Business communications comes in many forms. Each one of them is designed for the same outcome - to make a sale. When thinking about these various forms, try to get a feel for how they can be applied.

* Marketing

* Branding

* Customer Relations

* Consumer Behavior

* Advertising

* Public Relations

* Media Relations

* Corporate

* Community Engagement

* Research & Management

* Reputation Management

* Interpersonal

* Employee Engagement

* Online

* Event management

As you can see, there are numerous business communication methods. Many times we just think of marketing or just one aspect such as advertising. But as a home based business owner you will realize that each of the above types needs to be address within your daily activities.

Marketing

What exactly is marketing? Marketing is the ongoing process of moving people closer to making a decision. To make the decision to purchase, use, follow or conform to someone else's products, services or values. In my opinion if it does not lead to a "sale" then it is not marketing. This page has some marketing ideas.

Branding

When we think of branding we think of specific products. Many times we may not know the manufacturer but we know the product and what it does. The reverse can be true as well. We know the manufacturer but we do not know all the products they represent. Small businesses use branding to help distinguish them in their product or service niche. Think about how you can make your product/service home based business stand out.

Customer Relations

How we handle our relationship with the customer will say volumes about your business. Customer service should be primary. If you do not treat each customer like gold you will be wasting a lot of time and money. Getting and keeping a loyal customer can increase your sales by creating repeat business. It is also easier to make a sale to a customer that already knows your product/service or company.

Many businesses dump thousand's of dollars down the drain by always looking for new customers but not meeting the current customer's needs. These repeat customers are your life line. You already spent money to get them, now let your business shine in their eyes!

Consumer Behavior

Consumer behavior is the study of how people buy, what they buy, when they buy and why they buy. It is an accumulation of market research so you can target your customers in your niche market segment. Researching your customer base and knowing what will trigger a sale is a business communications essential.

Advertising

Advertising is the activity of attracting public attention to a product or business, through paid announcements in the print, broadcast, or electronic media. Marketing through paid advertising helps to promote your business. Wise use of this type of activity will allow your company to reach the masses. How big do you want to go?

Public Relations

Public Relations are a type of promotion intended to create goodwill for an individual or a institution. Could your home based business sponsor a little league or a cause that you have an interest in? Supporting your community and causes that are important to you helps to build public relations for your business.

Media Relations

Media, such as newspapers, television, radio etc. is an excellent way to get your business promoted. If you have a good story, a new product or an interesting twist to the business model many times you will get your business information out to the public for free.

Corporate Communications

Corporate communications is the process of making information and knowledge exchanges easier with internal groups and individuals that have a direct relationship with your business. It is concerned with internal communications management from the standpoint of sharing knowledge and decisions about the business with employees, suppliers, investors and partners. Even if you are an individual business owner you will need to have the proper communications with everyone associated with your company.

Community Engagement

How does your home based business integrate with the community? This is a little bit different then public relations, since the intention is to help the community only. Not promote your company. Often it will inevitably come back to help your business, but that was not the reason your company got involved.

Research & Management

Research and management communications are important to your home based business. With the vast amount of research, management tools and materials available today there is never a lack of information. Home based businesses have just as much advantage as the huge companies.

Reputation Management

Your company's reputation will go a long way in your business success. The better your small business is viewed by others the more likely you will receive referrals from customers as well as other businesses.

Interpersonal Communications

How well do you communicate with others? Do you need to brush up on your own skills? Increasing your own business communication skills will help your business in numerous ways. First you will be able to project your personal image as well as your business image more clearly through writing, speaking and physical persona.

Employee Engagement

If you have employees or are thinking about having them, then you need strong business communications with them. Communication with your employees can make or break your business. Does your employee know exactly how you want every detail of their job done? Do you have a check list of tasks? Are their responsibilities written down and verbally spoken? Take time to be sure that your business communications with your employee is more then adequate. It will save you thousands of dollars in hiring and recruiting when everyone knows exactly what is expected.

Online Communications

Online business communications can be from how you handle your emails to website and online store promotions. How does your home based business communicate on the internet? Do you have your website on all your emails that you send out? Does your online presence say "Welcome"? What message are you sending to your customers?

Event Management

Event management studies the business brand, identifies your target audience and then helps you to create an event concept. All types and forms of information is needed to create an event such as a grand openings, company celebrations etc.

The type of business communications message is conveyed through various channels including the internet, print (Publications), Radio, Television, outdoor and word of mouth. Utilizing the above channels in as many ways as possible will continue to drive your sales to new highs.