How MISCOMMUNICATION Bettered ME...

During one of my recent Employee Engagement workshop events, a participant asked, why did your blog post make the employer the bad guy?

Before I tell you how that question altered how I create future blog posts, let me clarify something for my readers. The thegreatborrower is a knowledge-sharer through storytelling. My mission, influence and instruct through insight (knowledge) is why I do what I do. PERIOD!!!

I didn't rush to defend my business (brand). My vexation, a defensive word volcano within me begging for release, calmed as I stopped to think. One of two things caused that man's reaction. 1) He'd only read one post that irritated him, or 2) he hadn't read enough of my blog posts to become acquainted my style. Either way, a response was required. I've learned the power of the subtle pause. So, in that pause, I came to understand the problem, miscommunication.

If my assumption about this conversation was correct, the problem was a miscommunication. I was the one responsible for solving it. There was no need to apologize as much as this situation required clarification. I opened this conversation to the entire workshop group (he asked me in private). Beginning with the foundation of my response, finding your voice, niche, and area of expertise takes time. That time can be a curse, but if purposed correctly can also be a blessing.

Though I am not a novice in my area of expertise (Employee Engagement, Customer Service), I am in the online environment. Communication is often an unstable relationship between a sender and receiver. That same communication online often breeds a hotbed of misunderstanding (thank goodness for the comment section). The posts I create are more than content. They are tools and resources anyone can utilize to help them on their journey in the employment sector. If these resources are confusing to one, chances are more feel the same. I wondered if my reply was enough for the group. I opened the floor to anyone with further questions. No one had any. In secret, I did. How would this revelation change my brand (my message) moving forward?

At home, I reviewed my blog posts again and again.

Then I stopped.

Frustrated.

It hit me around 3 a.m. the next morning.

Like a beaver dam, my flow had obstacles requiring unclogging.

All visions call for revisions, time for me to design (finding a better blog post structure) differently, the same powerful insight, using a different flow of movement.

Regardless of his motives, that question (criticism) became a catalyst for me. To reevaluate, renew, and restructure aspects of my storytelling. I’m grateful. Also, I needed to remind myself and others.

1. Any entrepreneur, solopreneur, or independent and small(mid) business owner must give themselves grace.

2. No matter how many books, videos, and seminars there are, it’s no substitution for real-life experience.

3. It’s not personal.

Failures, setbacks, and dreaded obstacles are mere lessons for improvement, not excuses to blame others. I signed up for this.

When writing for others, remember these tips.

• Searchability - the reader should be able to search your topic for a better understanding (even editorials & rants should have facts for findings).

• Desirable - the reader should want to do independent research after learning about your topic.

• Ease - can the reader digest your topic, technical & legal jargon aside, now and later with additional research and comprehend its usefulness?

• Feedback - the reader lets you know if your topic is engaging & an area for more exploration (PS no comments don't mean the reader isn't engaged. Could be a lack of traffic to your site.)

• Update - as blogger grow, so should their writing styles. Updating previous posts benefit both the blogger and the reader.

Knowledge is powerful. Using communication to wield this mighty instrument can be difficult but not impossible. My goal, empower everyone's voice. If learning about employment and customer service tips, tricks, and trends interests you, grow with me. JOIN ME. Read my blogs (present & updated), become a member, and/or check out my services.