The ability to communicate effectively is the most important skill for building your career.

As you interact with your clients and colleagues, the way you communicate speaks volumes about your professionalism, and it allows you to forge powerful connections that will take your career to the next level.

It is important to remember, however, that good communication involves more than just the ability to speak eloquently.

Keep these strategies in mind as you work on your communication skills, and you will notice improvements in every area of your career.

Too often, communication breaks down because people are too distracted to listen.

Although it’s tempting to try to guess what the other speaker is going to say next or plan your response, it is important to stay focused throughout the other person’s speech.

Avoid staring out the window or glancing at your phone.

Instead, look directly at the other person and make it your goal to hear every word they say.

SHOW INTEREST

People enjoy talking to people who give them a favorable response and showing interest in the other person is essential for building relationships with clients.

In fact, a simple smile or nod as they talk can prompt them to provide you with more insight into their preferred style of financial management.

While you do not have to agree with everything a person says, it does help to show that you are genuinely trying to understand their perspective.

Body language can often reveal far more than a person’s words.

Yet, you can also give off the wrong signals if your body language does not match the impression you want to convey.

Make sure to maintain a calm, relaxed posture.

Avoid crossing your arms or leaning back casually in your chair.

Instead, lean toward the person who is speaking and make eye contact so they know you are fully involved in the conversation.

ASK FOR A PREFERRED METHOD OF COMMUNICATION

Everyone has a preferred way to communicate and tapping into a person’s preferences will show you care while also getting you faster responses.

During your initial meeting with someone, ask how they prefer to communicate.

You may also notice when a client ignores your voicemails but quickly responds to an email.

When this happens, switch your main method of communication to reflect their preference.

PROVIDE FEEDBACK

Misunderstandings are one of the biggest breakdowns in communication that can occur.

For this reason, it is best to end every conversation with clarification of what has been discussed.

Rephrase what the other person has said and ask questions about anything you do not understand.

This gives the other person an opportunity to correct anything that may have been misinterpreted.

Improving your communication skills will bolster your career by eliminating misunderstandings and allowing you to build stronger professional relationships.

As you work on this critical career skill, remember that communication strategies are always a work in progress.

Treat each new contact as an opportunity to continue improving your ability to communicate and you will see results in the favorable responses you receive from your clients and colleagues.

Seeking a new financial advisor position? Speak with the experienced financial advisor recruiters of Willis Consulting Inc.

They can many top industry contacts and can help you land the position you want. See open positions at http://www.willis-consulting.com/financial-advisor-jobs/

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