Here are my 23 Best Practices for Business Communications. They are not in any priority order or all-inclusive. They are a good start. If you commit to all 23, you will go a long way into providing more value for your clients, prospects, and business associates.
• Learn to anticipate potential questions from clients, prospects, and audience
• Use role playing as a practice aid for sales calls and networking
• Arrive early for your speeches
• Always check audio visual in advance
• Be prepared for technology malfunctions
• Internalize your value proposition
• Write out your introduction and give it in advance to your presenter
• Don’t try to sell in networking events
• Build relationships first
• Ask questions and be an active listener
• If you’re at a meal, don’t talk with your mouth full
• Make eye contact on hand shakes
• Hold eye contact in speeches
• Use personal stories to advance your message
• Never stop learning – use professional development opportunities
• Avoid filler words like uhm, ah, and so
• Don’t beat yourself up over mistakes – learn and move on
• Watch great speakers
• Repeat names to help you remember them
• Learn to improve your vocal variety and pace to match your message
• Be likeable
• Provide value in all your conversations, writings, and speeches
• Use “you-focused” questions and terms
Cheers,
