Relationships and Communication

Life without Relationships and Communication doesn’t amount to much.

And it comes down to our behaviors and abilities to interact with ourselves and others.

As you know, there are various areas we need to master communication in life; with family, friends, teams, customers and all other business associates such as suppliers, silent partners and accountants.

So we all have some skill there already!

It may be obvious to you, but these are known as people skills, social skills, or soft skills.   

Some say interpersonal skills.

But it goes much deeper than that.

And I will go into this subject as we move through the page so that you understand how important this is to your future success as a small business operator and owner.

Whilst it’s true that most of us understand that life depends on these areas, not many people actually work on these to intentionally get better results or to form more solid connections.

Also, we wouldn’t survive without Relationships and Communication, no matter how sophisticated technology and AI becomes, so we shouldn’t negate it’s importance.

Why then do we neglect these areas so much – these days more than ever?

Modern distractions that affect relationships and communication

We are living in a world where there is so much going on, add to that the use of phones, and we are becoming more zoned out of the basic concept of communication between two or more people.

We are becoming more and more busy and detached, thus less concerned about others, which can make us increasingly more separated.

This can lead to greater self important behavior and laziness with relationships and communication, and it may also lead to a sense of being less bothered about making an effort with another.

But is this progress?

Even though it is more common today, it is not necessarily better.

And with the increase of tools and technology, distraction devices, choices and digital connections we have to be mindful of when to remove ourselves from the technological world.

If there is no balance to be had in relationships and communication we will become less concerned as human beings.   

We all vary as types and how we form our skills in relationships and communication

Of course, we all different types, some are introverted, others extroverted, and we all come from many different backgrounds.

And we may have had different experiences, a different education and a different upbringing.

We are what we are, sure, but we can all find a common ground.

Through learning the basic skills of listening, being interested in others when it is required, and treating another as important when we are placed into the same environment is hugely  beneficial.

To go further, it is important to treat all as equals, and to not judge others based on their age, sex, culture or background.

Individuals should be monitored on their ability to perform the functions of their role and not on their looks or hairstyle.

Also, a healthy variety of different types from different backgrounds helps with learning acceptance and tolerance in an organization, and is hugely beneficial to adding immense value.  This also helps with understanding different customers.

By hiring a variety of types with different ways in cultural traditions, backgrounds and ethics it can be a great source of learning, and from this we gain a deeper understanding of where a person is coming from, including our customers.

On side note; when texting or messaging or emailing, bear in mind that words that are not spoken may be taken in a different context or way, so be mindful to be articulate enough in messages, or make a phone call if it is more appropriate and effective.

Do you run a high performance team?

In a team we need to address the skills required to be as effective as we can be, as a great team won’t function well enough or perform well enough without great communication and when required with collaboration.

This means mastering our eye contact and listening skills, just as much as our ability to talk, but also being able to allow others to speak without talking over them to justify oneself.

But also to push them to perform at their best and challenging them in ways that are respectful and nurturing.

In business, just as with life it is all about nurturing relationships, so without this fundamental need for growing healthy relationships, things suffer and fall flat.   And businesses can fail!

A lack of awareness here can kill and destroy lives and businesses.  

If people can become more self aware and open up about thoughts, things would get resolved way quicker and we would all live much more productive lives.  But this also requires an awareness of not being defensive, but enabling debates that are healthy, so that all feel heard.

If someone ants to share an idea take notes and consider it.

Modern leadership with relationships and communication

There are still many ‘oldskool leaders’ that have so much to learn about understanding others in their teams and customers.

But why?  Because many are stuck in their ways, and are not open or receptive to learning new skills, so it can pose a problem, when shifts or changes are required.

Leaders can even sabotage their own businesses.

Some managers and high level types can feel they are above others, and so it can create division, where self interest and ego can trump the needs of others.

This means relationships and communication efforts are not always at the top of their list of things to do..

But a little more understanding and compassion can be just what is needed, as it can literally transform an organization through improved input placed into relationships and communication.

Whilst many dynamic leaders are tough and just want to get the business job done which is fine, they need to also be aware of how they treat others. 

They want to get results and make money, and will do whatever it takes to get that – and that’s cool, but not if they entirely negate personal relationship skills or put pounds signs above people. 

My life and business is about PEOPLE FIRST.

Because to me, people matter more than numbers, and without them I would have no business.

Therefore my own growth and success has been crafted around this idea of relationships and communication.

Building relationships

I know the importance of profits and numbers of course, but I thrive with the emotional connection, as I love helping others, listening to them and building rapport.

