Words have great power. As small business owners, every dollar counts, every minute counts, and every word matters. In the world of business, our communication tools and the words we use with them can make or break us. How do I know? In my nearly thirty years of consulting and coaching, the one improvement opportunity that has always come up when working with an organization, is communication. Here are some reasons to pay attention to communication and the words you use.
1. The Art of Persuasion
Whether writing an advertisement or an email or a text, or doing a keynote presentation, the words are usually chosen to evoke emotion, persuade, and drive action. Your words can close doors or open them.
2. Building Trust and Authenticity
Your and your business’s reputation rests on the trust you build with your audience. Use words that resonate with honesty, transparency, and integrity. Share your stories, highlight customer experiences and testimonials, and allow your words to align with your actions. Do what you say you are going to do!
3. Create Your Digital Presence with Purpose
Your online presence, or lack of, can speak volumes. Even the smallest of businesses can derive benefit from a website and social media activity. So, be present online. Keep it simple, clear and concise, and engaging. A well worded post or tweet can help you find your tribe all across the internet and at little to no cost.
4. Navigating Change
Change is inevitable and change management is as important to small business owners as it is to CEO’s of major international corporations. And, technology driven change is a given and the speed of it can be overwhelming. Be ready, and use AEOI, Acknowledge the change, Empathize with your stakeholders, Outline solutions, and Implement. Rinse and Repeat.
AE and O are important steps to get to that place of Implementation. It’s the implementation that fosters long term resilience and loyalty.
Finally, your words matter. They can break relationships, or they can inspire others to act, build bridges, and transform losses into wins. So, choose your words wisely. Make them count!