A key success factor for any business -- or any position -- is effective communication. The ability to speak well is a minimum requirement for most businesses when hiring. But did you know that "speaking well" includes not only proper grammar, but also voice clarity and conversation etiquette? Follow these recommended guidelines for communications success:

1. LISTEN: Actively listening and showing genuine interest are the biggest attributes of a successful communicator.
2. USE NAMES: When you meet someone, use his or her name right away so you will remember it.
3. LET OTHERS TALK: One general rule for interviewing is to limit your answers to two minutes. This is often a good rule to apply for ANY business conversation.
4. STICK TO THE POINT: Show value for people's time by being as concise as possible when providing information. Don't be vague, but avoid unnecessary details.
5. FOCUS: Remain attentive through eye contact and body language.
6. PAUSE TO THINK FIRST: "Um" and "uh" may roll out involuntarily, but rarely help you in a business communication. It is better to pause, collect your thoughts, then speak confidently rather than ramble.

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Businesses are sometimes forced to implement sweeping changes in an effort to grow and survive. These changes require swift adjustments, often presenting new challenges and demands for everyone, from the new hire to the owner. Although change is an inevitable part of life, for most people it creates tension and anxiety, especially in today's work settings where the challenges may abruptly alter the course of one’s career and lifestyle.

Employees fear the unknowns about new management, getting transferred to unfamiliar positions and losing their jobs. Little control over workplace events can trigger increased job stress and decreased productivity. Strategically preparing managers and employees helps to ensure better organizational performance, regardless what changes one might face.

• Prepare - Many companies are now implementing courses in change management.
• Communicate Early and Often - Keep employees in the loop to remind them that they are a part of the process.
• Stay Cool - Make employees aware of how body language, speech and behavior impact the overall group. Reiterate that the company will make every effort to make the transition as smooth as possible.

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Since 2004, I have had the privilege of serving on the Board of Directors for the Better Business Bureau. I've had the opportunity of meeting many dynamic business leaders in the Baton Rouge business community and I've learned a lot about the benefits of BBB membership.

BBB Chairman Steve Lousteau commented,
"It is important for a Better Business Bureau to have the support and participation of local business leaders, like Marianne Frazee, who help maintain the viability of the Bureau and the local business climate."

Steve Lousteau, Chairman, Better Business Bureau

Most consumers rely on the BBB when they are getting ready to purchase a good or service. It's simply a matter of calling the Bureau to check out the business you are purchasing from. The feedback is often invaluable. I can recall the horror stories of friends who've had substandard work done at their homes only to find out later that, if they had just called the Bureau, they would have known about the number of unresolved complaints that had been filed against the company in question.

As a consumer or business, these are the services you can expect to receive from the Bureau:

• Investigate and act upon the complaints of unfair and unethical business practices
• Protect the public from fraud and deceit and the community from loss to fraudulent promotions and schemes
• Monitor advertising and selling practices to provide counseling service to advertisers
• Mediate and arbitrate disputes between buyers and sellers
• Provide info to other Bureaus either directly or through the Council of Better Business Bureaus concerning unethical deceptive practices of national or chain operators.

So remember, when you visit a business, look around and see if there's a plaque on the wall with the red BBB torch emblem -- if so, you can be confident that you're in good hands with a BBB member!

To learn more, visit the Better Business Bureau web site on our Helpful Links page at www.frazeerecruit.com.

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