There is no doubt that the art of communication has changed (quite drastically) over the last century. From telegrams to telephones, to emails, text messages, and video chat, the means of communicating look very different than they did a hundred years ago (or more).
Continuous developments in technology have made the process of communication faster, easier, and more convenient than ever. It is awesome that I can “attend” a meeting in Utah when I am in Oregon or “meet” with clients in England or Canada who enroll in my coaching program. Would I prefer to travel and meet people face to face? Absolutely! But I love that I can meet people virtually when in-person meetings are not feasible or cost effective!
However, all this virtual connection, for all it has brought to the table, has also caused us to forget how to connect and communicate in person. Don’t believe me? The next time you find yourself in a restaurant, look around the dining area and see how...
I’m sure you have heard the saying “knowledge is power”. It certainly is. Knowing things and being able to use them in the right ways is perhaps the ultimate power that one can attain. The best thing is that there is enough knowledge-power for everyone!
Today I want to share a little bit of knowledge with you about the power of words. Words are your greatest asset as a business owner (and they are free!!). Words have the power to build people up, create momentum, and motivate change. They are your most basic element, strongest catalyst, and versatile tool you have in your communication arsenal. The best part is that you have endless capacity for adding words to your toolbox, increasing your ability to create powerful messages that will resonate with those whom you wish to reach.
The ultimate goal of any business communication is to earn the loyalty of your customers. You want to attract and retain loyal paying clients who will trust you to provide a specific...
Chances are good you have heard the phrase “find your why” at least once or twice. It is something mentors say when reminding us to get back to why we do or want to do something. Some people call it your motivation, your reason, or your purpose. Whatever you call it, your “why” is a very important part of your life.
We all have different “whys” in our lives. Some of us are motivated by money, some by freedom, time, love, material possessions, or fame. It doesn’t really matter what it is, what matters is that it is (or should be) at the center of your behavior to reach whatever it is you desire.
Today I want to talk about the “why” behind communication. Humans communicate for a variety of reasons and in a variety of ways. We also communicate differently based on the stage of life we are in. Babies are limited in their ability to communicate verbally so they cry when they need something. It is simple; If they are...
Let’s talk about mindset. I know, I know, coaches everywhere talk about and focus on mindset…and for good reason. Most of the things we struggle with can be boiled down to how we think about them.
I worked with a fitness and nutrition coach several years ago and rarely did we discuss the specifics of the weekly meal plan or why a certain exercise should or should not be done. I’d guess that about 90% of our time together was spent discussing my thoughts around body image, weight loss, the psychology of cravings, etc. The focus was on my mindset around being healthy and committing to my weight loss and fitness goals.
Communication is all about mindset. Mindset is often influenced by fear – fear of the unknown, the unfamiliar, and the unforeseeable. When I coach a client about their communication, it isn’t all talk about grammar, vocabulary, and spelling. While those things are super important (and I am totally up for geeking out over them), they are a...
Judgment. It is everywhere. Online, in person, zoom, over the phone…whenever you interact with people, there is some level of conscious or sub-conscious judgment occurring. When you run a business, people (aka: your audience and potential future clients) will judge you on many things, not the least of which is your use of language.
I know for some people, this can be a touchy subject, but the way we speak, write, and communicate in general provides a great amount of fodder for outside judgment. The bottom line is that if you are in business, and you want to grow your business, you MUST master your communication skills.
Now, “mastering” your communication skills looks different for everyone. Different industries require differing levels of vocabulary, speaking, writing, and grammar skills. Suffice it to say that not all levels of communication are created equal.
For example, if you are a second-grade teacher, you aren’t going to need a huge vocabulary...
Today I am doing something a little different for Talk-O Tuesday and sharing some things that I’m sure any entrepreneur can relate to! In the few short years I have been on my business journey, I have learned that most of us have, at some point, felt like we didn’t know enough to start a business or that we wouldn’t be enough of an expert to make a difference in someone’s life.
As a business owner, it can be hard to build the confidence and find the courage to put yourself out there. The business world is large and intimidating so it is natural to feel inadequate or to suffer from imposter syndrome, especially in the beginning. I promise you, every single business owner out there has had those thoughts and feelings at least a few times in their business journey, so you are not alone. The key is to not let those thoughts and emotions hold you back.
It is important for you to know that you are not alone when you question your ability and...
Just do it. Three little words that are intended to inspire you to take action or get out of your own way and get something done. It sounds like great advice, it sounds motivational, and let’s not forget that Nike has built their entire empire on those three little words.
But being told to “just do it” when you aren’t even sure what “it” is can be difficult. When you hire a coach for any aspect of your business, you likely do so because you need guidance and direction in that area. For a coach that you have invested in to tell to “just do it” is a total disappointment and a waste of money.
Imagine hiring a chef to teach you to how to cook. You grab an apron and head to the kitchen to meet them. You arrive and the chef tells you to make a Huntsman Pie and then leaves. (If you don’t know what a Huntsman Pie is, google it…it is considered one of the most difficult dishes to make.) You are left standing in the kitchen facing a...
I love speaking to large groups. People tend to look at me like I’m crazy when I tell them that, but it is true. I love to speak and share my message with others. You might not be as crazy as me and crave a large audience, but you might find yourself in a position where you are speaking to a small group, giving a presentation, training someone, or simply leading a meeting.
Whatever the situation, you need to be able to confidently convey your information, so today I am giving you my 4 tips for getting comfortable speaking to others! These simple changes will help you build confidence in yourself so you can deliver your message in a meaningful way!
Let’s dive in!
1. SLOW DOWN – The number one issue I encounter with clients is that they try to go 90 when the speed limit is 60. You have to slow down when you speak to people. It is a natural reaction to speak quickly when you are nervous or uncomfortable. Your brain wants to get through the situation as quickly...
There’s a lot of talk these days about being authentic, genuine, real, etc. It is great advice really. People are attracted to authenticity, they want to see realness in the people they follow, they want to relate to them and see that at the end of the day, we are all just human.
This past year I have focused my articles on ways to help you be a better communicator. I have given you tips and tricks for all sorts of situations in which you might need to communicate urgency or give a presentation, lead a group, convey information, or speak in public. I focused a lot on providing value through information and while I know that information is valuable, even more so is the impact that real life stories can have on you and your business.
In this next year, I am going to go a step further and instead of just providing you with valuable information, I am going to give you that information in the form of stories whenever possible. Stories from my life and experiences as well as...
I like running. Not so much the act of running but the way I feel after I’m done running. I feel like I can do A N Y T H I N G when I finish a run! I’m really slow and don’t have the endurance I used to have, but I can at least say that I enjoy the process of running more than I have in a long time.
I started running in 2010 and I have learned over the years that there are two types of runners out there: the sprinters and marathoners. Sprinters are fast as lightning but fizzle out in a hurry. They are all gas and no brakes. Marathoners on the other hand, know how to pace themselves, they understand that they have 5, 10, 26, or 50 miles to go so they better not use all their energy in the first thirty seconds.
Communication is the same. It is a marathon that requires constant and consistent training, practice, and performance in order to get better!
Sometimes we think of communication as a sprint, but I want you to think of it as a long-term process – a...
50% Complete
Are you in the people business but have a hard time really reaching those you serve? Do you feel like you say one thing and your clients hear another? If this is you, then don't wait any longer. Go grab my free guide to get started with the skills YOU need to become a greater communicator!