Jab Jab Cross

A lesson from boxing on how to communicate. Or immigrate.

Let’s start with some definitions, to not take the risk of not being clear.

Jab is a type of punch in boxing where the lead fist is thrown straight ahead and the arm is fully extended. A cross, also called straight, is a power-punch thrown with the rear hand directly to the opponent, in a straight line.

If there is an effective boxing punch combo, this is jab, jab, cross. It is so simple yet so efficient.

The same rule applies to communications. To communicate well with people we have to focus on building a relationship with our audience (being your audience personal, commercial or professional). You must start to create your relationship as early as possible. You engage with the audience before the “cross”. You “give, give” information. Then you “call to action”.

Jab, jab, and then cross. That’s the idea.

To exemplify, think on those grocery stores that promote lots of good and gourmet recipes, usually created by chef-celebrities. They are engaging with their audience, to bring them to their stores, inspired by those recipes.

Who knows me should know that I am super addicted to paper crafts. Card making and scrapbooking mainly. Many of the biggest craft companies make video tutorials along with the launch of a product. They do that to teach people on how to use that product, to inspire consumers and to create the desire to acquire it.

Jab jab cross.

That’s a good recipe, not just for boxing, but also for communicating.

Many companies out there use social media to jab jab cross. Blogs, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter are the mostly used ones.

But how this is related to immigration?

That is very simple. You research, research, and then you decide. You plan, plan, and then you immigrate. You dream, dream, then you achieve.

The basic rule of boxing is also the basic rule of immigration.

It is important that every person who intends to immigrate have a plan. First of all to not fail on their intentions. Second, to not get frustrated or even expend money for nothing. Plans go wrong sometimes, but it is important to consider all the options and all the possibilities.

Last July and August I spent 7 weeks in Brazil. My daughter and I were in vacation, so we decided to visit my family and friends. I have never had so many requests of information about immigration, from people that I didn’t even know. Many people are really decided to immigrate. But most of them still have to do their jobs on researching and learning.

I don’t want to seem snob. Please, don’t get me wrong! That’s not my intention at all. I am just sharing the concerns I had when I was planning our move. The biggest one was learning every possible rule about immigration. Learn about every step and understand it. This makes our life as immigrants so much easier. Being an immigrant has its owns difficulties already. Being able to drop them as much as possible is a huge deal!

Don’t forget: jab jab cross.

Hope to see you soon!

Carol