Why is it that we sometimes have a hard time saying what’s on our mind?  How come we feel that we should sugar-coat our words or deliver a barrage of business jargon that confuses people instead of clarifying?  Ineffective communication in business and life is a waste of everyone’s time.

Business communication should be simple and straightforward.

We should strive to make what we are saying so easy that a seven year old can easily understand it.  This doesn’t mean we speak down to a person like they are a child, but that we should avoid adding confusion to our conversation by becoming superfluous with our words.  We should also be honest and straightforward when communicating with others.  It doesn’t benefit you or the other person to beat around the bush … just say what needs to be said and move on.

My current free agent life has opened up dialogue with others about collaborating or potential partnerships.  I love the conversations I’ve had with Randy Cantrell of Bula Coaching.  We have talked business ideas and it’s always straight to the point – no hidden agendas and no BS.  There are things we have agreed on and others where we didn’t see quite the same, but we’ve moved quickly through the topics because we value each others time and avoid useless hyperbole.

Then there are other situations that leave me wondering because the communication breaks down or never took place.

Maybe you are really busy or it’s been a chaotic month.  Maybe you really don’t want to work with me or think my idea is way off the grid.  Maybe I did something to offend you and you don’t like me anymore.  Maybe the entire Internet has taken a massive dump and clogged the bandwidth.  I don’t know because I’ve not been told, but I can say this … I’d rather know the truth or have a clear understanding than being left in the dark.  Wouldn’t you?

Business communication needs to be clear and to the point. Most business people or entrepreneurs don’t have the time to play games or like to try and figure out what is being said.  What we do want is to hear is what’s really on your mind – expectations, interests, concerns, agenda, disinterest, plans, or hard truth. We just want people to be clear and to the point.  Nothing more, nothing less.

How about you?