The success of any business or organization depends largely on how effectively the members communicate. The ability to speak well is a minimum requirement of some businesses when hiring. Whatever the job, business professionals require extensive use of oral communication when carrying out their duties.
2. Agenda
• About the presenter
• What is communication?
• The communication process
• Communication Channels
• Difference between effective communication and Ineffective
communication
• Communication/Leadership styles
• Stakeholders defined (Audience)
• Subtle Communication i.e. Business Etiquette
• Communication Strategies for Team Building
• Next Steps
3. Who is Nicole Newman?
• Graduate of Temple University
• MBA from University of Maryland
• President/CEO of Newman
Networks
• Awardee for Outstanding
Leadership in addition to
Creative Marketing
• Author of 4 books – 2 non-fiction,
2 business books
• Co-founder of Calling All Female
Entrepreneurs (CAFÉ)
6. What is communication?
The Business Dictionary says “Two-way process of reaching
mutual understanding, in which participants not only exchange
(encode-decode) information, news, ideas and feelings but
also build and share meaning. In general, communication is a
means of connecting people or places. In business, it is a key
function of management--an organization cannot operate
without communication between levels, departments and
employees.”
My definition – “Marketing is communication”
“80% of communication is non-verbal”
7. Communication Channels
• Face to Face (only complete channel because sender and
receiver are not separated by time or distance)
• Telephone
• Voicemail
• Text Messaging
• E-mail
• Social Media
– Instagram
– Facebook personal
– Facebook business
– Twitter
– Linkedin
8. Communication Channels
• Face to Face (only complete channel because sender and
receiver are not separated by time or distance)
• Telephone
• Voicemail
• Text Messaging
• E-mail
• Social Media
– Instagram
– Facebook personal
– Facebook business
– Twitter
– Linkedin
9. Effective Communication
• Effective communication strategies involve two-way communication
• Companies whose managers successfully engage employees about
their work and their perspectives on issues related to products,
services, customers and the business develop a culture of
inclusiveness that generates results.
• Business communication should be results-driven and strategically
focused on achieving measurable results.
• Organizational communicators know that messages need to be
delivered multiple times in multiple ways to have the most impact.
• Using multiple channels to communicate with various audiences will
increase the odds that communications are received and
understood.
10. Communication/Leadership styles
• Communication should never be one-way--either from the top-down
or the bottom-up.
• Inclusive communication strategy is one in which explicit steps
are taken to ensure that all employees feel they are involved in
decisions that affect their day-to-day work.
• Organizations with a secretive environment shut people out,
which can stifle involvement and result in lost ideas and
opportunities.
• Employee involvement is a key factor that affects employee
satisfaction and success.
The objective of leadership is to get stakeholders to act!!
12. Subtle Communication is Business Etiquette
Is your businesses’ external image professional to be treated as
a professional?
– Website
– Professional email address
– Testimonials
– Professional Attire
– Business Cards
– Ability to accept electronic payments
– Communication style (WIN-WIN)
– Team player
– Edify others
13. Communication Strategies for Team Building
• Listening
• Use Names
• Get to the Point
• Let Others Talk
• Start with a compliment: Positive people buy more
• Non-verbal Language
• Vocal Cues
• Build an Atmosphere of Openness
An open communication environment is one in which all members of the
organization feel free to share feedback, ideas and even criticism . Leaders
who are committed to open communication build an environment of trust
that can be the foundation for success.
14. Resolution Techniques
• Listen to both sides of the story
• Ask clarifying questions
• Don’t make assumptions
• Provide examples or analogies
• Think win-win
• Put the relationship first
• Allow others to suggest resolutions
• Work to compromise
• Don’t stop until both sides agree or agree to disagree
15. Next Steps from Newman Networks
Upcoming Events from Newman Networks
• http://newmannetworks.eventbrite.com
• http://www.newman-network.com
Calling All Female Entrepreneurs
• https://www.facebook.com/groups/phillycafe/
• http://www.phillycafe.org
Next webinars:
• Accounting Metrics needed to implement a marketing strategy
and budget
• How to work your network
Anyone who is affected by your business is a stakeholder, and stakeholders need to hear from you. Distribute clear communications about the state of your business to lenders, vendors, attorneys, accountants, consultants and even family members of your employees. All of these people are affected by how well your business performs, so don’t leave them in the dark. Also solicit communications from your stakeholders so you know their concerns. Being proactive about sending messages and asking for responses is a strategy that can help you build a community of well-wishers to support your business efforts.
Listening: Good listening skills and showing a genuine interest are attributes of a successful communicator. Sales associates who actively listen to customers inquires and complaints are more able to solve problems and gain customer loyalty.
Use Names: When meeting people make sure you hear the person's name and use it right away so you will remember it. If you are not sure what the person said, ask him/her to repeat it.
Get to the Point: Show value for people's time by being as concise as possible when giving information. Do not give lengthy, unnecessary details and don't make excuses for your mistakes. Answer the question and give important information only.
Let Others Talk: Don't be a person who does all the talking. What you are saying may be of interest to you only. Keep the other person in mind, giving him/her a chance to be a part of the conversation. Look for signals that you may be boring your listener and ask questions to involve them in the conversation.
Non-verbal Language: Nine-five percent of our communication is non-verbal, which includes: eye movement, tone of voice, posture, facial expressions and hand gestures. When talking to someone keeping eye contact without staring shows a sense of confidence. Be aware of non-verbal communication and keep it consistent with your message.
Vocal Cues: Do not use an excessive amount of 'filler' words (sayings or words repeated often), sounds such as "uh, um" or use lengthy pauses during conversation. The listener will lose interest in what you are saying and will become bored.
Build an Atmosphere of Openness: To establish a good relationship with customers and create a comfortable atmosphere be attentive to the number of interruptions. Give your customer/acquaintance your undivided attention by not keeping physical barriers (such as desks) between you. Avoid trying to communicate in a busy area and keep your focus on the listener.