This week's What Works focuses on optimizing interoffice communication. Effective communication helps save time and boost productivity. Technological tools, like conference call solutions and instant messaging services, are simple and economical ways to make office communication more efficient. And polished interpersonal skills will make your employees more confident and, often times, more successful.

"Dear Dan" warns of 10 mistakes that can hurt your business. Check out the What Works for Business blog for more useful tips and news on the latest solutions for small business. Sign up for the RSS feed to receive automatic updates.





Missteps That Can Cripple Your Business

Q. Dear Dan: We’ve cut costs, lowered prices and accelerated our marketing. But there still seem to be so many things that can run off track. What are some common small business mistakes we should look out for? — Worried


A. Dear Worried: The path to ruin is often paved by a series of small missteps. We become blind to chains of mistakes that ultimately lead to disaster. Here are some moves that can help you avoid the kinds of missteps that by themselves aren’t life threatening, but taken together can sink a struggling business:




Phone Conferencing Services
By W. Eric Martin
Convene customers and colleagues in business conference calls without leaving your desk. When you need to talk with workers and clients in far-flung locations -- whether for a sales meeting, crisis management or training seminar -- conference calls let everyone participate in the action. Find out more!

Employee Communication Materials
By Jeanne Dininni
Once you've developed and implemented the right employee communication strategy, your company can achieve greater employee loyalty and interaction, as well as higher productivity levels and engagement and increased profits. Read the benefits of implementing the right communication strategy:

Training for Interpersonal Communication Skills
By Lea Terry
Interpersonal communication skills in the workplace are as vital to your company's success as any other talents your employees possess. Improving interpersonal communication skills among your staff, may also improve your company's productivity, performance and bottom line. Learn how to foster a more cooperative workplace through interpersonal skills training...

Instant Messaging for Small Business
By Jenni Simcoe
Instant messaging — commonly known as IM — has infiltrated the workplace. IM's immediacy and ability to extract real-time information from co-workers, suppliers and even customers has made it a useful communication tool for small business. Learn how to make IM an effective and secure communications tool for your business...

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