When you initially start to get into IM and test the waters a bit, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. As you go through forums and articles, you'll discover all types of lists about what it takes to be the next big thing. The items on these lists likely all seem conflicting. One list will say "patience" is the ingredient to becoming an IM success. Another will tell you that you should be super smart about business if you desire to be the next big thing. You'll also see several that will state that you must be truly creative if you want to succeed. And don't forget about all of the pages telling you that the software they are offering is what will help you become successful in IM.
Fact: The rest of these things are essential (not so much the software, but the others). Business smarts, creativity and patience are all incredibly essential to your IM success. None of these things count much, however, if you can't communicate well with others.
Good communication means more than just coming up with a terrific sales page. All you need for an effective sales page is the money to hire a gifted copywriter. Good communication is more than having a gorgeous website with a lengthy FAQ page. You can get those by engaging the services of good designers and writers. Being a good communicator takes learning to handle interpersonal communication as well as your copy and web site. So, how do you do that? First, communication in the workplace will get things underway.
1. Answer every e-mail you get within 24 hours. We aren't trying to joke with you. There is no need for you to write a a long reply for every last email. All you have to do is let the sender know that you have read the email and will be replying to it in more detail soon. When you do this, try to include a a snippet of the original e-mail. This tells the person that you actually care about them and are not an autoresponder.
2. Avoid letting the phone keep ringing. It's not a good idea to screen your calls. When your phone is ringing, pick it up before it rings three times. Do so even if you REALLY don't want to talk to the person on the other end of the line. You'll be glad to know that there is, nevertheless, an exemption to this rule. You do not have to answer your phone all day. Instead, just set clear "business" hours during which you are available take calls. Put these hours up on your website and include them in your voice mail message. And, naturally, each individual who leaves a message deserves a return call.
3. Follow up with people to be sure that your messages and emails have really been delivered. This indicates to the individual that you value him or her. It will help your clients and buyers trust you even more if you actually take the time to ask if they have any questions about your messages so that they can ask you to clear up anything they need clarified. Note: effective communication in the workplace.
