Seven Top Tips for Effective Communication

Have you ever made a deal over the telephone and felt that you were happy with the arrangements only to find out at a later date that things are not what they are appeared to be? To avoid misunderstandings the seven top tips for effective communication provides you with a blueprint for optimum results.

In order to save valuable time there are key principles that need to be applied:

1. Get it right from the outset as time is money. If you are working within tight time constraints then all parties need to be assured that what is been agreed upon is clarified from the outset.

2. Write down the salient points of the discussion and place on file for future reference.

3. Reiterate what has been stated and agreed upon and clarify any points.

4. Never take things for granted as both parties may be agreeing on two different things.

5. If you are awaiting a letter or package in the post it can take several days to be delivered so prioritise tasks in order to accommodate your new assignment.

6. Obtain personal details, address, mobile and landline numbers and alternative numbers for all parties involved, and email address; keep a backup copy of contact details

7. Send an email to follow-up discussion.

You no longer have to rely on recall to remember discussions. By using these seven top tips you will become a better communicator.

Communication

Communication begins in the prenatal stage of child development. A mother who talks to her unborn child will feel movements in response. Recently, researchers found that playing classical music to an unborn child will improve psychomotor skills and develop an appreciation for that genre. Mother's can attest that any form of music enjoyed by the parent will influence movement in the womb.

As human beings we communicate differently to animals. In a group discussion about language I commented on bird communication. In response to my statement the psychologist stated that birds do not have a form of language because they tweet all day long. I was rather perturbed by this statement as I felt that because we cannot interpret or understand the language of animal species it does not give us the right as humans to determine that they are not able to communicate. There are norms and codes of conduct in the animal kingdom and in society. We have learned much about various forms of communication from observing animals in their domain. Similarly, we are governed by laws under which we must conform.

Dogs as household pets are trained by owners or experts to behave in a particular way. Humans are trained from birth how to communicate and we go to great lengths to ensure that learning takes place. Schooling and training provides us with the tools to become better communicator’s. Individually, we are responsible for taking action to improve upon our communication skills as excellent interpersonal and communication skills are essential to marketer’s success.

Etiquette For Marketers

In order for us to become effective and efficient network marketers we must be mindful of our own limitations and the boundaries in which we work. We must consider that while our business is 24/7 not everyone will work within that timescale. Self improvement and personal development is the way forward to enable us to be the best that we can be as marketer's.

Knowing the cut off point for telephoning associates, sponsors and prospects is paramount in order to not stir-up emotions of ill feelings in others. A good cut off point is around 8pm to 9pm; depending on the relationship 10pm at the latest unless otherwise specified.

When telephoning your team leader, associates, prospects and sponsors you must always apply this principle - ask the person on the other end of the phone “is it a good time to talk?” Even if you feel that you have a good relationship with the person. Never take for granted that the person is at your disposal to free-up the time to speak with you. We must consider at all times other people’s feelings. Some people are very sensitive and may take offence to our approach. So, think about what you say before the words leave your mouth!

Be mindful when making telephone calls as calls should be reciprocal, that is to say don’t always await the call from the person as mobile calls cost money. Furthermore, freephone telephone numbers are for general public enquiries at a cost to the provider. You may consider a mobile phone tariff that suits you and enables you to make phone calls at anytime during the week and weekends as this will keep costs down. Similarly, landline service provider’s can accommodate your needs.

People like to enjoy their own personal space. Therefore, we must be mindful that some individual’s do not like to mix business with pleasure. A person’s private affairs outside of the business relationship, is just that, private and personal. Intrusive behaviour causes upset. Do not invade a person’s privacy or encroach on their personal space.

Some people are quite happy to develop networks, however, that’s all they are, business relationships of which are different to friendship. Unless feelings are mutual always be mindful that no matter how nice a person may be it is purely a working relationship and that it is separate from home-life, even though we work from home.

Touching people can be a warming form of communication, however, by the same token can be regarded as annoying.

Being able to communicate with people at all levels requires you to have excellent written and verbal communication skills. As a marketer we are considered a professional business person.

Finally, at the end of each day critically evaluate the day, for example think about how your day went. Is there anything you could do differently next time? Is there an area that you need to develop or improve upon?

Affirmations Programme

I have just completed a Thirty Day affirmations programme by Dr. Patricia Ross and Scott Sharp Armstrong. I strongly recommend The Best Affirmations Workbook if you are seeking a way in which to change your mindset and to improve the quality of your life. In retrospect I was so excited to get through the thirty days and never anticipated the outcome. The secret of success truely lies within each individual. If you really want to see change in your life you have to start somewhere. For me, it appeared that almost everyday something new occurred. My faith has also played a significant part in the process. I have shared my experience daily with my husband, sister and friend and they know that what would be deemed impossible has materialised, others in the know will celebrate. I have had a blast over the last thirty days. I am not saying there were no challenges, on the contrary. However, I was committed to completing the task. You will have to await completion of my book to obtain the story of my thirty-day journey. This has been an invaluable benchmark in my life, particularly as we approach the end of an era going into a new year. I am entering into the new-year with a twelve month plan. My goals and affirmations are set and I am so excited I can’t wait to get started. It has been an amazing spiritual journey.

