Communication is vital across every industry. Nowhere is this more essential than in the business context. Whether you’re studying a BA Honours in Communication or a BCom Honours in Management, you probably know all about the skills that make for effective communication, persuasion and negotiation.
Communication strategy plays a role in how well people are able to negotiate. From asking for a raise to discussing business objectives, the way that we communicate opens the door to many things. It’s what makes an Honours in Communication so important for those looking to get ahead.
When considering what it takes to execute persuasive communication, it pays to take a closer look at how influential figures approach it. Take Apple CEO Tim Cook. Thanks to his in-depth knowledge, innovative thinking and commitment to Apple’s corporate values, he’s helped make the brand one of the most valuable corporations worldwide. He believes in three core approaches when it comes to communicating with an end goal in mind.
Tell every story logically
Whether it’s an external brand message or an internal one, a simple communication structure is what Cook swears by. This makes every story one that’s easy for customers and employees to understand. Better yet, it’s even easier for people to retell. This is essential when you consider how important word of mouth marketing is for many brands in the modern age.
Stay focussed on the customer, always
Apple has always positioned itself as a customer-centric organisation, which is why loyalty has helped them secure billions in sales revenue. By remaining focussed on consumers, brands can put out persuasive messages that really resonate with the audience and get the desired results. Through this, fans feel like they matter and that they are heard. In response to this, they’re more likely to purchase products and remain loyal to the brand. Whether you’re asking questions or answering them, always keep your audience in mind. That way, there can be no wrong answers.
Keep perspective front of mind
Communication studies will tell you that perspective is everything. This is especially true when you consider the digital context and how events and statements can get misconstrued. Communicating successfully means taking every opportunity to provide context to messages that customers might have misunderstood. With context on your side, there’s less room for error or confusion.
Leadership and communication go hand in hand
The best leaders are the ones who know how to communicate effectively. This means that those looking to cement their reputation as trailblazers in their field should consider working on their communication abilities. From employees to customers and even service providers, every leader needs to liaise with a number of people. The good news is that there are a host of programmes available and that any skills gained are always for the better. When you consider the responsibilities of those in leadership positions, it makes sense that an affinity for communication is a prerequisite for success.
Get an Honours qualification that helps you stand out
It’s a harsh reality that the job market has never been more competitive. This means that having an undergraduate degree alone might not cut it anymore. With the right Honours qualification behind you, you could get a foot in the door and find yourself one step closer to the job you’ve been dreaming of. At The IIE’s Varsity College, you can study a variety of post-graduate options to suit the demands of many industries. No matter your interests or area of expertise, accredited IIE programmes and academic support will help you take life to the next level. For more on the IIE full-time Bachelor of Arts Honours in Communication, why not click here to visit our website here today?
Varsity College is an educational brand of The Independent Institute of Education (The IIE). South Africa’s leading private higher education provider that’s registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training and accredited by the British Accreditation Council (BAC).