How Do You Communicate?

News Flash … My name is not ‘Hey’, got it? So, don’t waste your time sending me emails, text messages, or other communication addressed to Hey. They go straight to the great repository in the Cloud and never get opened.

How can you be more effective at communicating with the audience you are trying to reach?

The key is to find common ground to allow communication to occur naturally and seamlessly. For this to happen you must first learn more about the audience you are trying to reach. How do they communicate today and in what form do they like to receive information from others? Also, what does your targeted audience like, or dislike when dealing with people outside their inner circle?

Finally, is there a language barrier that must be overcome to ensure your message is getting through? It has been written in song that “music is the universal language and love is the key”. However, in the business world, it’s not that straightforward. There are 6,912 main languages and 39,491 alternate language names and dialects worldwide. Add to this all the social media jargon (OMG, LOL, #hashtags, etc.) and that’s a lot to deal with when you are trying to start a conversation with the broader marketplace.

So, what should you do (or change) to ensure that your message not only gets through to the intended audience, but is well received and acted upon?

This can represent a major challenge for businesses attempting to enter new markets either regionally or globally that are unfamiliar with local customs, languages and preferences. Here are some tips that will help you improve communication with prospects, clients, partners and suppliers in any market space.

  1. Know your audience. Take time to get to know me before you send out the first email, tweet, etc., or ask me to “Like” your business page on Facebook. People do business with people they know, like and trust. If you don’t take the time to know me and build that bond of trust, then the answer will always be “No” or a no response.
  2. Tailor the message to your audience. Don’t leave them scratching their heads thinking, “Why am I receiving this correspondence, or is he/she talking to me”. Be interesting, and leave no doubt in their minds that this communication is meant for them.
  3. Have something important to say (and say it well). You don’t have to be a great writer to develop content that resonates with your audience. Speak from the heart and/or your knowledge of the topic and your experience, and the value will show through.
  4. Be respectful of their time. Time is money, so net it out! No lengthy Sales Letters.  Give them a summary with links to the details, so they have access to more information if needed. Always stay on topic while moving the conversation (and the relationship) forward.
  5. Keep the content fresh. You will want to periodically change up your headlines, offer, content, etc. to maintain interest and keep them coming back for more. Make sure to include a call-to-action so they know next steps when they are ready to engage.
  6. Don’t over-communicate. I don’t want to see the same tweet or post 5-6 times per day on Twitter, Facebook, etc. from the same source. Refer to #4 above. Send out messages on different days and at different times to ensure they’re seen by a broader audience, and are not viewed as over-kill or spamming.
  7. Select the right media. How does your target audience like to receive communications from third parties – phone, email, text, social media, etc.? If you don’t know, find out. Choosing the right media will enable you to not only reach a broader audience, but could also dramatically improve response rates.

Want to have great conversations with your target audience that will lead to successful future business relationships? Find that common ground to enable you to rise above the noise and establish those seamless conversations, regardless of the language, communication and media challenges.

What you say and how you say it will ultimately create a lasting perception, either good or bad, of you and your business. Before hitting the send button, make sure it’s a great one.

Enjoy the journey!

John

COPYRIGHT © 2021-24 John Carroll

Why Globalize Your Business

If your overarching goal is to build a successful legacy business that will be around long after you are gone. And your horizon plans extend beyond the next 90 days. Then please read on …

In this article I want to share some thoughts on why you should consider globalizing your business, if you are in it for the long haul. So stay with me.

“Globalization is becoming a strategic imperative for survival and growth.”

Whether we choose to acknowledge this fact, or not, it is true for small businesses as well as large, multi-national corporations. I have been writing and speaking off and on about this topic for the past 10+ years. My first book, GLOBALIZATION: America’s Leadership Challenge Ahead, provides an in-depth look at the major challenges we must overcome in the complex, rapidly evolving global society we are all members of.


But I’m getting ahead of myself. Many of you reading this introduction are thinking this does not apply to me. “I’m just a local small business owner and have no current plans to expand globally.” I have spoken to numerous business groups, and heard this comment more times than I can count.

What I’m here to tell you is “there is no such thing as a local small business in today’s global economy”. You’ll understand why I say this as you read further.

Continue reading…

They Speak What??

Labhraíonn siad Cad é?

Are you finding it challenging to connect and engage in meaningful conversations with people these days? Or for that matter to just get a response from the other party? It can feel like we‘re speaking a foreign language, or the communication link is down.

