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Business Communication
Objectives & GoalsClick to read
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Lay the first financial foundations for the creation of a new business or development of an existing one
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Understand communication strategies |
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Engage in online communication |
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Communicate effectively – presenting and public speaking |
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COMPETENCE
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PROFICIENCY LEVEL - FOUNDATION
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PROFICIENCY LEVEL - INTERMEDIATE
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PROFICIENCY LEVEL - ADVANCED
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Self-awareness and self-efficacy
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Learners trust their own ability to generate value for others
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Learners can make the most of their strengths and weaknesses.
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Learners can compensate for their weaknesses by teaming up with others and by further developing their strengths.
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Motivation and perseverance
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Learners want to follow their passion and create value for others.
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Learners are willing to put effort and resources into following their passion and create value for others.
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Learners can stay focused on their passion and keep creating value despite setbacks.
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Mobilising resources
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Learners can find and use resources responsibly.
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Learners can gather and manage different types of resources to create value for others.
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Learners can define strategies to mobilise the resources they need to generate value for others.
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Financial and economic literacy
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Learners can draw up the budget for a simple activity.
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Learners can find funding options and manage a budget for their value creating activity.
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Learners can make a plan for the financial sustainability of a value creating activity.
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Mobilising others
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Learners can communicate their ideas clearly and with enthusiasm
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Learners can persuade, involve and inspire others in value-creating activities.
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Learners can inspire others and get them on board for value-creating activities
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What is Business Communication?Click to read
- Business Communication is the process by which we share information with people within, and external to, your business.
- We communicate with other people so often that sometimes we don’t think about how and why we do it.
- Business communication is important for:
- Planning and writing proposals
- Making decisions
- Reaching agreement
- Selling
- Providing feedback to staff and customers
- Completing customer orders
- Presenting business ideas e.g. to a potential funder
- Everything you do within your business relies on clear communication so it’s important that you have a good communications strategy
What types of Business Communication are necessary?Click to read
- There are two main types of Business Communication
What does effective Business Communication look like?Click to read
Successful Business Communication can mean:
- Less distractions e.g. no email overload! This means more room for thinking and creativity
- Clear exchange of communications between departments/business areas e.g. between you and your salesperson
- Better customer service
Business Communications Planning
How do I write my Business Communications Plan?Click to read
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Get Busy! |
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Follow these simple steps:
1. Set clear goals – ask yourself what do you need to address. Perhaps your business is growing very quickly and you are losing track of information. Or perhaps you want to improve customer ratings.
2. Identify WHO you need to communicate with – customers, suppliers etc. and HOW OFTEN?
3. Decide on the best methods of communication for your business e.g. emails, surveys, face-to-face meetings
4. Then decide on the best tools for your business e.g. Google Drive or Dropbox for internal communication
5. Document the process and review and revisit quarterly.
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What does a Business Communications Plan look like?Click to read
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Communication Plan area
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Degree of Urgency (1-5)
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Who is involved?
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Goals
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Actions
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Date
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New packaging
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1
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Designers
Printers
Salespeople
Customers
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Timelines achieved
Launch campaign ready
Messaging agreed
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Plan launch
Plan campaign message
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TBC
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Digital Communication and engaging onlineClick to read
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As a digital entrepreneur, much of your communication will be online:
- Emails
- Social media
- Digital meetings (zoom/skype)
- Online customer platforms e.g. Trustpilot
It is very important that your online interactions are consistent and professional.
The correct term for this is ‘Netiquette’ - being courteous and polite when communicating with others online. It is short for ‘Internet Etiquette’
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Rules for good NetiquetteClick to read
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It is very important that your business communication strategy is the same in person and online. So remember:
- Keep online communication professional – whether in person or online
- Use clear and appropriate language
- Engage in best practice when meeting online – no distractions e.g. looking at your phone!
- Remember that everything you post online is traceable so consider your digital footprint and think before you post!
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Digital Communication with customers onlineClick to read
Remember: You are the ambassador for your business!
Think about how you communicate online:
- Your language should be professional – avoid slang or expletives.
- Always think before you post on your social media channels – consider your business reputation.
- Never post or respond to a post if you are angry.
- Keep posts short and concise – you will receive better responses if your message is short and direct.
Digital Communication – case studyClick to read
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Adidas Boston Marathon
The 2013 bombing at the Boston Marathon killed three people and injured many more.
Adidas had sent an email congratulating runners
who had ‘survived’ the marathon.
Although the company apologised for the poorly
worded email, customers were not impressed!
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Remember:
When people are online, they sometimes feel invisible – they may do/say things they would never do/say in public. This includes business owners!
Communicating Effectively
Tips for Public Speaking/PitchingClick to read
What is an Elevator Pitch?Click to read
- An Elevator Pitch is a brief way of introducing you and your business – it makes 1-2 key points and is a way of connecting with someone. It should be approximately 30 seconds.
- It should be short yet persuasive and memorable.
- It’s called an Elevator Pitch because it should take the same amount of time that you would spend travelling in an elevator with someone.
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