4 little words that can make or break communication before its started…

It’s amazing how AI is getting people in a tizz on what to write, how to write it, where to put it, how to say it, when to say it, what key words, aaaaa brain ache!

Communication is key to helping you grow your business, your profits, your reach and even your team;

• Without good quality communication your brand is damaged.
• Your reputation at risk.
• Your ability to take on the competition.
• Your ability to connect, build trust and sell at networking.
• And that’s before we even talk about how you lead your team, or influence stakeholders!

Communication is key. And yet so many are forgetting this. I’m an AI lover and will talk more about it over the months because we as business owners and professionals are missing many key questions and strategies in our approach that risk more than just good communication, however let’s not get sidetracked…

What 4 little words can kill the start of any email?

Hope you are well.

They seem so innocent right?

In an email they usually start an email that’s;
* A cold call.
* Asking for something.
* Giving you bad news.

I’ve found I notice those 4 words. I had an email out of the blue my first day back in the office after I was told I could go blind and it started with those 4 harmless words.

So instantly I was “in a place” that was not conducive to active listening, possibly impacting on my response and thus the outcome.

(I’ve Lupus and had an ulcer on my eyeball – it’s more painful than it sounds. Actually worse than 32 hours of labour! And then the doctor followed up after discovering it had done permanent damage that “Next time, you’d not be so lucky and it could take your eyesight”

I walk the walk when it comes to resilience and know how to shift a negative to a positive fast. It’s one of my favourite areas to teach teams and companies because emotional intelligence and resilience or as I like to call it Bounceability but even I need a few hours to get my head around being told I could go blind right?

And so now I notice this starter in emails, a lot (Maybe Chat GPT likes this one?)
(The emoji was added on purpose because have you noticed how free and easy AI is with emojis? Another sign that no human was near the thought process of that content right?)

So what’s your views on those 4 little words?
Do you like it?
Not notice it?
Not appreciate how subconsciously your mind reads things much deeper and thus impacts on your thoughts, interpretations, actions and results?

Do you consider how the other party feels or potentially could feel on reading that opener from you? What if;
* They’ve just lost their Mum?
* They’ve just missed the train, it’s raining, they’re soaked, they are late for a meeting and have a day of audits ahead of them?
* They’ve just landed their dream contract?
* They’ve just met the love of their life?

Imagine how different those 4 words can be perceived?

Every word matters.

In email.
In networking.
In public speaking.
In presentations.
In pitches.
In marketing.
In employee engagement.
In social media conversation.

And possibly most importantly, in your head because your perception can alter the meaning of EVERY word.

I know this, because I make clients and INsiders consider every word and it’s meaning to them, their audiences and every stakeholder that matters.

Every word has power.

4 words can be the difference between sale, win, rejection, hope, success, progression, understanding, compliance, acceptance and results.

Understand the power of words, understand what they mean to your target audiences, clients, customers, suppliers, employees and yourself and you can alter the outcome of practically every interaction.

Now that’s powerful….so may I ask, will you be starting emails to me with “Hope you are well?”

INsiders is my low cost way of being available to you, your staff and your success. I know my coaching and mentoring is an investment and the INsiders gets you me in your pocket 24/7 with hundreds of amazing professionals and business owners ready to support, inspire, challenge and buy from one another – they are amazing and support me as much as I support them. Do join us. Learn more here.

I’ve been asked how I like to start an email or new connection message on LinkedIn, Instagram or Facebook and I will share more in the coming weeks.

Got a question? Feel free to email me here – an issue for one is often an issue for the many and that’s how i got my first best selling book in 6 languages so I’m very happy to help you. No one will know it was just for you. Not read Fight the fear? Wow, there had to be someone, learn more here.