Nonverbal communication is an important skill all small and home-based business owners and solo professionals need to master in order to succeed in their businesses. Even if you do most of your marketing online, you still need to know and understand the nonverbal messages you’re sending. Now wait — you may be thinking, “Nonverbal communication for Internet marketing? I don’t need to know about nonverbal communication. The Internet is all about the words I write. But with nonverbal communication, I’m off the hook. Right?” Well, not so fast.

If we define nonverbal communication as anything that communicates meaning and a message that is not the words you choose, then Internet marketers have a lot to consider with their nonverbal messages as well as the words they choose. Here’s an example of just one nonverbal communication skill an Internet marketer can use for attracting clients online.

Chronemics means communicating with time. When you communicate effectively using time you get more credibility, more business, and more cash flow. There are two aspects of chronemics to keep in mind: (1) what time of day a message is sent and (2) the speed of the reply.

Messages sent during daytime work hours are seen as more business and task-related; while messages sent during evening hours tend to have a more personal feeling. As an entrepreneur, think about responding to messages from those you don’t know well during business hours to increase your credibility as a “real” business person, as opposed to being someone who works at home and is on the computer at all hours (even if you are!). Especially if you deal with businesses who work traditional 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM hours… be available and return your messages during those hours for best results.

When you consider the speed of a reply, as a person who markets your business on the Internet, you need to be fully aware that Internet clients want instant gratification. If they wanted to wait for information, they buy a book online and wait for the delivery or get in their car, drive to the public library and hope the book they want is there. People searching online for information want it NOW. Be sure you have a way to capture your visitor’s information and that your auto response is set to immediately send any information your visitors request. When you are out of the office for a day or more, use an “Out of office” auto-response.

Also with regard to the speed of your reply, you must respond to all inquiries, whether by phone or email, within the same business day during the normal work week. The faster you reply, the more “on the ball” you look. You’ll communicate the person you’re replying to is important to you because you replied quickly. You don’t need to be available constantly, but people appreciate a quick answer to their questions.

On the other hand, being too available could send a message that you may be desperate. As you develop a business relationship, follow the other person’s time cues. As a home-based business owner and Mom, I work often at night after my girls are asleep. Those who do business with me know that. Some have a similar schedule; others understand and are happy to wait for a reply. I also try to be flexible and accommodate those who need my attention during the day.

Nonverbal communication is an important part of developing any relationship, whether it is face to face or online. When you develop your nonverbal messages, your audience will see you as professional and credible.

By: Felicia Slattery

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