Good organizational and communication skills are part of many successful business owners' personal toolbox. Keeping track of the many hats you may need to wear at any given moment can make the difference between getting the project done or missing a deadline. Effective communication helps define what is expected and prevents misunderstandings that can be costly to business success.
A day planner is a must-have for many small business owners. It serves as a calendar as well as a task manager while providing space to make notes and maintain contact information. Day planners come in many forms, including notebooks with partitioned sections and computer programs you can purchase independently or find included in basic computer office software. Some planner programs can be downloaded for smartphones or other handheld devices. A planner is effective only if you use it and refer to it throughout the day, keeping track of appointments and tasks that need to be completed before you go home for the night.
Reducing the amount of multitasking may increase organizational abilities. Creating a daily routine can make many regular tasks easier because there is a flow to the day that gets things done. An example of a morning work routine may include getting into the office, checking email, mail and reading the paper while having a cup of coffee.
There is a difference between not talking and actually listening. Don't be the person who is thinking of his to-do list, dinner plans and golf swing while a customer is trying to explain a problem. Be the person who actively listens, searching for the true meaning in the other person's words and mannerisms. Those who can master this, referred to as active listening, increase problem solving ability. By actively listening, a person hears the real issues and can create a game plan to solve them.
Leading by Example
Sometimes it isn't what you say that has the greatest impact, it is what people see you do. Leading by example may have a significant affect on employees, business relations and consumers, according to an Inc.com article. If you want employees to speak to customers in a specific manner, demonstrate this. Use professional and proper speaking skills both in written and oral communication so employees will understand that this is a requirement. Business relations and consumers will pick up on whether you are a person who follows through. You will gain credibility if you do as you say, giving everyone more reason to pay attention to you when you speak.