(Module 2) Leveraging the Power of Communication: Insights and Advice

Mastering the art of online communication becomes essential for any person especially those in business due to the speed at which the business world is advancing. The biggest eye-opener from this module was the fact that all written communication be it an email or a newsletter, should be direct. There should never be any deviation from this at any time we put words onto paper to reach out to another person. We have the chance and power to either make or break that person’s consciousness based on what point is being conveyed and the establishment of the professional relationship. Essentially, online communication has transformed the literal handshake and a genuine smile into the first impressions people get of you, based on what you are putting out there (Slide 7 and Slide 11).

For instance, in business, being able to influence effectively is based upon mutual respect, consideration, and an eye for what makes others tick. Due to the pace of business, others in the working environment will not always respond to your communications promptly, and/or they may seem to feel that you are not worthy of influence, so you need a plan of action. Some suggestions for ways to be more influential and create a more effective digital connection with your audience can be found below:

1. Building Credibility
   1. Acting in ways consistently that demonstrate trust and show that you speak from knowledge that is rooted in reliability.
2. Empathy in Communication:
   1. Listening to others, understanding their needs, considering their feelings and concerns, and responding helpfully.
3. Strategic Thinking
   1. Recognizing the underlying interests of all parties and being able to create win-win scenarios.
4. Adopt a Learning Mindset
   1. Reflective Practice: Think about your experiences and interactions as they happen and after the fact. Identify what helped and where things can be improved upon in the future.
5. Invest in Soft Skills Development:
   1. Emotional Intelligence: Become more aware of how you feel and also more aware of how others feel so that you can become a better networker and communicator to avoid potential arguments online.
6. Flexibility and Adaptability:
   1. While it is important to have a clear idea of the outcome you want to achieve when you communicate, you have to learn to be open to unconventional paths to that goal that may emerge during the process of communication.

Integrating these into your business toolkit will help you make sense of the intricate world of business, turning problems into possibilities, and enabling you to create deep, genuine, and soulful online interactions that flourish on a more than a transactional level.

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