The Importance of Communication in Business

Communication is the key to solving most problems and generally getting the things that you want in life and business. Communication means articulating what you're after, how you plan to achieve it, and what is required from the other party to ensure that all falls into place. The other party might be a boss, a co-worker, a client or your entire customer base.

 Of course communication can also be really difficult, as after all, asking for what you want, or even understanding what you want is complicated enough, let alone when the demand is being directed at an intimidating boss or an impatient client. A couple of tricky situations and ways around them include:

 Managing your boss's schedule:

 If you're someone who unfortunately does not have the privilege of a boss who is organised and professionally demanding in a good way, pay attention. Some bosses aren't organised at all. They are forgetful and do everything in a fly-by-the-seat-of-their-pants manner. This is often the case when working with creatives or in start-up companies where there is simply too much to deal with and roles aren't clearly defined. This kind of boss requires a lot of reminders and that can be complicated.

 Ways around it? First of all, by being extremely organised yourself you're one step ahead of the game already. Take note of your boss's deadlines and work backwards from there. If, for instance, they need a project delivered by the 15th of the month and it's going to require 20 hours of your work, then start building on it a week ahead of schedule- two if you have it. That will leave sufficient time for re-dos and for your boss to change their mind several times about strategy, concept and approach. Another good thing to do is to write out the information you require to complete a task in the form of a project brief. Subheadings will be things like: client; deadline; objectives; measures of success; essential points you need to know.

 Breaking the boundaries or a work/friend relationship:

 Sometimes we have the privilege of having such great clients we actually become their friend. Perhaps you have children the same age and set play dates or you share a passion for foreign films. In these instances it can be tempting to sign off emails regarding deadlines, artwork or invoices, with a 'see you next week at La Vie En Rose'. While having a friendly personality probably makes you better at what you do, it can also be a professional hindrance. Messages aren't always clearly communicated, and clients don't feel the same sense of urgency to deliver their side of the deal/work.

 While writing emails in formal corporate language might feel distant, it is necessary to maintain a sense of professionalism. Perhaps two emails are required. The first to confirm social plans and the second to articulate what you need the client to do in a professional capacity.

 People often fail at communications because they don't have the courage to confidently ask for what they rightly require or deserve. This is a mistake. It is a sign of weakness that people will pick up on and take advantage of. Knowing what you require from the people you deal with and asking for it is a critical part of doing business successfully.

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Adaptive Consultancy is a London-based digital agency
specialising in website design, eCommerce, and internet marketing,
including SEO, PPC and SMO. For more on internet marketing consultant visit http://www.adaptiveconsultancy.com/internet-marketing-consultancy

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