The important thing to remember about being a good communicator is actually, not talking you must hold your tongue and LISTEN! This applies to all areas of business, whether you are talking to a customer, an employee or a supplier. It is equally important in casual and social situations because you never know when you might meet someone who can become a valuable connection for your social business network. Making a positive impression is paramount, as you are the face and the voice that represents your businesses reputation.

It helps to know who you are talking to and what sort of conversation is appropriate for the situation. If you are speaking to a new associate you should ask questions which cannot be answered by a simple yes or no. Learn some interviewing techniques, encourage longer answers that will allow you to get to know the person better and offer a bit of background information about yourself in the process. If the relationship is business related be friendly, but do not venture into personal subjects or topics that can be controversial (like relgion and politics unless of course your business is associated).

If you have developed a good business relationship with someone, it may not be inappropriate to acknowledge personal interests that you may share. For example, if you are visiting the office of a long-term business associate and notice golf clubs, you may bring up the topic and ask them about that particular brand or where they play, to let them know it is a common interest. Whether or not you invite them to golf with you or wait for them to invite you might also depend on the nature and time period of your association.

No matter who it is you are talking to and regardless of the nature of your relationship, listening is essential because you are better able to formulate a relevant response when you listen to whom you are speaking with. Isnt it annoying when you are having a conversation with someone and they look at you blankly and say, "what?" Or when you are saying something that you feel is important and the person you are talking to continues typing, or reading, or (aargh!) even watching the television?

Do unto others as you would have done to you is just as meaningful when it comes to communication as it is in everything else. If you are too busy to listen when an employee or associate comes to you with an issue or idea, does that really encourage them to listen to your concerns or suggestions in the future? If you do not have time right then, validate their concern and

make a time to discuss to issue as soon as possible.