The lost art of real talk in business

Tech is at an all-time high and we’ve somehow lost real conversations along the way. Deep discussion between two people seems to happen less and less.

How is real talk relevant to your business? And what does it look like in today’s digital sphere?

In this post, we’ll uncover the relics of good old conversations, the art of being real, and how to communicate this authenticity with your customers. Let’s start digging! We’re sure it’s still there somewhere.

Real talk isn’t lost – It takes on a digital form

Business is digital. Everything is automated. There’s a boom of A.I. and bot service. Surely, we’ve never been more connected (online), but it can also make us feel somehow cut off or alienated (offline).

The ideal world is one where we can perform real talks and dazzling conversations in person without any help from our gadgets but we know it takes time to connect. We need time to build these connections.

The good news is we’re relearning to be true. The customer is right again! People want to see authenticity in business. Content is crowned King and good communication is here to stay. If you listen to your customers, you’ll know what they want, and they’ll love you for it.

Better customer service means happier customers and higher profits, right? How do we do that?

Start on the inside – Be your true self

There’s a sense of freedom in being true. Things gel naturally. You don’t have to sculpt your image to suit a façade you think the world needs. When you’re true to your core, you can represent your business truly as it is.

Here are Actionable Tips on Being True:

– Love what you do.

– Express your purpose and share it with much gusto!

– Be consistent with who you are to avoid giving mixed messages.

– Show your authenticity through quality content that suits different audiences from multiple platforms.

– Share your pro tips, opinion, secrets and things your market cares about.

– Only make promises you can keep.

– Work with authentic people.

– Acknowledge your mistakes and weaknesses.

Your customers will see you for your honesty and trust that the product or service you offer is beyond just making money. It’s a product of your authenticity so, it’s real!

Be an authentic leader

Now, a lot that goes inside a company is reflected to the customer.

Author Gabrielle Dolan explains in her book Real Communication: How To Be You and Lead True how “a rapidly evolving workplace and disruptive technologies have created a growing demand for transparency and authenticity in communication from business leaders.”

When you’re true to your team, the business thrives. Genuine leadership creates good communication, meaning you connect not just to your coworkers, but best of all, to your clients and customers.

At Buffer, they don’t use private emails. Their employees can read their fully transparent email system anytime. And this ensures trust inside the company.

You don’t have to do the same, but you get the point that when leaders are authentic, they inspire their team to achieve a common goal. They work better. They feel trusted. They can understand, empathize, and relay the message to the customer. That’s a win-win!

Then you can have genuine customer connections

The people have spoken, and they prefer talking to a real human and messaging is the communications channel of choice. Although customers need fast information, they also need thorough explanations. They prefer a real person’s motivated reasoning and emotional response to their problem.

Performing the art of real talk in business

You don’t have to ask about their deepest fears or life-long dreams. But a hint of human warmth – and truth – will make them feel comfortable and trust that you can empathize, thus solve their concern.

How to have Genuine Talks with Your Customers:

– Do your homework and know your audience on a deeper level.

– Captivate them with a story.

– Infuse humor and conversation that gets them excited.

– Ask how you can add value – help them help you!

– Respond as quickly as possible.

– Tone down on sharing how great you are.

– Give them transaction transparency.

Remember to always do your best to make a lasting impression with a good exit (inside jokes, something in common, problems solved, what to look forward to).

The takeaway

Whether you’re talking to a customer or catching up with a loved one, it’s good to talk. No matter what platform you use – on-screen or off-screen – authenticity is key.

Authentic expression takes on a digital form as we relearn how to make deep face-to-face connections. But the art of real talk can be found anywhere and performed anytime. Be yourself. Stay curious. Question more and give your full attention.

It’s a gift to talk true to yourself and the world, as a business owner and as a mere human being. But the best talks are had when we understand what they say. 

The digital world can be noisy at times. Funny enough, the lost art of real talk is found when the need to talk is gone. And – in that given moment – all that’s ever needed is to listen. So, be all ears and only talk true.