Good Communication is Good for Business!

There's a laundry list of attributes that sets successful business leaders and entrepreneurs apart from the rest. A strong work ethic. Visionary thinking. Unafraid to take risks. Resiliency. And let's be honest, a little bit of swagger or a dash of charisma never hurts, either.

But one of the most often overlooked - yet highly essential - characteristics is their ability to communicate timely and effectively. On episode 73 of The Liquid Lunch Project podcast, our guest, Brenden from Master Talk, pointed out that we often set goals for things like revenue, attracting more customers, or expanding operations, but very rarely do we pay attention to our ability (or lack thereof) to communicate. We treat it like a chore rather than a skill that needs to be practiced. But as your business scales, your communication skills must grow with it. 

It's also important to keep in mind that good habits start at the top. Being routinely late for meetings, overlooking important messages, or failing to set clear expectations of what needs to be done will not do you - or your team - any favors. By creating a culture of effective communication with your employees, you are setting the standard by which they (should) reciprocate. 

Five ways improving your communication skills are good for business:

Builds Trust: Effective communication helps to build trust with your team, investors, and customers. When you communicate clearly and honestly, people are more likely to believe in you and your vision.

Resolves Conflict: In any business, conflicts are bound to arise. However, effective communication skills can help to resolve them quickly and effectively without causing any lasting damage.

Enhances Productivity: When your team understands your goals and vision clearly, they're able to work more efficiently towards achieving them. Effective communication can streamline processes and ensure that everyone is working towards the same objectives.

Boosts Sales: As an entrepreneur, you need to be able to sell your product or service effectively. Good communication skills can help you to pitch your idea, convince potential customers, and close deals.

Inspires Innovation: When your team feels comfortable communicating with you, they're more likely to share their ideas and insights. This can lead to innovative solutions and new growth opportunities.

Effective communication is vital for any leader or entrepreneur and essential to a successful business. This week, set aside the numbers and spreadsheets and the vision boards and reflect on your communication skills. Be critical of yourself. Ask for feedback. Check out that episode with Brendan from Master Talk or episode 34, Mastering the Art of Communication with Steve Simms. Like any skill, practice makes perfect - and getting better at it will only make you and your business more successful.