In these very unique times, where we find ourselves away from our office, colleagues, and clients, we need to make sure we are communicating effectively.  For most of us, we have moved from an in-person workplace to virtual meetings through various mediums such as Zoom and GoToMeeting.  As our environment changes, keep in mind, the keys to effective communication do not change.  Being heard and having the right tools is more important now more than ever.

When you have limited or no face-to-face time with your clients, or even your colleagues, it can be difficult to be sure that your ideas are being heard.  The other day I read an article with ten key points to communicating your message.  As I read them, it dawned on me that these elements of being heard are very timely advice.  These tools are basic skills which span time and situations.  I am sharing this list so that when you get on your next conference call or video meeting you can keep in your mind these essential elements to successful communication.

1. 1. Get clear on your issue
   2. Know what you’re talking about
   3. Consider who else is affected- talk to them
   4. Come up with solutions- Be creative
   5. Think of solutions that will benefit everyone
   6. Find out who can solve your problem
   7. Get a meeting with the right people – use a visual medium if possible, not just a call
   8. Make your case
   9. Be assertive, not combative
   10. Be persistent- change take time, but also know the fine line between persistence and pest

Now more than ever we want to be heard. You might be working at the kitchen table, but that does not mean that your drive, ambition, and resolve have changed. Always keep in mind that utilizing these key points will help you to be heard in a time where we are not all together but still want and need to be heard.  Stay safe and healthy.

*Ten key points from: https://www.revitalizeordie.com/

Michigan Legislative Consultants is a bipartisan lobbying firm based in Lansing, Michigan. Our team of lobbyists and procurement specialists provide a wide range of services for some of the most respected companies in America. For more on MLC, visit www.mlcmi.com or connect with us on LinkedIn and Twitter.