No. No. No. No.Â
These are the words businesses do NOT love to hear.Â
Yet, according to my clientele and close network of business owners, many organizations have already heard quite a bit of that this year.
So, how do we leverage that?Â
It may be the opposite of what you think, but now is the BEST time to invest in your people.Â
Sure, when times are tough, it's easy to focus solely on tightening the purse strings and weathering the storm. But what if I told you that now, during these slow times, is actually the perfect opportunity to double down on developing these crucial soft skills?
Picture this: your business is experiencing a bit of a lull. Things aren't moving as quickly as you'd like, and there's a palpable sense of uncertainty in the air. Instead of seeing this as a time to hunker down and wait for the storm to pass, consider it a golden opportunity to invest in something that can truly set your team apart: effective speaking and communication.
Think about it. When times are tough, communication becomes more critical than ever. Whether it's rallying your team around a new strategy, keeping clients reassured and engaged, or simply maintaining morale within your organization, communicating clearly and persuasively can make all the difference. Not only that, but your team will also have time to invest in these skills. Think about it. When business is thriving and growing, does your team have time to focus on these skills? Maybe some, but not to the same extent.Â
It's not just about weathering the storm—it's about thriving in it. By investing in speaking and communication skills now, you're ensuring your team can navigate choppy waters and set them up for long-term success. After all, resilience and adaptability aren't just buzzwords—they're essential for thriving in today's ever-changing business landscape.
If you still aren't convinced, look at these two individuals you may be familiar with and what they did.Â
Howard Schultz (Starbucks): In the early 2000s, Starbucks faced a slowdown in growth and increasing competition. Howard Schultz, the company's CEO, understood that effective communication was essential for revitalizing the brand and reconnecting with customers. Schultz embarked on a campaign to improve Starbucks' customer experience by enhancing employee training and communication skills. By emphasizing the importance of genuine interactions and customer-centric communication, Schultz successfully repositioned Starbucks as more than just a coffee chain—it became a global symbol of community and connection.
Oprah Winfrey (Harpo Productions): Oprah Winfrey's media empire faced numerous challenges throughout its evolution, including periods of economic uncertainty and shifting consumer preferences. However, Winfrey consistently invested in honing her communication skills, both on and off-screen. Her ability to connect authentically with her audience through compelling storytelling and empathetic communication propelled her talk show to unprecedented success and laid the foundation for Harpo Productions' expansion into various media ventures, including publishing, film, and television production.
So here's the deal: why not take the first step today? Consider investing in a short introductory talk or coaching to kickstart your team's journey towards better communication.Â
Trust me, you won't regret it. Investing in speaking and communication skills isn't just about surviving slow times; it's about thriving in them. So what are you waiting for? Seize the Moment, invest in your team, and watch as they reach new levels of success with bold confidence about them. The future of your business—and your team—is waiting. We're here to support you every step of the way and tailor an opportunity to suit your team's specific needs.
Empowering Leaders Through Communication Coaching & ConsultingÂ