And as you may already know; giving also brings more in.  If you are kind and understanding, you will likely also receive something in return.

As business owners and operators perhaps in the same areas or locality we can help each other through applying this principle.

You and I may not always agree with others, but that is where we can seek to understand them, and respectfully adopt another view, or respectfully decline another’s view depending on the situation.

We can always find solutions to suit both parties, and this includes through customer service, as you will want to aim to gain maximum customer lifetime value (CLV) from each customer.  CLV= A metric that measures the total revenue or profit a customer generates for a business over the course of their relationship. CLV is a key metric for tracking business success and can be used to identify the most valuable customers, improve customer acquisition, and retain existing customers.

If we negate to nurture and cultivate the relationships we have with our customers we will likely receive complaints and bad reviews, and this can harm a businesses reputation and brand.  Whilst we can always learn from bad feedback and adjust accordingly where necessary, we can also avoid unnecessary negative news.

Seek to create the best solutions.

Finding Solutions

We can all find better solutions to most things if we are clear in our needs, and from there we may create healthier businesses, and better quality lives through seeking to take on board other options and ideas.

My personal aim has always been to support others in building Small business ideas whilst guiding leaders to be great communicators, as this way they see that business and growth can be good for everyone.  In doing so, I get to absorb others ideas and I learn from it all.

This means every day I learn, and I can live a life of greater value, greater contribution and servant leadership through service.

And if we see that we can all help each other and rely less on certain organizations, companies and governments, that do not always share our ethics, morals and sense of community, we see that together we are very strong.

Truth about systems and roles

Many People are unhappy and or stuck ‘way more’ these days, as they have been placed in systems which they just do not believe in or care for.

They are stuck mentally, and physically doing the job of a robot in some cases, and YET they need the money, so its a tricky place to be.

My thought is, if we can take a step back from our situation, we can look at it differently, and even see that we might make some shift, first internally, to help us perceive things differently.

This can enable us to have fresh eyes, and shift our energy. But why?

In thinking more this way and strategically, through being less stiff, we see that we can make changes that support our lives and values more.

To start with gratitude really shifts minds, because it shows us that we may be luckier than we think, and perhaps many people would love to be in our shoes.

The more we can appreciate what we have, the better we can act and move forward with greater energy and focus.

So we can determine where we might place our attention, and this can have a dramatic affect on our abilities to perform in far greater ways.

And if our situation is not a place we wish to be in, we can begin to look for solutions.

The key is to define a new role whereby we may feel more fulfilled, satisfied and energetic and feel we have a kind of purpose or reason for doing what we do.

Take control it always works

We can easily lose control, especially these days, but we have to take control of what we think about, to see that we don’t need to be controlled by anything or anyone, on the contrary we can determine what we wish to think and feel, and in turn act upon.

Thus we may be more fluid in all senses, and this will enable us to make the right changes needed to craft high performance results through roles we actually wish to be in.

All through seeing that the relationship we have with ourselves is what defines everything.

It comes down to how we communicate with ourselves.

If we fail to get centered and take control whereby the MINDSET is not fully functioning because of being in the wrong situation or role, we will then act accordingly and in less effective ways.

My suggestion would be to learn and master WHAT YOU REALLY WANT from your role, whilst you focus on bringing and giving attention to these two words RELATIONSHIPS and COMMUNICATION.

Life will change for the better when you value what you do and why.   

Focus on the designing a life and or business which aligns with who you are and with your values.

That's how you become a TOP PERFORMER in your sector.

Why is this necessary though? 

Simply because you can become your best, and you will be able to create more solid team structures, as you will create greater leaders through your actions, and this will enable greater retention in your business and with your customers. 

Do you know of the four agreements?  This is worth a deeper look, and it has helped me beyond anything I could have expected.

Alongside these 4 agreement sentences;

1) Get control of your mind and figure out how to get clarity around what you do and why, and what needs to shift.

2) Act upon this and ensure you can communicate this through relationships you have and what this looks like.

3) Apply greater awareness to your role and how it impacts on others around you.

The power of active listening

Listening skills are so important as we get to really feel and understand where someone is coming from, and when we do so we can help them and they can help us.  This is different to just hearing another.

It’s win a win skill.  Because the more a person feels understood and acknowledged, they will also feel appreciated and valued.

This can then lead to greater output and performance.

It is fundamental that you will get the most from your team, and in my 25+ years of studying Relationships and Communication, I know  this works.

It ain’t rocket science after all!

