If you’ve been in business world any time at all, you’re bound to have at least one story about how poor communication jeopardized or even killed part of your business. The inability to communicate has always been a challenge in companies, and advent of technology to make communication possible 24 hours a day, seven days a week hasn’t necessarily made it easier. In some ways, technology has just given us more ways to miscommunicate!

Here are five tips to improve your business through better communication. No matter whether you are Great Communicator or a person who has a difficult time putting thoughts into words, you can get a better handle on your company and your productivity by being aware of critical communications issues.

1. Be aware of others’ communications issues. Whether it’s a client or a co-worker, be aware of any particular challenges they may have with communication. A co-worker who is dyslexic may be able to compensate most of time, but it will be more difficult for her to read at end of day when she’s tired. Leave her voice mails after 3 p.m. A customer doesn’t know how to keyboard, so don’t expect long emails from him. Call or meet with him when you need critical information.

Royalty Free - you’ll see this term often. What it means is that you pay a one time fee for an image and you can use it for as many times as you want for as long as you wish. It is a great way to get inexpensive photos. Now if you are concerned that your competitor would or could use same image as you, photographers and agencies can continue to sell image after you purchase it, then you need: