Business communication is an important factor for an entrepreneur to establish trust from customers and partners. From the start until the end of a conversation, you have to apply the etiquette of business communication. Treat every person that is connected with your business corporation with dignity and importance.
Trust is one of the reasons why clients and customers are loyal to a company or a business. If no one will trust you, your business will most likely fail because your partners and customers rely on how you address their concerns with your products and services. They may be paying you financially, but they will also trust you by letting your services resolve their problems and use your products because they need it. So, if you can’t provide them with assistance chances are they would rather go to your competitors.
According to communication consultant Mark Jeffries, there are five biggest mistakes that people commit when engaging in business communication. Below are those, and how you can prevent them:
1. Handshakes – This is a non-verbal communication that establishes trust between you and the person that you are doing business with. Even though a simple handshake will do, there are two erroneous ways of doing it:
a. Early handshake – this is a kind of handshake in which you grab the fingers instead of the whole hand.
b. Long handshake – This is a kind of handshake that you tend to shake your partner or customer’s hand for so long when he or she wants to stop it. If you do this, it means that you are not giving the appropriate attention to your conversation.
This will tend to give a negative impression to your customer or partner that you are having a conversation with.
2. Receiving a business card – A business card is someone’s asset that symbolizes his or her effort on achieving a business company. It may include their contact info such as their business phone number (learn more) and office address. Thus, it is proper to read and give a complimentary comment after you have received the business card. You can even ask for further questions and write some details on the card. As long as you say something, your business partner will recognize your sincerity.
3. Posture – This is a non verbal communication that portrays a person’s respect when someone is talking, especially during meetings. There may be times when you just want to slouch or even sit like you are not in a meeting. You should prevent this rude posture by sitting upright in order for you to pretend to be interested even if you are already bored. With this, you will have the energy to listen attentively to them. In addition, make sure you are looking at the person talking.
4. The writing rule – You will be tempted to write using your laptop or mobile phone. Although it is not rude, writing using a pen and paper is still a good way to send a good message to the person you’re talking with. It will show how interested you are by focusing on the conversation.
5. Do not leave the other person hanging in the end – When you are nearly ending a conversation, it is important not to leave the other person hanging. To end the conversation properly and with respect, say an appreciative note such as “Lisa, thank you for your time”.
These are just some of the things that you should remember when engaging in business communication. With the ever changing times, there is a possibility that business communication might also change. You could also do your research to ensure that you are always updated with the changes in business communication etiquettes. What’s important here is how you gain trust using these simple methods.