Today’s business communication is –
- faster
- louder
- and can spread like wildfire
Which means mistakes are faster, louder and can spread like wildfire.
While it’s easier than ever to reach out and touch someone, people are still people – not all are created equal.
You have a better chance of being heard if you avoid these 3 common mistakes in your business communication.
Mistake #1 – Making False Assumptions
You know you are in trouble when the word assume enters the discussion. Here are a few examples of the perils of that nasty word.
You assume all customers prefer the same form of communication.
Even before the internet exploded into a kaleidoscope of social media platforms, customers had their own preferences for business communication.
- Some wanted a face-to-face meeting
- Others thought email was king
- And some wanted you to pick up the phone
Think about your customers – isn’t that still true?
Don’t you have some, when given the choice, would send you an email (or text) over picking up the phone and just asking you a simple question?
So, if that’s the case, why do you assume ALL customers prefer tweets, texts or emails – or whatever your preferred method of communication is?
You assume everyone is on the same platform(s).
Ask yourself – are there social media platforms you like more than others?
- Perhaps you love the conciseness of Twitter
- Maybe sharing information on LinkedIn works well for you
- Or Facebook has mass appeal
Chances are, your customers are like you. They have favorite platforms and some they hate.
If you limit your communication, you limit your results.
That doesn’t mean you need to be on every platform God created. It simply means know what your customers use and find a way to connect.
You might be surprised at how that turns out.
Mistake #2 Force-feeding Technology
I admire those that always seem to know the next best thing before anyone else.
I’ve admitted I am no early adopter. For various reasons, you’ll have customers who aren’t either.
- While you are leading the pack with the latest launch
- In all the excitement, don’t leave your clients behind
Example: Kindle is hot, hot, hot.
As an avid reader, you’d think I would have been on board a long time ago. I won’t bore you with details. Let’s just say, that’s not the case.
Recently, I received an email from a PR firm asking if I wanted an advanced copy of a business writing book for a possible review. I don’t often do that, but this was an author I admired so I accepted.
They sent me a link for a Kindle download.
Hello – no Kindle.
- Yes, there is an option to download a free reading application
- Here’s the thing – I hate downloading more STUFF on my computer/smartphone
- For me, that was not a viable option
No viable option – no review.
Even though you might not think it, I am a big fan of technology. So, include your QR codes – just remember the value of a pdf attachment.
Mistake #3 – Creating Navigation Nightmares
Have you ever gone to the circus and watched a performer coaxing a tiger to jump through a hoop?
- Typically, the tiger roars its displeasure
- It takes several coaxing attempts
- The tiger might finally jump, but it is not happy
- Sometimes, the tiger attacks
Think of your customers as that tiger. Do you really want to make them cranky?
- Test drive your communication
- Is it simple to navigate?
- Is your contact information easy to find?
Good business communication is a roadmap that eliminates barriers.
Your Template to Success
The tagline to this site is more than a catchy line. It is a template to successful business writing.
Keep it simple, clear and uniquely yours.
Keep it simple – Don’t lose your message in the delivery
- Learn your customers’ communication preferences
- Deliver your communication in more than one form
- Make navigation easy
Keep it clear – Stay focused on your message
- Use communication methods that support your message
- Focus on content that engages customers
- Show customers how your solutions help them
Keep it uniquely yours – Believe in your business – it shows
- Avoid bandwagon communication
- Show customers what’s different about your business
- Share your passion
What mistakes have you experienced that drive you nuts?
Share your communication success stories.
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Helping you Keep it simple, clear & uniquely yours – contact me for help with your business writing needs.
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BigStock Photo credit – cables
Cathy- these are great pieces of advice.
A corollary- some of you whose niche is the technically inclined should recognize that- as long as you are platform independent (unless that, too is your niche)- there is nothing wrong with requiring technical expertise to enjoy (read, reach, find) your message!
Roy A. Ackerman, Ph.D., E.A. recently posted..Don’t just stand there- DO SOMETHING!
Thank you, Roy and love the corollary.
Good message! Just because you like to deliver a message through a particular platform, doesn’t mean your customer wants to receive it that way!
I would like to add that if you are an avid reader, you would LOVE a Kindle! I fought it at first but it’s so fantastic, especially when I travel!
Martha Giffen recently posted..Do You Have A Bossy Blog?
Hi Martha. Thanks for stopping by. My not having a Kindle has so many reasons – most requiring me to stretch out on the psychiatrist’s couch.
It’s a middle child of 7 syndrome. I hate being like everyone else, plus, I looove books. I’m sure I’ll get there. I’m just not ready for it yet. One great thing about my typical procrastination, by the time I buy something, it’s come way down in price.
Nice seeing you here again, Martha.
Thank you for reminding me of the fact that there are many learning styles–mine is mostly my feelings, others it’s sight, hearing, smelling. You get the idea. It’s the reason some people would rather read a tweet than a two page single spaced blog. We need to take all this into account.
Ann recently posted..That Leader Knows When Conflict is Destructive or Constructive
Hi Ann: Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You are right, a lot has to do with how we learn things. I’m a very visual person and like things broken down very simply. I love simple flow charts or bulleted lists.
Appreciate you stopping by, Ann.