Bizstartup.ie - Start Up Kit

Much business success depends on communication. In business, each employee faces an endless exchange of ideas, messages and information as they deal with one another and with customers day-to-day.

Fledgling business owners, as with all business owners, can prosper from becoming better communicators regardless if ambitions are to sell goods or services across a desk or across the globe.  The key is to make a positive impression in how you portray yourself because YOU are your own brand.  Speaking to people in such a business context forces you to develop your competitive marketing skills.  People like to do business with people they like, can communicate with, and who, by doing so, will deliver what they want.

A 30-second message

In my opinion the core of good business communication is being able to get your message (what you are selling or the service you are providing) across to potential buyers confidently and succinctly (perhaps in just 30 seconds) so you sound like a successful business person.

So how can you develop yourself to speak with confidence at an affordable price?  I am well aware that monies are usually sparse in a business start-up, as they are for many businesses in an economically-challenged environment.  I suggest you consider joining a local Toastmaster club to where you live. 

Toastmasters is very affordable and, in my opinion, the best way to speak to an audience where you can be evaluated on the spot by other participants at the meeting.  When you have to put your thoughts into a concise five-minute talk, for example, and then go out and get instant, sometimes too truthful, feedback it develops character and poise along with an improved message – highly valuable for developing both you as an individual and your business.

Toastmasters can help lose the fear of public speaking and learn skills that will assist you to be more successful in your chosen discipline. It encourages active listening – which many of us think we are good at, but we are often not!  It can help to more easily lead teams and conduct meetings. It helps time management skills as each item at a Toastmaster meeting is timed.  It is also highly valuable in monitoring crutch words such as ‘ums’ and ‘ehs’. 

In summary, I believe receiving constructive criticism on your verbal communication skills, such as from Toastmasters, can assist you in communicating for success.

Links to Toastmasters:

www.engineerstoastmasters.com

www.toastmasters.org