Come you hear me?
If they can hear you but cannot understand you, you are not communicating!
Sometimes brands want to be heard, and heard all the time, but are we really communicating if we are the ones doing the speaking, posting, and promoting?
Is your brand communicating?
Brand communication is the process of communicating your company’s message to consumers. Brand communication is the method by which your company conveys its message to its target market. Branding is more than just what you say about your product; it is also how you say it. Customers should feel good about purchasing your products if your branding tells them what they want to hear. Apple’s iPhone is a great example of effective branding. People associate Apple with sleek, innovative technology and beautiful design. Apple wants its customers to associate these things with their brand.
The same is true for any business. How do you want your customers to perceive your company? Do you want them to remember you as a friendly, caring company that values its customers? Or do you want them to believe you’re a greedy corporation out to make money? If you want your customers to have positive feelings about your brand, you must communicate effectively.
So, in this article we are focusing on written and verbal communication for brands.
Today let’s look at some forgotten communication tips.
Effective communication is vital in any kind of relationship, whether it’s with your boss or with clients and colleagues outside the office. If you want to improve the way you communicate, keep these tips in mind as you work on your brand communication skills.
- Get organized
Get organized by prioritizing which tasks you need to do first, and then tackle them one at a time. It can be helpful to create a list of things that need to be done and prioritize them by their importance. Make sure you take the time to organize your workspace before starting on any tasks. When responding in writing, make sure that your email or letter is clear and concise so that the person on the other end understands what it is you’re trying to say.
- Set communication goals
One of the most important parts of being a personal assistant is to communicate effectively. To be an effective communicator, one must set goals and develop a communication plan. Here are some goals and objectives that should be set:
- Be clear, concise, and articulate when speaking with clients or other professionals.
- Listen carefully to what the other person is saying and ask for clarification if you don’t understand.
iii. Use appropriate body language to show that you are interested in what they are saying.
- Keep it professional
Communication is the key to successful business relationships and it’s important to keep it professional at all levels either face-to-face communication or virtual.
Use a formal email address, avoid slang and refrain from abbreviating words; write out proper nouns such as personal names and business titles. When you are face to face with your supervisor maintain direct eye contact, be concise in your communication and if you have an objection or suggestion make it clear. Your communication should always be respectful. Think of what you say before speaking, and maintain an optimistic attitude when dealing with others.
- Be clear and concise
Clear Communication is a critical success factor in any professional endeavor. The personal assistant profession is no different. However, with a unique set of challenges, it can be difficult to know how to communicate effectively and professionally with your boss and co-workers.
- Use positive language
– Use a positive tone and keep it professional.
– Listen attentively to the other person and focus on understanding them.
– Stay calm and make eye contact during conversations, no matter how difficult the topic may be.
– When you have something to say, make sure to speak slowly so that you can articulate your thoughts clearly, avoiding any rushed or stuttered words.
-If possible, end every sentence with a period; this makes it easier for the reader to understand where one sentence ends and another begins.
-If you are unclear about what was said at some point in your conversation, ask for clarification using clarifying questions like Could you please repeat what you just said?
– Be polite and respectful of the speaker’s time by making calls only when necessary, and taking short breaks in between phone calls if possible.
- Listen attentively
When you’re listening attentively, it sends a message to the speaker that you care. It also helps them feel heard and understood. Plus, active listening is an important skill for anyone to have if they want to get ahead in their trade. Pay attention to social listening, use social listening tools to listen to conversation about your brand online. E.g. Socialmentions
- Avoid interrupting
It is easy to forget to listen closely to what others/clients/customers/fans and followers have to say in the quest to be heard.
It’s not best to interrupt when others are talking. Let them finish what they have to say and then you can ask any questions you may have. If you need to talk about something, wait for a break in the conversation to bring it up and make sure you’re not speaking over other people or stepping on their toes. Use I statements: Be clear that you are expressing your opinion and tell them why they should agree with you.
- Ask questions
Questions clarify communication and also prove one is paying attention and desire to communicate effectively. You should always use appropriate language and never assume you know what they need. Ask questions for clarification and better understanding. Don’t assume!
– Do not speak to them like they are dumb.
– Use their name often.
– Be mindful of your tone and volume of voice.
– Avoid distractions while they are talking with you.
– Let them finish before responding to them or asking questions.
– Always give them eye contact when talking to them or listening to them talk about something important.
Lastly, remember this!
The most powerful brands don’t just ‘speak’, they listen, learn, and leverage feedbacks.
Bernard is an Author, Speaker. Lecturer and Corporate Trainer.. He hosts the number one ranked Career & Business Podcast. Bernard is a brand strategist at BKC consulting and runs the monthly Branding & Publishing Masterclass. visit www.BKC.name
