Most people agree, communication is among the most frequently-used tools in today’s business world; and it is a critical component of success, whether selling, managing, marketing or just trying to get along with others.
One Simple Little Habit…
While there are obviously many facets of communication, there is one simple habit that, if well developed and consistently executed, will improve your business communication and success level in a BIG way!
It is the practice of specifically identifying and scheduling the next steps that are consequential to your communication — consequential to your discussions, your meetings, your teleconferences, your interviews, your sales calls, and so on.
The act of setting a date and time for the next step is simple, but not necessarily easy. But once you make it a habit, you’ll be able to enhance your productivity as well as the productivity of others… you’ll save countless hours of trying to re-connect with others to finalize plans for next steps after sales calls, meetings, or conversations, because you will have already done it!
One Hurdle to Jump…
There is one obstacle of which to beware. This hurdle is often associated with fear of rejection. In other cases it is the result of not wanting to come across as “too pushy.” However, these are merely excuses… if our interaction with others has been positive… if our sales call has been well-executed… if there is a way we might be able to help a customer or business acquaintance… then we should make it easier to do so and make it easier for our customer/colleague/buyer as well.