved past miscommunications and systematized communication in her business.
Read on to find five communication tools, some of which are discussed in the Systems Simplified podcast interview with Andrea Heuston.
Grow Your Business with These Five Communication Tools
You grow your business by communicating with your staff, customers, and potential customers. However, miscommunication is common both in every day relationships and in business. So, how does one overcome these communication issues? The answer is by using communication tools and systems.
1. Build a communication system for internal communications.
Providing employees with clear directives can be tricky, and the effects of a miscommunication may be financially devastating. The solution? A communication system that has the following features:
a. Keeps records of communication.
b. Stores written communication in a searchable fashion.
c. Communications can be categorized, tagged, and archived.
d. Makes it easy to set reminders and create tasks based on actions that have been communicated.
e. Can be used as an exclusive means of internal communication.
About a hundred and one systems can do all of the above. These include physical filing systems, online software systems, email systems, collaboration systems, and more. Once you pick a system, it is helpful if it a) can transfer information to another platform if needed and b) is something the whole team can access and be trained on. Just because a system is intuitive to you - the business owner - doesn’t mean this is the case for everyone on your team.
2. Create goals for your networking communication.
Networking is a challenge for most people, and that is okay! One great way to overcome the challenge and reach an overarching goal, like landing a speaking gig or being interviewed by a favorite podcaster, is to set small goals for your networking. Andrea gives an example of having a small goal: talking to someone new at a networking event. Achieving small goals like this will help pave the way to achieving larger goals, like presenting at a TEDx event.
3. Find ways to access new lines of communication.
There are many ways to communicate to potential clients and business partners. Here are just a few examples:
a. Networking events
b. Reporters/News outlets
c. Flyers
d. Letters
e. Newsletters
f. Postcards
g. Billboards
h. Videos/video platforms
i. Podcasts
j. Social media like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter), Threads, LinkedIn, etc.
k. Webinars
l. Books/Downloadable PDFs
In our society, there are unlimited ways to communicate with customers and clients. Make a list and see if there are any new ways you’d like to communicate, then create a process for doing so. Perhaps you could record a video of the podcast you already make or convert your newsletter into a physical mailing to potential clients in your area. There are many options. Find the ones that work best for you and utilize them.
4. Set up internal face-to-face or video communications with your teams.
As you increase external communication, it can be easy to lose sight of your team. Set up video conferences, physical conferences, weekly meetings, or face-to-face meetings with your employees to communicate vital goals and keep everyone on track.
5. Take classes to become an expert communicator.
Your skill set may be limited regarding internal or external communications. You may communicate well with your team, but participating in interviews, speeches, or networking is difficult. Or you may be an expert speaker but have trouble providing clear guidance to your team.
Either way, you can take classes to hone your communication skills and gain better insight into how to talk with your team and potential clients.
Are you ready to document the ideal communication processes for your business, but aren’t sure how to begin? Get in touch with the experts at Business Success Consulting Group!
