How To Communicate As An Entrepreneur

It’s We, Not I. It’s Ours, Not Mine. 

This is your baby. It is your vision. It is your passion. You gave birth to it. You live it and breathe it. You are the only one that burned through your life savings. There is no doubt about your commitment and dedication. Now what about everyone else that you want to be dedicated to the cause? Why will they be committed? Why will they be committed when they are being paid below-market compensation, or only equity, while working crazy hours? When you use words like “my” or “I,” you may not realize the message this sends or the impact it has on people who have invested time and energy in the business and made sacrifices for its success.

“As the leader of your organization, you set the tone.” 

For employees of an entrepreneurial venture, when you use these words, the message reads: “Even though you continue to commit your blood, sweat and tears to the company, it is mine not yours.” When you are communicating with constituents, always say things like, when “we” started the business and “our” plan, “our” team. Speak of resources as a “team” even when you are doing 100 percent of the work.

This may seem like a minor point but it will get noticed by everyone you interact with—including your team and investors.