This is the difference between just ‘getting by’ and thriving as an organization, but also in personal relationships.

Relationships and Communication facts

Relationships

Let’s be clear – Relationships and communication IS’NT JUST ABOUT DATING SITES AND PERSONAL LIVES!

People buy from people, and they buy from emotion.

They want to feel an experience.

If you can connect emotionally with trust and rapport and build in the value you will cultivate strong relationships with your potential target buyer/client.

And guess what? They are WAY MORE likely to ‘not only’ buy from you again, BUT to become a loyal customer.

This also means they will share their experience and tell friends and family.  This is how you receive word of mouth referrals.

We all want repeat custom in business so I am sure you would agree that it is far easier to RE-SELL to a trusted customer than to find a new one, and this is why it is vitally important to get right.

Buyers Journey

It’s all about the buyers journey, and if you haven’t studied that yet then do so.

You will find it intriguing to understand, and you can the better manage this, which will in turn lead to greater sales conversions.

The more you know the journey of your buyers and clients the more you will build a bridge between you and them and it is a skill that you will always have in any business you operate in.

Start now, and you can do so by ‘being the customer’ yourself.  Where do you buy?  What is the experience like from beginning to end?  What would you do differently from them?  What could you learn from the entire process?  What could you do better than them?

There are various stages when selling as you may know – and as a buyer, these stages start with ‘the consideration stage’ followed by the decision to buy later.

That initial contact is really the most important part of ALL SELLING, because it is in that split second situation where they will either split or consider going deeper.

You see, through nurturing and cultivating the process, a person feels special, and if they feel good, they may just go further.

It’s a bit like dating; for example, a girl may like you initially, but it also depends what comes out of your mouth, and if she is put off in about 5 seconds she will split.  So you try to ensure she doesn’t split, as you have crafted the right kinds of words to enable her to stay.

That is why it is important to know your message. Know how to express that message and to deliver that through a clear vision.

Taking your passions or ideas and connecting these to a strong market need or demand.

A large part of the cultivation of that ‘message’ comes through using the right communication and relationships skills.

Never ignore your message and how it comes across

How we express ourselves in our daily relationships affects everyone and everything around us.

As obvious as it sounds, there is no doubt about how this affects our results, and this is no different in a Small business model.

That is why it is essential to understanding where you are coming from, and how you can relay this to another at a deeper level.

After all, you want your life to be full of richness and expression right?  And this comes from you and how you articulate your message with the world and with your team and customers.

Whilst there is a specific art to SELLING, you will certainly increase your sales volume and your bottom line if you really get this.

Can you imagine?  That’s right, all by getting to grips with EQ and IQ.

As you can see there in the diagram, we all have an IQ level, and we should work in the areas that best enable us to use that in productive ways, but interestingly our EQ can be developed further.  Cool huh!

I think so anyway.  I recommend that you partake in a course relating to whichever area/s you feel you need to cultivate, as it will pay you back many times over.

I also believe in understanding team culture and business culture, as it is based around your mission, values and vision, and how these beliefs and behaviors will come to define your message and environment of the whole operation.  I’m sure you have heard of policies before right?  And what about procedures?

This includes the values within the principles that drive your business and how each person interacts with one another.

But also how you manage yourself and others, and the style in which you do so.

How do you feel you understand these areas at the moment?

Could you improve upon them?

And could you improve how you communicate with EQ skills?

Relationships and Communication

Communication

There are many ways to communicate, and talking is just one way.

Other ways are in our face expressions, body language, and through the written word of course.

But communication is also possible through various sounds, logos, art, signs, marketing, advertising, and other ways.

Animals may communicate to us through how they avoid us, or hide, just as much as when they stare at us or make a noise to let us know what they want.

Even plants communicate to us that they need water!

These ways give us a message, and we aim to understand what that message is.

The whole area of communication can be a truly fascinating and empowering subject to study, as it will help us to manage and lead our lives in the greatest of ways.

How we communicate ‘what we want’ in our lives and how we express our feelings and thoughts always creates results – and so we have to see what results we are creating, and manage these in the most effective ways, in order to get what we wish to see happen.

Mixed results

Have you ever noticed how some people are like ships without a compass?

They tend to drift around with no particular direction or ultimate aim.

These people don’t know what they want or why!

And so if we are not clear in our choices or decisions and in our own feelings, we will get mixed results and thus our lives become a mixture of results.

From there many suffer, struggle, and complain that their life is not working, and it’s not working because they aren’t working properly.

So many people live by default as they really don’t know what they want or why.

