Well, I've had a wonderful break since Christmas and the weather extended it even longer; although that was fraught with frustration. It amazes me how we in the UK cannot seem to handle any kind of weather - it's one of those stereotypical statements that all British people love to moan /discuss the weather - I have to admit it's often used as an icebreaker (forgive the pun)...so how does this relate to anything?
It struck me the other day that we have been blessed with the benefit of modern technology that allows us to communicate constantly regardless of distance and climate - how did we cope before? and do we still remember the basics of good communication.
While snow bound the other week, I held various skype calls and dealt with numerous tweets, emails and 'chats', listened to audio webinars, watched attached videos and connected on ecademy, linked in and facebook BUT what did I miss most?
Real contact, missing the interaction of a physical person..been able to see their eyes and watch their body language and touch their hand - thank goodness for Skype, where at least you can see and hear people.
It amazed me that with all the connections and communication routes the one core value that we all need is to really and truly connect and words on a page alone to not give the complete story of communication.
One of my skype calls was with brilliant guy called Bob Nicholl , an expert in the use of words and their meanings - It was a chat started about the weather here in the UK compared to Alaska , where he is based; and it introduced me to his passion for natural beauty and his latest project and greatest passion - the use of words and articulation and their powerful effects.
Check out the link below - it's definitely worth the read.
Not only did I see some fantastic photos but i also learned about Bob's passion for language, saw his amazing tattered and trusted dictionary but was inspired to write about how we communicate, how we use words and how we can connect to so much more than a blank page by careful use of language.
Many people in marketing constantly talk about the value of content, which is excellent advice BUT learn also that this content has to have value to the receiver and so....
My marketing advice today is
a. look at who you are connecting to and appreciate that they need value from you - what will interest them and help them to connect with you in a valuable way
b. look at the actual language you use to convey your passion - there is no better way to connect and inspire than to instill passion in to what you have to communicate
c. look at different ways to communicate to connect and interest your connections
d. YOU need to believe in what you do and why you do it and the rest follows on - it's not always about just making a quick buck from a quick sale - this is not a long term tactic or anyway to build really valuable interactions or relationships - sometime the long term view will give far more value to everyone involved
e. Good communication takes thought - use your brain before your mouth or in this day and age your typing fingers
f. seek out opinion and advice - listen and learn
g. make sure your communications are real and true to who you or your company is - align everything
h. Find your passion and share it with everyone and be prepared that you cannot always interest everyone and you may actually have some great debates and learn many new things
check out remember the ice and subscribe to cool 'ice chips' and every success with your communications, using excellent positive language and finding your passion.
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