Reasons Why Communication is Important in Business

Every aspect of a company or brand depends on it! 

From internal affairs to scouting for new business, interaction with another individual or party is a part of daily culture. Excellent business communication is crucial to maintain healthy workplace relations between the employer and employees. It is also just as necessary to create and maintain lasting relationships between company and clientele. 

Business communication skills include:

• Verbal communication over the phone or in-person
• Written communication via e-mail, chat, or text
• Collaborating and working with a team for a common goal
• Active listening and problem solving
• Networking and negotiating

It does not matter how big or small your company is; you will benefit from assessing how your business communicates internally and externally. Here are a few steps you can take to improve your business communication for success. 

Interaction with other human beings is fundamental in society and virtually unavoidable. Whether it be with your business partner, new employee, customer, even your business insurance provider, you must get your point across somehow to get to the next level. 

Effective communication in business is not only helpful, but it is essential for small business growth and stability. Despite its commonplace nature, many business owners overlook or mismanage this vital tool, which can potentially derail the entire operation. 

Revamp Business with New Ideas

What better way to grow a business than to do it organically and in-house? 

Ask employees what they think! If you give them opportunities to voice opinions, they will feel comfortable sharing thoughts, ideas, and information that will be beneficial to the team, clients, and the company and brand as a whole. 

Stay Organized

The critical function of a manager is to relay information from the higher-ups to their team. It could be as simple as a notice of a company-wide meeting or news on an upcoming project to get ready. 

If the manager doesn’t deliver the right information or doesn’t understand it himself,  it won’t take long for a total communication breakdown.

Make sure employees, as well as managers,  have all the information they need to coordinate with each other and different departments to accomplish shared goals efficiently. 

Now that You Know, It’s Time to Grow!

Effective business communication is the foundation of good business practice. 

If you execute your brand’s goals with good intentions, adequately relay what you expect out of employees, show customers you have solutions, you are well on your way to success. Just keep those lines of communications open, and your business will thrive.

Dynamics of Group Discussion and Communication Skills

What is a Group?

A group, in the context of organizational communication, is defined as a collection of individuals who interact with each other, accept expectations and obligations as members of the group and share a common identity. Group activities have certain advantages and disadvantages.

What Is a Discussion?

A discussion is understood as an activity of sitting and talking about a specific subject. The word ‘discuss’ has been derived from the latin root ‘discutere’, which means to shake or strike. Thus ‘discussion’ refers to thoroughly shaking up the subject, that is, examining it thoroughly to reach a conclusion.

What is a Group Discussion?

Group discussions are a very important aspect of group communication. Group discussions are a creative and dynamic activity which stimulates reflective thinking among the members. Group discussions may be defined as an activity in which a small number of persons meet face to face and exchange and share ideas freely or attempt to reach a decision on a common issue. Group discussions are unstructured and less formal compared to meetings or conferences wherein specific roles are assigned to the participants. In a group discussion, an individual’s thought process is influenced by the views and opinions of the other members. It also depends on where and in which direction the mood of the discussion moves. In a group discussion, each participant is free to speak his views. A successful discussion involves both listening and speaking.

Some of the salient features common to all group discussions are as follows:

(i)  Interface: A basic feature of group discussions is the interaction among the various members of the group. They see, hear and communicate with each other orally by paying attention to each other.

(ii)  Leader and Members: Group discussions are effective only when there is a group of members and a leader. The leader has to summarize facts and information, integrate them, stimulate thinking and agree to a unanimous solution of the problem. The members of the group become actively related to each other in their respective roles.

(iii)  Participation: The effectiveness and efficiency of a group discussion depend, to a large extent, upon the active participation of the members.

(iv) Interpersonal Attraction: Another characteristic feature of a group discussion is interpersonal attraction. As long as interaction continues, the likes, dislikes, behavior and temperament of members are known to each other. Among them, empathy develops and as such they share each others problems.

(v)  Pressure to Conform: In a group discussion, there is always an element of pressure to conform to norms. The pre-defined and established standards are always enforced and followed.

(vi)  Conflict: A conflict is a difference or disagreement among the members of the group, which often arise during deliberations and discussions. A conflict is inevitable and usually develops when alternative solutions are present. It can stimulate the members to find new solutions to the problem. Thus, conflict is not necessarily bad. But if it arises due to the political behavior of the members it will have dysfunctional consequences.

Purpose of Group Discussions:

(i)  To reach a solution on an issue of concern.

(ii)  To generate new ideas or new approaches to solving a problem.

(iii)  For selecting candidates after the written test for employment or for admission to educational institutes.

(iv) To provide us with an avenue to train ourselves in various interpersonal skills.

Hope this might help you give your best!!!

 

Crafting the Perfect VISUME (Video Resume)

Video resumes, sometimes called Visumé or Video CV, were first introduced in the 1980s for use and distribution via VHS tape, but the idea never took off beyond the video taping of interviews, so in an age where everything has become digitized, why not our CV?