At no time in mankind’s history, since the Lord scattered the twelve tribes, has language and basic communication been so complex and confusing. This presents a big challenge for many businesses attempting to enter new markets either regionally or globally that are not familiar with the local language, customs and preferences.

How do you communicate effectively and ensure that your message is heard by the target audience when there are so many language and communication variables to consider?

Continue reading…

How to Overcome an 8-8 Mindset

No, this is not another fan rant about the Dallas Cowboys lackluster performance on the football field this year. Although there are some similarities we’ll draw upon here. Rather, the article is about you. If you’re a business leader who seems to be stuck in neutral and unable to find the ‘winning formula’ to move to the next level.

None of us grew up with the notion of being average, just being good enough.

Whether it’s in sports, music, grades, business, etc. We have all been ingrained with the notion of being the best in our chosen pursuits. Does this seem realistic? There is nothing wrong with the quest for excellence. However, not everyone can ascend to the top of the pyramid and stay there. Real life just doesn’t work that way. And that’s OK!

Are your expectations aligned with reality?

Let’s talk for a moment about the ‘BIG LIE’. The big lie is what we tell ourselves when we have a bad day, or when things are not going our way. “Things will get better”. They won’t. Things are not going to get better until what? Until we do. In order to consistently achieve success at any level we must take risks, make changes and sacrifice to get there.

Continue reading…

Just One Month Until Lift-Off!!!

M3 POWER NETWORK BREAKFAST

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 20th at 8:15 am.

Don’t Miss It! Register TODAY and Invite a Friend!!

Do you want to grow your business and make great new personal connections? If you want to GROW you have to GO. Please join us at the next M3 Power Network event on Saturday, October 20th.

M3 Power Network is DFW’s Premier faith-based Networking Group, engaging business professionals like YOU to focus on Missions, Marketplace, and Motivation.

Take a moment to learn what past attendees are saying about the M3 Power Network: https://www.youtube.com/user/buildinternational/videos

This is a networking event like no others, where you will meet 100+ business owners and high quality professionals who are going to enrich your life. You’ll also hear inspirational speakers who will lift you up and help you to be the BEST YOU. And the relationships you develop will help you to continue to grow both personally and professionally.

Our Purpose is to Encourage, Educate, and Empower You! Our Goal is to Get YOU Connected.

Our Brand: Building People. Spreading Hope!

Breakfast and Networking starts at 8:15 AM. Come early and bring lots of business cards!!

M3 Power Network is sponsored by Build International Ministries. Our goal is to reach 1.5 million lives in 2018! http://www.buildinternational.org/

Building People. Spreading Hope.

Please join us, invite a friend or two, and come prepared to be inspired!!

October 20th is just one short month away, so don’t delay! REGISTER NOW and reserve your seat!!!

Meetup Link

Facebook Link

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, October 20th!!

John

Triple Your Memory – Triple Your Business

M3 POWER NETWORK BREAKFAST

SATURDAY, APRIL 21st at 8:15 am. “TRIPLE YOUR MEMORY … TRIPLE YOUR BUSINESS”!!!

How would you like to dramatically grow your business and make 100+ new personal connections this year? Join us at the next M3 Power Network breakfast and learn from Ron White, 2-Time USA Memory Champion, how to triple your memory and triple your business!!!

If you want to GROW you have to GO. Please join us at the next M3 Power Network event on Saturday, April 21st. The M3 Power Network is DFW’s Premier faith-based Networking Group, engaging business professionals like YOU to focus on Missions, Marketplace, and Motivation.

Please take a moment to learn what past our attendees are saying about the M3 Power Network: https://www.youtube.com/user/buildinternational/videos

This is a networking event like no others, where you will meet 100+ business owners and high quality professionals who are going to enrich your life. You’ll also hear inspirational speakers, like Ron White, who will lift you up and help you become the BEST YOU. And the relationships you build will help you continue to grow personally and professionally.

Our Purpose is to Encourage, Educate, and Empower You! Our Goal is to Get YOU Connected.

Our Brand: Building People. Spreading Hope!

Breakfast and Networking starts at 8:15 AM. So, come early and bring lots of business cards!!

The M3 Power Network is sponsored by Build International Ministries. Our goal is to reach 1.5 million lives in 2018! http://www.buildinternational.org/

Building People. Spreading Hope.

Please join us, invite a friend, and come prepared to be inspired!

April 21st is just a month away, so REGISTER NOW to reserve your seat!!!

MEETUP LINK

FACEBOOK LINK

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday, April 21st!!!

