Effective communication techniques for business consultants

Communication is like a tightrope that binds us all - giving us the means to express our thoughts, ideas and emotions to survive. When done clearly and consistently, communication can convey its intended meaning to the audience, becoming effective. 

Effective communication is a tool that has an all-encompassing impact, whether it is the relationships in your personal or professional life. It is also an essential secret weapon for all corporate visionaries that help businesses thrive and grow. When armed with good communication skills, business consultants can understand, implement and deliver to their clients. Effective communication helps in - 

• Improving client relationships
• Increasing understanding 
• Making better decisions 
• Enhancing collaboration 
• Faster problem solution 
• Increased credibility and reputation 
• Efficient problem resolution 

It is the cornerstone for forging long-lasting client-consultant relationships. Though there are many techniques that one can keep in mind while communicating, some of the most important ones for consultants are - 

1. Communicating clearly - Before any work commences, expectation-setting is extremely important so that there are no surprises for either party. As business consultants, you should be clear about how much work you can put in for the money you are getting. Being asked to do a laundry list of tasks for a meagre compensation is not the way to be. The responsibility for this communication lies on both parties, but establishing a clear time and work estimate should be initiated by the consultants themselves. 

1. Adaptability - Understanding your clients is the stepping stone to successful client-consultant relationships. By understanding the client's personality, culture and preferred means of communication, business consultants can develop suitable channels. By being adaptable on this front, you can navigate conflicts, differences and other challenges while simultaneously achieving your targets and delivering results. Adaptability is also crucial in a constantly changing business environment where trends and technologies constantly evolve. 

1. Mastering non-verbal communication - According to Harvard Business Review, 76% of your perception is determined by your body language alone. This means a simple gesture such as standing up straight, maintaining eye contact and giving a firm handshake go a long way in telling your clients that you know what you are doing. Noticing these cues in your clients too can help in understanding them more, knowing their needs and delivering on all fronts. Establishing a relationship where you can read your client well enough to know what they want is what consultants should strive to 

1. Practising Empathy - Empathy is the secret ingredient that makes us all human. It is also an extremely vital component to have in your consulting arsenal. As business consultants, putting yourselves in the clients' shoes helps better to understand their needs, pain points and goals. This would also help you craft tailored solutions for different clientele and their unique requirements and circumstances. The idea is to refrain from turning the client-consultant relationship into a one-sided conversation where only one party does the talking. 

1. Ensuring Transparency - Transparency is the key to fostering lasting relationships. By making communication transparent, business consultants create an open and honest environment where clients feel heard and understood. This creates an ecosystem that encourages productive discussions, collaboration and a healthy exchange of ideas. By understanding each other's goals, you and your client can work together judgement-free to find solutions and make informed decisions that are in the business's best interest. 

A dash of clarity, a pinch of transparency, a sprinkle of empathy and a hint of adaptability can go a long way in fostering trust, empathy and reputation between clients and consultants. Business consultants can drive positive results for all their clients by communicating effectively and using the abovementioned tools.