Written by Daleen Gouws, founder and CEO of Edge Communications

An organisation’s communication style is a natural extension of its culture. Communication is often seen as an extra and not a necessary function for an organisation. At Edge Communications we have experienced first-hand how offering integrated communication services can change organisational outcomes and assist organisations to achieve optimal communication-related goals.

Edge Communications offers a complete package of communication solutions to various organisations. Effective communication is the basis of all business relationships. These relationships are founded on how we communicate with each other- both within our organisation and with those on the outside. To be able to effectively communicate your ideas allows you to build the necessary interpersonal relationships to allow your business to take flight.

Research has consistently shown that effective communication has a significantly positive effect on an organisation. Among its established benefits are:

• Increased productivity;
• Higher quality of services and products;
• Greater levels of trust and commitment;
• Increased employee engagement and higher levels of creativity;
• Greater employee job satisfaction and morale of employees;
• Better workplace relationships;
• Greater acceptance of change;
• Decreased absenteeism;
• Reduced staff turnover;
• Less industrial unrest;
• Reduced costs;
• Internal-communications-strategy.

Organisations cannot find the experience and change brought by communications by only implementing certain aspects of communication. For example – by only acquiring a designer or a developer the organisation will only receive a part of the total communication experience instead of incorporating all integrated aspects of communication services offered by a communications agency such as Edge Communications.

Communication is the cornerstone of any organisation’s success; businesses thrive on continuous interactions with multiple parties – managers, employees, and clients. Effective communication ensures the flow of information between all relevant parties, reducing the potential for misunderstanding, dissatisfaction, and lack of trust. It provides a clear sense of direction to achieve effortless results.

Broadly speaking, consistent and open communication across an organisation ensures all employees, from senior management to entry-level staff, understand the company’s goals and culture, as well as how it presents itself to its customers and clients. In this open environment, feedback is encouraged and sought out, either through face-to-face meetings or regular surveys.

Communicate with staff

Effective communication starts internally. The ability to communicate your ideas to your staff members allows them to feel involved and motivated. It enables them to cooperate, innovate, and develop new products, making your business stronger, and helping it to grow. It is also vital to ensure your staff can communicate effectively. If your staff members feel valued and able to talk to you, this will be reflected in their work and help their relationship with your customers.

Engage with clients

The next vital communication you need to make is to your clients and potential clients. If you effectively communicate with customers you can not only provide them with information about your products and services, but you can find out more about them. Your relationship is a two-way street when it comes to your customer base; if you listen to their needs it helps provide that personal touch to build a lasting relationship and generate customer loyalty.

Understanding which methods of communication to use for your customers enables you to tailor marketing to attract new business. Remember a person’s opinion is formed quickly, and you have one chance to make that first impression with a potential customer. Therefore, it is key that the impression is good, and you have communicated your key messages.

Communicate with stakeholders

Finally, communication with various third parties like potential investors and partners; can help them understand your vision and work ethic. Stakeholder engagement is essential to grow any business and to reach the ambitious targets set out by the organisation. Strong relationships are a function of trust through consistent communications with integrity.

Trust Edge Communications to assist your business or organisation with an integrated, effective communication strategy.