Poor communication costs the business world millions

In a previous blog I outlined some ways in which most business waste time, effort and money because of poor or ineffective communication. While most of these costs are hidden, partly because there isn't a line on the balance sheet to account for poor communication so nothing shows up in the accounts saying, lost productivity due to miserable meetings or missed business opportunity because someone wasn't available; that cost is real, very real....

Here are a few tips to help you plan the time, and have productive communication

• Make a date every week or fortnight or month to be alone 121 with the key people in your business, even for just 15 minutes but no more than one hour. 
• If the business requires more frequent contact; two – three times a day then use the phone to have those 5 – 10 minute catch ups.
• Make the time you set aside priority - don't be quick to cancel it. 
• If you think of something you know should be addressed, write it down so you don't forget it.  This can be a simple post-it note, which is often called a “Talk File” ~ or you could use a “Communication Record” form (Day-Timers and p2a do one)
• Get the other key people to do the same; to write up “Talk Files”
• If there is something very serious to discuss, make a special time for just that subject, or agree that item is “on the agenda” for the 121. 
• If you know your business partner needs to talk about something, be willing to make the time. 
• Be approachable. Let each other know you are available if it is important.  
• Be a good listener. Ask questions, and make sure you understand what is meant. Intent and content are two different things.
• When the temptation arises to cancel this time together, whether because of the pressure of other things coming up, or you are just too tired - resist. This time can make or break your business. When it is hard to find time to keep communication going - you are too busy and something needs to give. Don't let it be your communication with your key business partners.   

Making time to talk is necessary when life gets busy.