A video resume is a great way to make a lasting first impression on a potential employer. Watching someone present their CV gives a better idea of their soft skills.

Following are a few pointers to keep in mind when making a Visume:

1. It is a good idea to try to keep the video short and to the point. A good video resume should hit the 60-120 seconds mark. Because if you go on for any longer, you might lose the attention of the person watching. And if it is any shorter, you might not say everything you mean to.
2. It is very important to try to avoid reading off a script, just speak as if you were talking to another person. Think of the camera as the interviewer, that should help you sound natural.
3. Preparing a script beforehand and rehearsing it helps in making a flawless video. 
4. It is important to ensure proper lighting & a plain background so that the video looks clear & neat.
5. Be clear, fluent & confident.
6. The video should be preferably recorded in a landscape mode.
7. Dress formally, consider it as your interview.
8. Use gestures, but not a lot.
9. Get feedback from family and friends, This will help in improving the Visume.
   

Keeping the above points in mind, I tried my best to create my Visume:

 

Shanti Mantras || Universal peace || Wellness|| COVID pandemic

 

The Shanti Mantras or "Peace Mantras" or Pancha Shanti are Hindu prayers for Peace (Shanti) found in Upanishads. Generally, they are recited at the beginning and end of religious rituals and discourses.

Shanti Mantras are invoked in the beginning of some topics of Upanishads. They are supposed to calm the mind of the reciter and environment around him/her. Reciting them is also believed to be removing any obstacles for the task being started.

 At a time when the world is facing a crisis of unimaginable proportions owing to the spread of the deadly COVID-19, people can do little but exercise restraint and act responsibly. And as far as India is concerned, citizens are expected to follow the government advisory and cooperate with the authorities to cut the chain of coronavirus. 

India has implemented a nationwide lockdown to ensure that the country flattens the curve of the growth of the virus. The Prime Minister has appealed to people to stay at home, and not venture out for the next 21 days. 

Now every individual must introspect because they have time aplenty. Probably, it is time to unwind, and detox not only to boost the immune system but also be in a better frame of mind to put things into perspective before beginning anew.

The battle against coronavirus is not only about India's future but humanity as a whole. Hence, the least we can do while sitting at home is to pray for universal peace and well-being.

In this web-post, we shall share a couple of Mantras that when chanted with utmost faith and devotion, can restore peace within and the outside world. Mantras, when recited, generate sound, and since it is a form of energy, it can emit positive vibrations around.

Shanti Path

ॐ सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः

सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः ।

सर्वे भद्राणि पश्यन्तु

मा कश्चिद्दुःखभाग्भवेत् ।

ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

Om Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinaha

Sarve Santu Niramayah

Sarve Bhadrani Pashyantu

Ma Kashchida Dukha Bhagbhavet

Om Shantih Shantih Shantih

Meaning:

May every person on the planet may be happy

May no one ever suffers from an illness

May people only see auspiciousness

May no one ever experience sufferings

Om peace peace peace

Here's an excerpt from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad:

Pavamana Mantra

ॐ असतो मा सद्गमय ।

तमसो मा ज्योतिर्गमय ।

मृत्योर्मा अमृतं गमय ।

ॐ शान्तिः शान्तिः शान्तिः ॥

Om Asato Maa Sad-Gamaya 

Tamaso Maa Jyotir Gamaya |

Mrtyor Maa Amrtam Gamaya |

Om Shaantih Shaantih Shaantih ||

Meaning

Lead me from:

Falsehood to the truth

Ignorance to enlightenment

Death to immortality

Om peace peace peace

By chanting these mantras, you can calm your mind, and also pray that humanity triumphs over this deadly virus, that has claimed lives across the globe.

SMART GOALS || FEMINISM

 

Goal setting is a helpful way to build the career we want. By setting objectives and creating a clear road map for how we will reach our intended target, we can decide how to apply our time and resources to make progress. Without goals, it can be difficult to determine how to achieve the milestones.  When we set an objective for ourselves, we should include each step necessary for success. 

SMART stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-based. Each element of the SMART framework works together to create a goal that is carefully planned, clear and can be tracked.

We may have set goals in our past that were difficult to achieve because they might have been  vague, aggressive or poorly framed. Working towards a poorly-crafted goal can be unachievable. Creating SMART goals can help solve these problems. Whether we are setting personal or professional goals, using the SMART goal framework can establish a strong foundation for achieving success.

Specific- Be as clear and specific as possible with what we want to achieve. The more narrow our goal, the more we’ll understand the steps necessary to achieve it.

Measurable- What evidence will prove we are making progress toward our goal?  Setting milestones along the way will give us the opportunity to re-evaluate and course-correct as needed. 

Achievable -Have we set an achievable goal? Setting goals we can reasonably accomplish within a certain time frame will help keep us motivated and focused. 

Relevant -When setting goals for ourselves, consider whether or not they are relevant. Each of our goals should align with our values and larger, long-term goals. If a goal doesn’t contribute toward our broader objectives we might rethink it. 

