You spend a lot of time on business content. But do you miss silent business communicators?
- Silent business communicators send a message that hurts your business.
- And they tend to speak the loudest.
- Beware – they are lurking to destroy your message.
5 Silent Business Communicators (that speak volumes)
What are these silent, deadly predators? The following video gives you a quick glimpse.
#1 – Smartphone Use
I love HGTV programs about finding a home and making it your own. Recently, I saw a new program (new to me) where a real estate and rehab specialist helped stuck couples looking for their “dream home.”
The couple in the episode were young entrepreneurs with multiple businesses. They were constantly on their phones. Even while out looking at houses with their agent.
Think about the message that sends.
- Their time was more important than the agent’s time.
- They were not really interested in finding a new home.
- In other words – they were rude and disinterested.
Is that the message you want to deliver?
Smartphones became one of the best business tools. But, like any tool, its misuse can backfire and explode all over your business reputation. Know when to put smartphones down.
#2 – Email Acknowledgment
We are all bombarded with emails. Our inboxes groan under the weight of email marketing, spam, and actual business-related requests.
If you fail to acknowledge business emails, the silence is deafening to your customers. And telling.
- At best, you’re too busy to support their business.
- At worst, you are too disorganized or capable of handling their business.
- In this case, no news is rarely good news.
Acknowledge business emails before the silence crushes your business.
#3 – Time Management
Running a business is tough, especially if the whole business is you.
Think how you felt when the following happened to you.
- A client is consistently late to meetings.
- Your voicemail goes unanswered or acknowledged.
- A business partner frequently misses deadlines.
Bet you didn’t like it much, did you?
There is an arrogance in being habitually late that communicates your time is more important than others (just like that smartphone obsession).
Time management is a sign of mutual respect. Respect yourself and your customers.
#4 – Body Language
Imagine you are a speaker at a national conference. You look out at your audience and see the following.
- People slouched in their seats
- A few individuals roll their eyes or yawn
- Others sit with arms and legs tightly crossed
It doesn’t take a specialist to interpret that body language.
I know what you’re thinking. I would never do that to a customer.
Maybe so, but funny thing about body language. It can sneak up and take control without your knowledge.
- That stifled yawn
- A raised eyebrow
- A blank stare
Body language is an equal opportunity offender.
- Even if you employ your acting skills, work on positive body language.
- Smile, nod in agreement, and keep good eye contact.
- Focus on listening.
#5 – The Unspoken Word
What you do not say can be as powerful – or more so – than what you do communicate.
- The businessperson who evades questions regarding costs
- A social media account that ignores posts complaining about service
- The failure to disclose business affiliations or interests
Do you want your business communications to leave customers wondering what you’re not saying? Be transparent and truthful. Customers will trust what they know and question what they don’t.
But there is one phrase that should never go unspoken – thank you.
- Say it often.
- Be sincere.
- And know it speaks volumes.
Silent but Deadly
Take as much care with your silent business communicators as you do with the written or spoken word. They’re lurking under the surface to drag your business down.
What silent business communicators have you observed? Share your thoughts in Comments.
Note: This March 18, 2022 post updates the original that published on April 3, 2013. I also updated the prior SlideShare presentation to a video because I found the format does not play nice with all browsers.
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Cathy, I’m almost brain dead at the moment, but when I’m swamped and I know my client is too I sometimes acknowledge an email with a subject line only… you know, like “I got it – will deliver tomorrow – eom”
I always appreciate that kind of communication when I get it.
That works, Anne. And I really appreciate clients who reciprocate. Thanks for sharing your M.O., Anne