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7 Communication Skills Every Entrepreneur Must Master

Your success as an entrepreneur is determined in large part by your ability to communicate. You can be the best at

what you do, but if youre not communicating effectively with clients, staffand the market, then youre missing

opportunities.

There are many different ways to look at communication in the small-business world -- from the individual formats

such as writing and speaking, to different contexts such as client communication and employee management. But

Id like to take a closer look at a handful of overarching themes that transcend specific situations. Mastery of these

different communications skills ensures that youll be effective at every level.

1. Listen deeply

Are you a good listener?Studies suggestthat our daily communication breakdown is as follows:

9 percent writing

16 percent reading

30 percent speaking

45 percent listening

Yet, most of us are terrible listeners. The reasons vary, from being distracted by our own internal monologues to

superimposing meaning on whats being said before we allow others to finish. Instead, try this: focus on the person

speaking, and verbally play back a summary of what was said to make sure you understand, before proceeding to

build on the conversation with additional points.

Related:Oh, Shut Up and Listen Already

Solid listening skills help you more effectively serve clients, make sales and manage employees because youre

picking up on and connecting to peoples most urgent concerns.

2. Interpret non-verbal cues

Youve heard the refrains on the importance of body language. Sit up straight, think about your facial

expressions and remember to lean forward when listening to show interest. But how good is your ability to

interpret others non-verbal cues? It turns out that its essential.

Onestudy from UCLAsuggests that as much as 55 percent of the meaning in face-to-face interactions is conveyed

non-verbally. Dont just practice awareness of your own body language. Analyze specific cues -- such as posture,

expressions and gestures -- being made by others when theyre speaking.

3. Manage expectations

Under-promise and over-deliver might be the most on-point summary of managing expectations ever devised.

As an entrepreneur, you have many people asking for significant accomplishments from you in short time periods

with limited resources (or so it often feels!). The easiest way to alleviate pressure as an entrepreneur is to manage

expectations.

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Be clear about deliverables, timeframes and results. If issues arise, communicate clearly and frequently. Its always

better to commit to less than raise peoples expectations and fail to follow through.

4. Productive pushback

Conflict management is an essential part of being an entrepreneur. TheWashington Business Journal reportedthat

managers spend between 25 to 40 percent of their days resolving conflicts. A major component of successfully

resolving conflicts is your ability to productively push back.

Whether youre dealing with scope creep in a client case or dealing with management challenges, the ability to

communicate under pressure is a key entrepreneurial skill. Pushback should always be polite, productive and non-

personal. Focus on clarity and resolution.

Related:4 Ways to Diffuse a Toxic Workplace

5. Be concise

Whether its statistics on how little time people spend focused on a single issue (according to one source,eightseconds)or simply the need to get more done in less time, concise communication wins out. Even the

technological context supports this. As screens get smaller, we have to say more in fewer words.

Develop the ability to get to the point in a sharp and focused manner and communicate that across mediums. Find

ways to cut the fat off your verbal and written communications and notice whether it gets you better results.

6. Confidently state your value and differentiation

Branding and selling are all about being able to confidently communicate both your points of value and what

makes you different than anyone else on the market. The same skills are essential to helping you motivate yourself

on a daily basis, hire the right employees, and ultimately even connect with friends and partners.

Spend time getting clear about the value you bring to the table and your unique sell ing points, and build your

ability to confidently share that in different contexts. Practice boiling that proposition down to no more than two

to three sentences.

7. Know your why

Most people focus on what to say and how to say it. How can I sound smart? How can I deliver this speech for

maximum impact? But its more important to know why youre communicating. What do you want people to take

away? What action should they take after you interact?

Every communication should have a call to action, even if that call to action is to leave with a positive feeling about

your or your brand. Ask yourself why youre communicating before you write, pick up the phoneor step into your

next meeting and make sure your tone, word choice and delivery are in service to that goal.

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Conclusion

Developing the soft skills needed to succeed as an entrepreneur takes time. Focusing on your communication skills

-- from reading body language to summing up your value in a few sentences -- is one of the most powerful things

you can do to advance your career and success.

Work to find the gaps in your communications arsenal and then mindfully practice until each of your skills is up to

par.

Related:It's All About Nuance. How to Convey and Discern Email Tone.

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