Good Neighbours

I consider myself to be very fortunate to have good neighbours. Neighbours are an extension of the family. I was busy working on my projects throughout the day and decided to take a break to speak with my husband and son who are holidaying in Jamaica. My neighbour recommended a calling card that I should purchase, so I did. However, for the life of me the card would not work. I had tried several times using both numbers and pin number but still no joy. How bizarre! I telephoned her and she said she would come over. I thought that she must have thought that I was simple. I was doing what was required but somehow I was not being allowed access to the system. She came over within the minute and set about tapping in the numbers immediately. I was feeling rather frustrated that something as easy as inputting numbers was becoming a major operation. I wear spectacles for reading and for working with visual display units, in lay terms, computers. It worked! What did she do that I did not do? They saying goes that patience is a virtue. I was patient though! I suggested that she talk first. She left immediately after the conversation, and I took up from where she left off. After speaking with them both I asked my son to hand the phone to his dad so he cut me off instead once I said goodbye. I tried instantly with follow-on call, and subsequent calls with no effect. Isn’t that strange? Life sometimes appear as a game.

Free Time

I miss them both, my husband and son. I love them so, and it’s going to be lonely without them. Five weeks. Five whole weeks without them. That’s thirty-seven days; 53280 minutes; 888 hours.

I miss the shout of “…mom…” in the morning to let me know that he has awoken when I’m downstairs seems such a distant memory. It would have been great being there with them, enjoying the sun, white sandy beaches bathing in clear blue sea water, fresh seafood, homegrown organic fruits and vegetables, humour, and good company. Brendon plans to go fishing. How relaxing! The mineral bath! I’m reminiscing about the times that I have spent over the years holidaying around the island. The vibrant sound of reggae music. Sunrise and sunset. Oh the scenery. I’ve taken some beautiful photos of dusk and dawn. Jamaican people are very hospitable.

On Monday I dropped them off at Gatwick airport and left immediately, as I had to plan for several meetings this week. To arrive on time was not without its drama. Brendon was excited and becoming impatient. He normally gets into the car to wait as he thinks the strategy will speed me up. Yeh, right! OK, sometimes it works. Funnily enough my father was the same, isn't that strange? Anyhow, on the way I took a wrong turn at the roundabout and ended up going in the opposite direction towards a toll road. Yoiks! Luckily there was a slip road to which we were directed by staff at the check point. Things look different in the dark, particularly at that time of the morning. It was pitch black.

Anyhow, as I said I dropped them off and made my way back home. I was feeling a little flat in mood, and tired as I had very little sleep over the weekend, at the same time concentrating on the road as it can be quite tricky if you miss your turning. Once I straightened up onto the road back to London, I realised that I had been looking forward to this day for the past few weeks. I’m going to have all this time to myself. No football on television or noisy helicopter for five whole weeks. Yeh! I’ve got lots to do, I’m writing my book, developing my programme and a whole host of things to do within that time. Hopefully, I can organise the makeover that the house needs. It’s a tall order for five weeks. Let’s see what happens on the other side. I have set my goals and affirmations so there's no reason why I cannot succeed.

They called last night but I was on a call at the time. I didn't pick up the message until this afternoon. They called again this afternoon just as I returned from my meeting. It was great to hear their voices again.

We are so fortunate to be living in this day-and-age where the power of technology enables global communication. If it were in the earlier days before mobile phones we probably would not have communicated before their return.

What could you do if you had that free time all to yourself?

Cycling Versus The Car

I was up until the small hours of this morning burning the midnight oil developing a new programme. I was awoken by the telephone. It rang, and rang, and rang. I was unaware that morning had broken and it was way past the time I would usually rise. I could not exert myself quickly enough to run downstairs to answer the call. We recently had to do away with the cordless phones as they were interfering with the broadband connection. The phone rang again. I thought someone was desperately trying to reach me with bad news! I was right. It was my husband, his pushbike had broken down. He asked that I pick him up from the High Street near our home. Just what I needed, I thought. Of course I had to get little-one dressed and put on my coat over my nightclothes. Got into the car and picked him up. “…I’ve left my gloves on the wall down the road where I broke down…” so instead of taking the short cut we had to drive up the road to retrieve the gloves. Moreover, he forgot to put fuel in the car on the way home last night, so this meant we had to stop off at the petrol station to fill up. What a start to the morning I thought. It was not going the way I had planned. My life is like a comedy. Whilst I was in no laughing mood I could see the funny side of things. Then, he proceeded to engage me in conversation. Like I needed a lengthy conversation. He told several funny stories, well at least they appeared hilarious to him. I couldn’t comprehend what was so funny. I had a thought, that he should consider purchasing a backup bike. Good idea he responded, I'll consider that. Anyhow he was grateful for the lift and I was more than happy that arrived safely at work only half an hour late.

We arrived back home with plenty of time to freshen up, eat breakfast, and get to pre-school. Children have a way of playing up, wanting to be chased around before you can get out. Furthermore, they also appear to have power over what you listen to in the car. To be fair whatever works, it's about give and take.

But isn’t that that how life is generally? We plan, set daily goals, targets, timescales, and somehow we get side tracked for one reason or another. Something happens to throw us off course. Not today. I am sticking to my goals.