Words in Business: The Best Tools for Building Relationships

Words in business are extremely important, and just as important as the words we use in life and our personal relationships. Certain words elevate while others divide. We often see this in arenas we cannot control such as politics and dysfunctional relationships, but in business, we can take care to always use words to amplify our goodwill towards others. After all, there is a direct correlation between your attitude, the things that manifest in your life, and the words you use.

Ask yourself: what are the three words that you find yourself using most in your business?

For me, those three words are amazing, beautiful, and make-it-happen.

I use these words in business and embrace them every day with a correlating attitude as I meet people, make calls and write emails. I try to infuse thoughtfulness in my daily communication in not only my actions but the words I choose as well. When you listen to your client, the words you use can affirm their thoughts and feelings. How you use your words in business can be powerful and make your clients feel validated, brilliant, and creative! They can lead to wonderful things…

Understanding instead of friction.

If a client cancels on you several times, you can use words that elevate instead of diminish the relationship as you respond to them. Often it’s not just the words, but the tone that you put with your communication that can soothe or chafe the reader. For example, which of these followup emails would show understanding?

“Once again, I’m disappointed we did not meet t today. I hope we will be able to move forward on the project in a timely manner.”

“I’m sorry we were unable to connect. I’m so looking forward to speaking with you again when your schedule allows. Till then, don’t work too hard!”

A sweet end note.

How do you end your emails and texts? What is your phrase? If you want to make it an amazing day and leave a positive impression, pay attention to how you close out your written conversations. Consider the difference:

“Looking forward to making it happen!” –Jackie

Thanks. –Jackie

Demonstrated Sensitivity.

If you need to discuss sensitive information, never do so over text or email. If there are emotional stakes in the conversation, it should take place personally, preferably face to face. If the outcome of the conversation would bring a change or potential change in status of a relationship (ex. a discontinuation of a relationship, be it business or personal; a confession or explanation of a mistake; a cancellation of major plans, etc.) it is best to talk to the party personally. Which is more sensitive:

(By phone): Hi Hal, how are you? (Hal answers) Good. Well, I wish I was calling with better news. We were recently reviewing our performance over the last quarter and our profit margins since we signed with your company are not quite what we had hoped.

(By email): Dear Hal, due to budget cuts we will no longer be using your service.

Obviously, using the right words in business, through the right medium, can help you express genuine, pure interest in another person and possibly retain a relationship even in the midst of conflict.

However, it is true that regardless of your words and how sensitively you deliver them, there will still be some relationships that may be difficult to salvage. Some people are simply not bridgeable. They may be difficult to build a relationship with in the first place, or have an all or nothing approach and be expert bridge burners.

The challenge in these cases is to set aside your ego, let your guard down, and focus on bringing your best words to every conversation. Do that with your words in business and you will triumph– and so will those around you! 

Jacqueline Camacho-Ruiz is the CEO of JJR Marketing (www.jjrmarketing.com) and Fig Factor Media LLC (www.todayslatina.com), founder of The Fig Factor Foundation (www.thefigfactor.org), author of eight books (www.jackiecamacho.com), international speaker, and pilot. Jacqueline speaks to hundreds of audiences about marketing, servant leadership, finding your passion, and achieving success in business. She has addressed the United States Army, BP International, United Airlines, Allstate, and Farmers Insurance among other corporations to share her inspiration.

If you or an organization you know needs as speaker, please get in touch with us at https://www.jackiecamacho.com/contact.