Many small businesses worry about cash flow. You need to get your product or service out there, while managing payroll and other business costs. The best way to get your business running is to keep a good flow of capital. In the same way, having a steady flow of communication inside your company is vitally important. Many small businesses face common communication challenges. Finding ways to overcome them can help your business succeed.
Interestingly, when communication is not working at your business, there are clear signs that there is a problem. These include a high number of mistakes, low productivity, unsatisfied customers, and high turnover. These signs are easy to spot. The next step is to put better communication in place. What are these common challenges?
1. Segmented Communication
Sometimes the communication travels only to the boss, but not down from him or her. Other times, the people you work closely with are the only ones you talk to. Meetings, office get togethers, group activities, and access to technology can help you really listen to those you work with. Have several methods of communication within your office including IP or Cloud based business tools.
2. Pointless Meetings
Meetings need to have a purpose, be concise, and use time wisely. You can improve communication at your office if your meetings have an agenda and the opportunity for team members to share ideas. Don’t interrupt your workday with meetings that only fill time.
3. Over or Underuse of Technology
Businesses need quality communication systems. Sometimes, email, phone calls, and instant messaging are the most effective way to communicate information. Other times, face to face conversation is best.
Balancing technology use with personal communication skills gives you more clarity. While technology gives you facts, charts, lists, and explanations. Face to face communication gives you facial expressions, tone, and eye contact.
4. Micromanagement
Managing employees tightly may help the boss feel he or she is running a solid business. But if you trust the people you work with and listen to them they can offer their ideas to grow and improve your business. Resist the urge to hover over them. Have a communication structure that works effectively such as regular meeting times, check ins, or progress reports. Make sure these do not interfere with the progress of work.
5. Divided Employees
If each part of your office functions as a separate unit, you need to unify your employees. Several ways to bring your team members together are to have a company newsletter, friendly competitions, and online collaboration tools. When everyone in your business can talk to each other more easily, you solve more problems.
Quality business communication tools offer technology that facilitates interoffice communication. But even with the best tools, many small business find that they have low productivity, high turnover, or unsatisfied customers. If you also have any communication challenges, then solving the challenges should improve your business.
