Recipe for Trouble: Communication

Jan 27
08:18

2009

Robin Rushlo

Robin Rushlo

  • Share this article on Facebook
  • Share this article on Twitter
  • Share this article on Linkedin

In a new business there are always lots of things going on. At least, there should be if things are moving along. If you are the only one involved in your business then communication is easyyou just look at yourself in the mirror every morning. But it is far more likely that there are several people involved.

mediaimage

Copyright (c) 2009 Soaring Eagle Companies LLC

In a new business there are always lots of things going on. At least,Recipe for Trouble: Communication Articles there should be if things are moving along. If you are the only one involved in your business then communication is easyyou just look at yourself in the mirror every morning. But it is far more likely that there are several people involved. These people may be anything from investors to vendors to employees. The more people you have involved, the more effective communication becomes essential.

Effective communication means several things. It means that you are actually communicating what you want to communicate. In other words, you are clear and everyone understands what you are saying. Second, it means that you are reaching everyone that you need to reach and you have someway to confirm that they actually did get the message. Third, everyone is actually getting the message. They are either reading the message, listening to it, or watching it. If, for some reason, they didn't understand the message or they have questions, they know how to get clarification. Effective communication can be particularly challenging when everyone is in different parts of the country, but it is also even more important in those circumstances. Nothing is more disturbing than sitting you home office 1,000 miles away from the main office and not hearing anything for days at a time.

Following up on a message is also critical. You send out a message, everyone gets it, everyone understands it. If the message indicates that you will be doing something in the future, you have to be absolutely sure that you follow-up and do whatever it was you said you would do. If you have to change the plan, you need to communicate that change as soon as possible.

If there are problems of any kind that affect people, the business, or anyone associated with the business, you need to communicate those problems and the reasons for them, as much as you can. There is nothing worse than being in the dark. Lack of communication about problems or potential problems can lead to rumors, and panic. The last thing any new business (or any business for that matter) is fear. Fear in business is almost always the result of rumors and lack of communication.

Communication from the top keeps people from speculating. If you hear a rumor, be sure to address it immediately. If you ignore rumors they can spread like a weeds and take on a life of their own. More than one company has been destroyed by the rumor mill.

It is very easy to get caught up in the day-to-day issues involved in running a business and just feel like you are too busy to talk (or communicate) with anyone. By keeping the lines of communication open, effectively communicating and listening, you can keep you business on track and the people associated with your business engaged and involved in a positive way.

Article "tagged" as:

Categories: