RECOGNIZING THE "PRO IN MOTION" - Part 1

One of the problems with finding professionalism on the Internet is that so few people have any idea what it is. They are familiar with the word - but don’t have a good solid working definition to follow if they wish to project that image.

First, and foremost, professionalism can be recognized in the way business owners treat their customers and colleagues. Believe it or not, customers and colleagues are equally important to any business.

Professionalism isn't dictated by procedure so much as it's dictated by attitude. Different business schools will sometimes teach different procedures. The Pro understands that the reasoning behind any procedure is to establish good relationships with customers and colleagues.

A professional stays right on top of the customer’s needs - and provides for those needs in as helpful a way as possible. The true professional responds to complaints with the utmost courtesy and respect - and without argument. The Pro doesn't send snippy emails, deny the problem or attempt to place blame.

Professionals follow up. They will try to be certain that agreed upon situations are satisfactory. They will show you the work you ordered - in its entirety. They will ask for - and give - feed-back. They will also take negative feed-back under consideration rather than assuming that it is an insult and becoming defensive, or worse, downright belligerent.

At most, the Pro will ask for feed-back on why a customer or colleague is dissatisfied. That information, in turn, is used for building a stronger business.

A professional isn't afraid to make mistakes. Nor, does a professional hesitate to admit those mistakes and maintain accountability. If something isn't right, professionalism demands that it be corrected without placing blame on other sources - and in a timely manner.

Business colleagues always recognize when they are dealing with a true professional. Other business owners are treated with dignity and respect.

I once sent an invitation to 175 marketing ezine publishers to join a program at launch time. They were offered the product for free in exchange for marketing it to their opt-in lists. The letter was written in an extremely professional manner. In no way could it have been mistaken for SPAM and arbitrarily
deleted.

Out of those 175 publishers, 50 responded for additional information. Of the other 125, only three - count them, THREE - responded with regrets. That leaves 122 who completely ignored legitimate correspondence from another online business owner.

Rarely is anyone successful without receiving some help along the way. A true professional recognizes that - and makes it a point to give back to others what (s)he has received. The Pro always goes that extra mile as a fundamental way of doing business. That extra mile is as much for colleagues as for customers.

About the author:

Dr. jl scott is the Director of the International Council of Online Professionals (iCop) - and also the publisher of MONDAY MEMO! - the ezine dedicated to upgrading Professionalism on the Web. For your FREE subscription: Monday-Memo-on@MondayMemo.org






JL Scott
http://www.i-cop.org/