Design of a life and business

I personally believe in Life and Business DESIGN. 

This means knowing what we want and why, and setting about sculpting and shaping that. 

Sure, we cannot plan for everything, nor can we prepare for everything, but we can aim at specific goals. 

Clarity around our goals, creates higher levels of excitement, high energy and drive, as we may find the will to carry on when the going gets tough, as we know what we want and so can motivate ourselves to keep going.

We will always face many challenges in our journey, but it is better to have challenges and obstacles that are there as a result of aiming for worthy goals, because we then can see it through with more personal power, as we have that hunger and desire.

Something I did was to discover what I wanted and why, then I set about developing and designing my vision, and by doing so communicated my message clearly not only to myself but to everyone around me.  And that has a tremendous potency. 

So, discover what matters to you the most, then align with it through your values, and design your message.  That is how you communicate in the most effective ways when you build the right relationships to support you in your goals. 

An extension of you

How you communicate is an extension of YOU, and further to that your brand, your vision, your message, and your mission.  And all team members should also be crystal clear on this, so that you all connect through the relationship of this message.  This message then has to be communicated effectively towards your partners, investors, suppliers, accountants and customers.

Need help with your Relationships and Communication tactics and techniques?

Sometimes we all need a little help in life and in business, and I have worked with many leaders in various areas of my message, as I knew I couldn’t do it on my own.

It takes great people to make things great, and that’s why we must know how to communicate our vision and build relationships with the right types to enable us to reach our most pressing goals.

Do you need to form some new relationships to further your professional connections?

Who are these people?

Where are they?

How can you connect with them?

What can you do for them?

What might they do for you?

Why are these people the right people?

How will being associated with them benefit both parties?

Those are the kinds of questions you will need to ask yourself, as you seek to grow your model and message.

As a Small Business blogger and writer to global clients I was always moved by others passions for what they believed in, and it drove me to become a better leader and serve in deeper ways, and today I am lucky to be able to work closely in my community with local businesses.

This means I can commit to fully understanding others needs and finding solutions for them as quickly and as effectively as possible in my neighborhood, and imagine if there were more local businesses thriving through the right management and leadership.  It could change the way in which we operate in our communities and support more local sources to grow healthy environments, free from too much outside influence.

You might ask yourself these questions:

1. HOW DOES my product or service best communicate my message, vision, mission and brand?  And if it doesn’t what do I need to do to better make it relevant to my core audience?  And is this ethically and morally created, designed and expressed.  
2. WHY will buyers choose me over my nearest competition?  What is my business communicating right now and what can I do better to ensure I can become the most trusted source for my community or audience? 
3. WHEN can I create an effective email follow up system, strategy and sophisticated customer service support?  So that all communication channels are completely effective and data driven to ensure optimum sophistication in communication.
4. WHAT TECH roles do I need in order to support CRM software?  WHO WILL operate and manage that to ensure it works?
5. AM I spending enough time and resources on ensuring my TEAM and CUSTOMERS are OK by enabling them to ask Questions when they need to, and to be open and able to do so safely and without fear.
6. HOW might I improve my daily operations regarding relationships and communication in the office or work space?  And how might I listen actively more often to others opinions, needs and ideas, rather than simply telling others what I want with no regard for their feelings.  
7. WHAT is my business including ME, and my TEAM communicating through our combined and collective collaboration efforts to ensure our customers are understood and communicated with in the most effective ways. 
8. Looking at PR, marketing, branding and advertising, do I have this in order and working fluidly, or are there areas I need to pay more attention to now?
9. Do I feel that anyone in my team can talk to me and with me without fear of criticism or tension?    
10. Do I know my role inside out, and if not how might I improve myself in this role to better understand what I need to do every day?
11. Do I lead in ways that inspire others to also lead in their roles so that we all value our positions and can work well together?
12. What courses and training in teamwork, performance, buyers journey, business strategy, communication and other areas,  do I and my team need in order to perform at the highest levels? 
13. Simplify everything in your processes, systems and structure so that all will find it easy enough to navigate through this and lessen complications.  Especially the customer.  
14. Use all forms of communication to your advantage, adding these to your arsenal.  Social media, content, and so on, including video’s and podcasts if required.  

Are you ready to now master your life and business strategy with Relationships and Communication?

All the very best with your ultimate success!

Greg

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(Note: This page on relationships and communication may be updated and edited at any point in order to improve how it may benefit the reader.)

‘We have two ears and one mouth so that we can listen twice as much as we speak’. – Epictetus

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Relationships and communication