Time based -What is our goal time-frame? An end-date can help provide motivation and help us prioritize. If we haven’t achieved our goal in that time frame, take time to consider why. Our time frame might have been unrealistic, we might  run into unexpected roadblocks or our goal might have been unachievable.

But generally only the employers like SMART goal setting and like to follow it. As the profits generated do not percolate to the employees. Employees generally do not care about the goal setting as they do not have a wider perspective and enough incentives for achieving those goals.

     Feminist movements have campaigned and continue to campaign for women's rights, including the right to: vote, hold public office, work, earn equal pay, own property, receive education, enter contracts, have equal rights within marriage, and maternity leave. Feminists have also worked to ensure access to legal abortions and social integration and to protect women and girls from rape, sexual harassment, and domestic violence. Changes in dress and acceptable physical activity have often been part of feminist movements.

Keep It Professional!!!

Of course it is risky to be entrepreneur during these chaotic times but it is also the best time to learn. Sooner or later the situation will normalize and when it does we have to make sure we are ready and have acquired every skill there is to be successful. And one such skill is Communication, the most important and most basic skill but still is rare to find.

Today we had a session with another NITIE alumni, Nikhil Kulkarni, 2005 batch pass-out, worked with KPMG for 11 years and left that to become an entrepreneur and founded DarwinTech in 2016.The session was about the Importance of Communication.How important it is to know to communicate with other to be successful in professional as well as personal life.He owes most of his success to communication rather than technical skills he acquired in life. There is no doubt that technical skill are important but what is more important how you use communication to make others understand about complex things in simpler way, how you get their attention.Communication is not just speaking, it is transfer of ideas through images, videos, data etc.

So coming back to the session, the highlights were

• Communication in corporate world

It is more important to have relationship or connection than communication in corporate world.It is important to have not only technical skill but also how you present your ideas to the team with whatever tool you are using which creates long lasting impact on listeners. 

• Articulate or structure your thoughts

Whatever you are speaking should have an order and flow.We should be aware of context and who are we addressing to. We should follow MECE(Mutually Exclusive and Collectively Exhaustive) wherein we should cover all aspect without repeating anything so as to make it crisp and to the point.

• Personal Branding

Whatever you do should have your mark on it. People should know what you are, what you are capable of and how you approach things. You should have a defining characteristic which makes you stand out in Crowd.

• How to create Impact

Whoever come in contact with you should have a long-lasting impression of you and the way to do that be unique in your approach. Be visual, use images, use videos during presentation as they attract more attention and make an impact on listeners

 The things we learned were very insightful and will be helpful during the next phase of our assignment wherein we are making a video about local product.

We know how can we make our product stand out by focusing on its uniqueness and to target the proper crowd instead of making a generalised video. How can we use social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Youtube to our advantage and reach out target audience and convey our product and message.

A big thank you to T. Prasad Sir for giving us opportunity to learn from such experienced industry professionals.

Swadeshi Mandi 2020 || NITIE || Vocal for Local || Banarasi Saree

SOCHO BECHO SEEKHO 

    

Yesterday was August 15 which marks the occasion of Independence day in India, and this year we are celebrating 74 years of independence from the British Rule.

“At the dawn of history India started on her unending quest, and trackless centuries are filled with her striving and the grandeur of her success and her failures. Through good and ill fortune alike she has never lost sight of that quest or forgotten the ideals which gave her strength.” - Jawaharlal Nehru

And since then it has been all things... failing, Improving, Surviving and Succeeding. But now, lets WIN. Let the world be a witness of a magnificence also known as India. Lets make 2020 the year when India takes its first step towards being independent in the real sense, being proud of what we have and what we are set to achieve, being 

VOCAL for LOCAL

Even before the call of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ was made, Indians realized about self-reliant way before that and which altogether is a result of the diversity of the world's finest artisans in our country.

MAHAMANDI 2020, a trademark event of NITIE spearheaded by Team MIG (Marketing Interest Group), under the leadership of Prof. T Prasad (1/12 Mandi Sir), serves as a unique platform for students to conceptualize and implement marketing strategies to contribute towards the society. Mahamandi combines the entrepreneurial spirit and practical approach towards learning integrated with a sense of social responsibility. All the profit made out of the event is used for the upliftment and betterment of underprivileged children. 

I am very delighted to contribute to this cause by bringing to you a local product of Varanasi.

"BANARASI SAREE"

In our country saree is considered as the glorified epitome of womanhood in every sense of beauty and wiles, personified to that of a goddess. Banarasi sarees hold the crown in being the queen of sarees.

These sarees are made of finely woven silk and are decorated with intricate design known for their gold and silver brocade or zari fine silk and opulent embroidery.

So next time you decide to visit "Baba ki Nagri- Varanasi" don't forget to explore and buy this magnificent creation of art.
Let's come together and spread this grandeur globally!!