(Image credit: via Pinterest)
Relevance is massively important in communication. Whenever we see or hear anything, in a split second, we unconsciously scan it for relevance. Does this resonate? Is this meant for me? Can I use this?
Bridging the distance between them and us
When communicating with our students or clients, we must make what we do relevant to our audience. It is not enough to be enthusiastic and passionate about what we do, we must go attempt to bridge the distance between us and them. We must communicate how what we do is of specific relevance to who’s listening.
At the beginning of my courses, I discuss barriers to learning. With the best of intentions, world-class content and effective delivery, I cannot force people to apply what they learn at these courses. So addressing these barriers at the beginning allows people to notice when their minds are closing to information.
Noticing dismissals
Many of us quickly dismiss information because we deem it irrelevant to ourselves and our business without allowing our imagination to go the extra step.
For example, when I talk about yoga teaching, there are masseuses in the room who may think, “This isn’t relevant to my business.” When I talk about sole operators, there may be studio owners with large staff thinking, “This isn’t relevant to me.” When I discuss Facebook, Instagram or Twitter, there are some who may think, “I don’t believe in this, it isn’t relevant to me.”
Thinking creatively
We all have the capacity to apply lessons from people and businesses of all shapes and sizes if we allow our imagination to go a’wandering. When we are in a creative frame of mind, ideas fly at us from all directions. The skill then becomes discerning what ideas can be immediately applied, given away, put on the ‘later’ list, or let go (with a “thankyouverymuch for coming”).
Typically this happens when we aren’t 100 per cent satisfied with something. We notice an inconvenience, a begrudging feeling, a complaint or, simply, beige banality and we are provoked into trying something new, something possibly never applied in the same situation before.
Thinking like an entrepreneur*
When we start thinking like an entrepreneur, we see opportunities and lessons everywhere.
We can visit Kmart, the hair dressers, a mechanic or shoe repairer and see something they do well and how it could improve what we do. When we’re thinking like an entrepreneur, we immediately apply what we’ve learnt, knowing that no clients will benefit from knowledge you keep to yourself.
*Don’t be put off by the word ‘entreprenuer’. Do you work for yourself? Then you’re an entrepreneur.
