7 Resources you can use to Improve Business Communication Skills
With the huge rise of small businesses and startups, it’s important to have a business that stands out and works efficiently. Once you have your business up and running, it’s vital to keep it that way. People say that communication is key in any relationship, this includes the relationship you have with your coworkers, your employees, and your customers. Utilize these 7 resources to improve your business communication.
Nowadays, not having a LinkedIn account isn’t optional. College graduates are being hounded with the importance of having a gleaming and up-to-date LinkedIn profile. It doesn’t matter if you’re a newbie or a long standing professional, it’s important to keep your LinkedIn profile accurate. Try adding your skills, recent classes, and current work information in order to be connected to relevant people. Don’t forget to add your English skills! Many companies use LinkedIn as a source of business communication between potential new employees and their customers.
Social Networks
It’s no surprise that many businesses are turning to Instagram for advertising, business communication, and branding. Facebook has also been a major way in which businesses are communicating with customers and clients in the digital age. In fact, it’s uncommon for any sized business to not have any social media presence. This open platform is ideal for small businesses that want a free way to spread content. In fact, many small businesses are opting out of creating the traditional website and solely relying on a free Facebook page. Instagram and Facebook both allow consumers to directly message businesses to ask questions in a manner more personal than sending an email and waiting for a reply.
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Business Cards
Many people would argue that business cards are becoming obsolete. However, highly creative business cards are generating a lot of attention. Not only do they provide practical information about your company, they get people talking about your business and services. Purchase them in bulk to save money. Always keep a few on you to pass out to people you meet throughout the day! Don’t forget to add your business’s social media account to your business cards!
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Podcasts
Utilizing podcasts is a smart way to advertise your business. Individuals who listen to podcasts develop strong loyalties for the shows they listen to. This method of advertising is highly effective because the audience trusts the source from which they are receiving the information. When a well-known podcaster endorses a product, it’s usually because he or she uses it themselves or would recommend it to a friend. The inherent integrity within the podcasting world can be beneficial when promoting your product or service. Furthermore, because podcasts are centered around a niche topic, you can be sure you’re strictly advertising your product or service to a relevant group.
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Group Messaging
Group messaging has become a popular way for employees to connect to talk about work-related events, meetings, and to trade shifts! Group messages can be created using Gmail, Facebook, WeChat, WhatsApp, and more. While informal connections aren’t ideal for official business-related topics, group messages can be a quick and easy way to spread general knowledge all employees can benefit from.
In addition, many small businesses are opting to have their weekly, monthly, and quarterly meetings over Skype or Google Hangouts. This free option allows you to conduct face-to-face meetings with your staff from the comfort of your home. This method of business communication saves time, money, and resources.
Videos
Videos demonstrating products or offering services have risen in the past few years. Because of media sharing sites like Facebook and mobile apps like Instagram, videos are becoming ‘viral sensations’ that get passed around to thousands of people. Videos have the potential to be highly effective means of promoting business communication and starting discussions if they are executed properly. Currently, humorous and/or innovative videos are trending online.
Text Message
In this day and age, text messages are the quickest way to reach an employee or a customer. If an urgent issue arises, and you don’t have time to wait for an email response, a text message is a quick solution. It’s best to use text messaging technology with your customers for practical logistical reasons. Send a message to customers containing their ordering information, tracking number, discount information, etc. If you’re worried about sounding unprofessional, take hints from large companies who incorporate textual messages into their customer outreach strategies. Use a standard messaging format, only send messages containing relevant information, and provide customers with an option to stop receiving text messages.
With the right skills, tactics, and some determination, your communication skills can take your business to the next level. Currently, English is still considered the global language in the business world. Incorporate your English skills into these communication skills to ensure visibility to a wider audience.
