In a business world where so many companies fight for the survival and try to keep their head above water, it is important that everybody in the organization stays on the same page. People hear a lot of information through the grapevine, and tend to take it for a fact.
It is always better if they hear it from their superiors first, than to engage in Chinese whispers. Even the best managers and CEO’s cannot run a business alone, at least not in an effective manner. If you are to avoid leading your ship to the iceberg, there is only one way to do it- communication.
Singing in harmony
Writing a communications plan is the first step- often it does take a planned attempt to get a hold of a group of people. Make sure employees get familiar with codes of procedures and policies and ask for their feedback. If everyone is going to sing from the same hymnbook you can’t leave it to their good will and memory to get the words right.
In some businesses, it is also crucial to keep vital data within the company. You cannot let sensitive information getting out prematurely if that would make the stock prices plummet, for example. Even worse, leaking information and breaking confidentiality rules could lead to legal consequences and put the very existence of the company into question.
Lost in translation
With that in mind, note that there is no such thing as over-communicating. There are always people who are likely to miss the message, so it is better to be pushy than to be misunderstood. Use whatever means you have at disposal- email, text messages, social media, meetings, etc. Different people process information in different ways so it is best to use both verbal and non-verbal communication.
Latest tech innovations are always a welcome addition to the company’s daily operations. With so many communication applications for business users flooding the market, mobile devices have become a powerful tool to stay in touch with others wherever you go. Bear in mind, however, that sometimes a word of mouth and one-on-one meeting is a better solution.
Make an effort to hold departmental and all employee meetings on a regular basis. Departments and teams that are out of sync will make the road to success bumpy. Always leave the door open for suggestions and input from workers and colleagues. If people cannot voice their concerns and opinions through regular channels they will do it in a sneaky or secretive manner.
Rumors and misinformation spreads like wildfire, and it is better to have cooperative teams than a bunch of individuals looking out for themselves. Thus, a timely and meaningful conversation boosts the morale in the company and makes sure that internal forces are put to best use and towards the company’s goals.
A return ticket
It goes without saying that best practices should apply to business partners and clients as well. One-way business communication is essential because this way companies share vital information with clients and partners. It also takes the form of advertising, the lifeline of enterprises both big and small.
Today, however, with latest tech innovations, the possibilities and the importance of the two-way communication are on the rise. Social media marketing, for example, allows customers to comment, share, like, make suggestions and feel empowered for doing so.
Networks like Facebook and LinkedIn are an opportunity to reach a broad audience and explain why your services and products are worth the attention. It creates a win-win scenario where you are spreading brand awareness and building loyalty of content customers. And that is the only way to gain an edge over the competition and see your business entering a phase of prosperity and flourishing.
Not alone, unless you want to be
Communication within the company is a milestone in any business’ growth and prosperity. It takes a great deal of commitment, planning and coordinated execution to make communication lines open and smooth. So, keep the employees posted and do not let the wires get crossed. Employees should share the same goals and know what their share of responsibility is.
External communication is every bit as important as the communication within the company. It improves customer relationship, and the services your business provides. Benefits of good business communication are so abundant that it is not possible to imagine any kind of success without it. Remember that the ultimately, communication is at its best when it works both ways.
