001 - Why Your Business Social Skills Need to Improve

So, let’s get to the three focus area of an Elite Business Connector:

1. Communication - This focus area is all about me and preparation for focus area number two…
2. Conversation - This focus are is all about you or me and being able to start a conversation that draws the other person in and wanting more which should naturally lead to a…
3. Connection - This focus area is about us and this is the ultimate goal but it doesn’t come easy. You must do the first two focus areas of communication and conversation for the third focus area of connect, even has a shot.

How we communicate is how we eventually connect. As a result,  John Maxwell has The Five C’s of Effective Communication:

1. Concise – Think length and how you can communicate your point in the shortest yet effective way as possible while most people continue to talk hoping they actually figure out what they're trying to say. Avoid irrelevant tangents and prevent over-explaining. 

1. Clear – Think instant understanding by other people. Your words and pace are simple making sure the message you're trying to communicate is understood.

1. InControl – Think guiding the direction of the conversation and knowing where you're going with your communication so you can end up where you planned to go with not only your words but also your questions. 

1. Be Courteous– Think conversation manners of please, thank you, and sorry. It also means not interrupting and being truly engaged in every way in the conversation. 

1. Be Confident– People will be interested in whatever you have to say when they can see that you’re truly confident in it. When you're conscious of what you say, you can be more confident. And it shows a lot of confidence to tell someone exactly what you want to talk about. When you do this, you need to make sure you speak in a respectful and friendly tone, because you don’t want to come off too bossy or intense. 

Links

Harvest Business School

Everyone Communicates, Few Connect