Professionalism-learn it and live it
Many people have all sorts of advice on what it takes to be in business and they will tell you it takes this or that. The truth is it takes Professionalism. Professionalism is simply what you get when you combine all those areas and become a professional.
Professionalism is not easy. It often means conflicts with friends and family who do not see the big picture or share your vision, because professionalism is about doing what is right for your business. Even among employees professionalism is a requirement. An employee's career is his business
Let me lay out some key traits of a professional:
Knowledge
This does not mean that they know everything. In fact, the professional is the first to admit that they don't. They have a clear understanding of the value of surrounding themselves with and listening to people who have the knowledge that they do not possess. But this does not mean that they take someone else's word as gospel truth. They evaluate the information.
Dedication
The Professional is willing to make the sacrifices needed to be successful. That can mean gaining formal education. It also means that they understand the value of a team effort. They do not try to set themsevles up as 'dictators' They understand that they only way a team is of any use is when that team is a cohesive unit working together, that means that the professional is a team player. The professional will quickly tell you that their personal success is a team effort.
Responsibility
The Professional understands that if he or she is going to be successful, they have to accept the responsibility. That means that the professional displays a much higher standard of responsibility. They understand that 'Oops" is a luxury that they do not have. "oops" is a credibility killer for the professional. All it takes is one 'oops' to shatter and faith that people have in them. They think before they act or speak. They always keep in mind the good of the business.
Trustworthy
The professional understands that trust is all important. Once trust has been broken it can never be regained. The professional always acts in a trustworthy manner
Birds of a Feather
The Professional surrounds him or herself with people of the same high standards, they surround themselves with other professionals. Occasionally someone that you think was a professional turns out not to be. Businesses deal with this issue daily, people that they thought where professional turn out not be. They cannot handle the responsibility, they are not trustworthy, they are not dedicated or they are not knowledgeable.. This is where the professional understands that decisions must be made for the good of the business. Yes it may hurt to fire a friend or replace a family member, but if that is what is best for the business, that is what they do.
The professional understands that a business is an asset. It is an asset that bring in income and like any asset they protect it.
12 people like it
Comments (17)
Cheryl Baumgartner
12
Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance
You're allowed an oops or two when you are new, however when you been around a while when you are out there seen by others who are connecting you to a certain level of professionalism, you don't get an oops.
Paula van Dun
16
Retired
Great article Cheryl. Although I do not totally agree with the "Oops" part. I guess it depends a bit on where you are and how you handle the "Oops". Fe. I started not to long ago as a newbie. During that time I promoted an "Oops" opportunity. But as soon as i learned more i stopped promoting it and started warning others not to join the "oops" program. I have told about my mistake in public on several occasions. I think people have forgiven my mistake. However I think if an other internet market
Cheryl Baumgartner
12
Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance
97% of marketers, Business owners etc are involved. 3% are committed.
Nnamdi A.
17
Internet Marketer
The pig is committed. Paid with his poor life. But, that's what pigs are for.
The professional sees the big picture. He knows enough to lose a few battles so he can win the war. Marketers and negotiators will understand more what I am referring to.
I am learning to become a professional and my course outline and study materials is Cheryl's article above.
Thanks, Cheryl, for a nicely written article. No wonder Philippe gave the link in his own article.
Dawie Bezuidenhout
11
Systems Engineer I.T.
@sponsoras21, you just displayed to us a very unprofessional approach, WELL DONE.
Zacharias Mastorakis...
7
sponsoras
http://www.savingsolutions.tk
Cheryl Baumgartner
12
Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance
True I was watching a movie and there was a great line that summed it up quite nicely. Most People are 'involved' the professional is 'committed'. The Line was:
"When you're having breakfast in the morning and you're eating your bacon and eggs; the chicken is involved, the pig is committed."
That's something to think about the difference between involved and committed.
Dawie Bezuidenhout
11
Systems Engineer I.T.
Cheryl, What a nice topic you chose today, and the good responses clearly shows the importance of this topic.
A professionals quest for challenge, responsibilities, learning and development makes the difference between someone invested in a career and someone only doing a job.
The way one conducts oneself, both on/offline is the first step to acting in a professional manner.
Great post Cheryl.
Cheryl Baumgartner
12
Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance
We can certainly hope so Charles.
Gueye Abdou Karim
6
E-Business Owner
Famous! It's a good message for us struggling for a successful ebusiness. Thanks...
Abraham Van der Lind...
8
Online Entrepreneur
Professionalism is something everyone need to strive towards. Thanks Cheryl, It's good to see these these points from someone else's view. I agree with most of what you said and will have to think more on the point on which I don't fully agree.
Good post.
DB Myers
2
Outstanding article.
Charles Aki
8
Marketing and Internet Consultant
You made a lot of good points, Cheryl, about professionalism. I like how you tied this concept to one's business and job. I hope everyone in APSense will adhere to the professional qualities that you have addressed in your blog.
Cheryl Baumgartner
12
Medical Billing/Coding/Insurance
There are many other facets to being a professional I agree and it's good to see them added! Professionalism is the sum total of all these facets combined.
Karen L.
10
Personal Development
Great points Cheryl, and so important to business.
Corey Blackmur
8
Blackmur Global
True, so true;
Etiquette is one more thing to add, professional/business etiquette is not to be taken lightly ~ not to take anything away from what you have written in your article Cheryl.
Sean North
12
Business
Great article Cheryl, I could only think of Reliability to add though some may put this with resposibility or trustwothy.