Resources for Business Communications
Effective business communication is linked to increased profits, higher-quality work and motivated and engaged employees. It helps employees feel connected to their company and keeps them informed about events in the company. If you want to improve communication within your company, you can take advantage of several different types of business communication resources to stay on top of trends and improve communications skills.
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Association Memberships
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The International Association of Business Communicators, or IABC, and the Association for Business Communication, ABC, provide opportunities for members to connect with each other online or in person, receive expert advice and insight, and take part in training. IABC membership includes access to "how-to" manuals, research reports and distance learning seminars. Benefits of ABC membership include job placement services as part of its annual conference and a mentoring program.
Publications
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Business communicators have many books, journal articles and newsletters to help provide advice, insight and direction. The "CW Bulletin," produced by the IABC, offers news, information and analysis on business communication trends. For example, the January 2011 "CW Bulletin" includes articles on employee engagement and case studies on employee communication strategy. The newsletter is available online, and IABC members receive a print copy. Communications consultants often offer free newsletters. For example, Alexander Communications, whose clients include Genentech, Inc. and Delta Air Lines, offers a free email newsletter with tips on business writing and editing.
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Consultants
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If your organization lacks individuals with communications expertise or a communications challenge needs more attention than your organization can devote, hiring outside consultants may be the best answer. Consultants can either provide communications training for the organization or work with organizational leadership to do the communications work. For example, Booher Consultants, headquartered near Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas, offers a range of services from keynote speeches on improving communication to workshops on strategic writing. If your organization's budget does not allow for a long-term contract, boutique firms are a good option for single projects or short-term projects. The website PR Boutiques International provides a directory of contact information for smaller firms located in the United States and around the world.
Education
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Many colleges offer graduate programs in business communication or non-credit, continuing education courses designed to help improve business communication skills. For example, Drexel University in Philadelphia offers online graduate and undergraduate degree programs in communication. The two-year graduate program features courses in technical writing, communications theory, ethics and design. Immaculata University, located outside of Philadelphia, offers evening communications courses as part of its College of LifeLong Learning.
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References
Resources
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