John

Please Join Us on April 21st!

M3 POWER NETWORK BREAKFAST

SATURDAY, APRIL 21st at 8:15 am.

DREAM BIG … SET GOALS … TAKE ACTION!!!

Do you want to grow your business and make great new personal connections? If you want to GROW you have to GO. Please join us at the next M3 Power Network event on Saturday, April 21st.

M3 Power Network is DFW’s Premier faith-based Networking Group, engaging business professionals like YOU to focus on Missions, Marketplace, and Motivation.

Take a moment to learn what past attendees are saying about the M3 Power Network: https://www.youtube.com/user/buildinternational/videos

This is a networking event like no others, where you will meet 100+ business owners and high quality professionals who are going to enrich your life. You’ll also hear inspirational speakers who will lift you up and help you to be the BEST YOU. And the relationships you develop will help you to continue to grow both personally and professionally.

Our Purpose is to Encourage, Educate, and Empower You! Our Goal is to Get YOU Connected.

Our Brand: Building People. Spreading Hope!

Breakfast and Networking starts at 8:15 AM. Come early and bring lots of business cards!!

M3 Power Network is sponsored by Build International Ministries. Our goal is to reach 1.5 million lives in 2018! http://www.buildinternational.org/

Building People. Spreading Hope.

Please join us, invite a friend, and come prepared to be inspired!!

April 21st will be here before you know it, so REGISTER NOW to reserve your seat!!!

Meetup Link

Facebook Link

We look forward to seeing you on April 21st!!!

John

John’s Story

“We help clients get the results to move beyond their vision.”

This statement represents so much more than just another quote or tagline on my brochure. It is the vision statement for my coaching practice, and a reflection of my life’s journey. A journey that has moved me from humble beginnings to success in areas that I never dreamed were possible.

Moreover, my journey has enabled me to work with hundreds of entrepreneurs, small business owners and business leaders to help them achieve their goals in creative and expansive ways. But the journey has not been easy. In fact, as a child I was told by the people I looked to for guidance, encouragement and support that I was lazy and would never amount to anything.

We didn’t have a lot of material things when I was growing up, but my parents did their best to provide for our extended family. Both my parents were from broken homes and suffered through life during the Great Depression, World War II, and endured numerous hardships and disappointments. Their lives were oppressive, extremely harsh and as a consequence, they had their dreams managed out of them long before I came along. Continue reading…

Please Join Us on January 13th!

Put your Big PHAT Goals into action and make 2018 your best year so far!

Do you want to grow your business and personal connections? If you want to GROW you have to GO. Come and meet new people at M3 Power Network!

M3 Power Network is DFW’s Premier faith-based Networking Group, engaging business professionals like YOU to focus on Missions, Marketplace, and Motivation.

Breakfast and Networking starts at 8:15 AM.

Our Purpose: Encourage, Educate, and Empower You!

Our Brand: Building People. Spreading Hope!

Our Goal is to Get YOU Connected.

Our Values: Business Networking | Building Relationships | Fun | Inspiration | Love | Respect | Honor | Excellence | Encountering God and more.

Our great friend and ‘Sales and Networking Guru’, Dean Lindsay, will be the Keynote Speaker for our January 13th event. So you don’t want to miss it! Dean is the author of the highly acclaimed book, How to Achieve Big PHAT Goals, in addition to being a Thought Leader on Building Priceless Business Relationships, sought-after Speaker and award-winning Christian songwriter.

Please join us, invite a friend, bring lots of business cards and prepare to be inspired!!

JANUARY 13TH will be here before you know it, so REGISTER NOW on EVENT BRITE  to reserve your seat!!!

EVENT BRITE

FACEBOOK

We look forward to seeing you (and your guest) on Saturday, January 13th to help kick-off the New Year!!!

John
 

Networking: Stop ‘Bobbing for Apples’

If you sign-on to Meetup.com, you’ll find there are approximately 130,000 Meetups (884 within 25 miles of my office) happening at any given time that represent opportunities to network and build great new relationships.

With this over-abundance of networking opportunities at our disposal, why do many small business owners struggle to make networking work for them?

The short answer is that most are not prepared for success when they walk through the door. Yes, networking can be time-consuming, frustrating and expensive if you don’t take the time to adequately prepare in advance.

Bobbing for Apples

As my good friend Jeff Klein, the author of ’30 Seconds to Success’ and the founder of Speaker Coop says, “There are only two reasons to network – to get referrals and give referrals”. Continue reading…