A SEARCH FOR MEANING : PROFESSIONALISM

"He’s very professional."

"That’s a very ‘professional’ look."

"She’s a real professional."

"That was unprofessional."

These are all comments I’ve heard within the past month (not all directed at myself I hasten to add). On the heels of my last article on the subject of professionalism and being a professional (WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU "DON’T KNOW"…YOU’RE A "PROFESSIONAL"!), I decided to pursue the subject in a little more detail because I’m curious as to what really defines "a professional" or "professional behavior".

According to Merriam-Webster, there are two main definitions:

1. the conduct, aims, or qualities that characterize or mark a profession or a professional person
2. the following of a profession (as athletics) for gain or livelihood

The latter we’re pretty familiar with and I think it’s fair to say that we associated "professionalism" in sports with "sportsman-like" behavior. When a well-known sports pro gets into trouble, the word "unprofessional" usually appears in the descriptions or condemnations somewhere.

So, therein probably lies a possible part of the definition: we expect a certain level of generally-acceptable behavior from those we consider "professionals".

Where the bar is set may be a little vague. As Edward Toupin discusses in his post "Professionalism … How do I get one?", what is deemed "professional" in one industry may not be in another. The term is subject to interpretation and influenced by the environment in which on is expected to operate.

There is a neat little slide show I came across on the Texas Library and Archives Commission site quite by accident (which goes to show the web can take you places you never thought of) which includes in the definition of "professionalism" specific words such as "Education", "Competencies", "Characteristics" and "Intellectualism", suggesting that "brains" is part of the the "professional character".

In her blog Linda Lord, reviews the expected behaviors of a "professional": "They tend to be cool under pressure, able to move easily between social settings and handle public events with confidence. Someone demonstrating professionalism is able to omit emotional outbursts when handling stressful situations. They maintain their focus, accept the urgency of the situation, and act responsibly when resolving difficult matters. "

Certainly, this describes more of the expected behavior than the educational or intellectual requirements of a "professional".

My two cents is that we tend to use "professionalism" and derivatives thereof in a wide range of descriptions and actually run the risk of "desensitizing" ourselves to it by overuse. I think it’s open to interpretation. We all have our own views on what is professionally acceptable and what isn’t. I’m not sure I buy into the "intellectualism" part. I think that "professionalism" comes from within. There may be educational and ethical requirements to belong to a "profession" and to be expected to behave within a documented or expected set of behaviors. I believe there are socially acceptable non-professional "professional" behaviors that we expect from "business" people, no matter what industry. I think I’m safe in including:

• Sincerity
• Honesty
• Integrity

Add to these the list of what may be expected in a given industry and you have, in my very humble opinion, a "professional".

So, with the waters muddied even further, from one professional to another, have a great week!

Dave

Articles referenced: Edward B. Toupin (writer and coach) : "Professionalism … How do I get one?", Linda Lord (Human Agriculturalist) : "What is professionalism", Texas Library and Archives Commission : "What is Professionalism?"

HANDS-FREE MARKETING: WHAT’S SO SPECIAL ABOUT YOU?

I see it on websites, in email signatures, business cards, refrigerator magnets, calendars…and lots of other places: “I appreciate referrals”, or a variation thereof.

To be quite honest, I don’t know too many businesses that don’t appreciate referrals, I’m one of them. But why should people refer me anyone? What’s so special about me that I deserve it?

If you’ve provided value, service or other benefits to you clients, you would hope that word would get around. Unfortunately it doesn’t always work that way. Sometimes people need a gentle prod to remind them.

So where am I going with this?

Tell them! If you’re so great, let them know. Why should people do business with you? Do you offer great service, dedication, commitment to your client? Do you do something that no one else does (legally I would hope)? If so, tell people what they can expect. Don’t just ask for referrals, give them a reason.

For existing clients, a little reminder…”hey, I did this for you and you were really happy”… For potential clients “hey, if you work with me you’ll get this and this and even this”….

It’s okay to “show off”, “toot your horn”, “shamelessly self-promote”. It’s not rude and it’s certainly not cliché. Your competitors are doing it, why shouldn’t you?

Next time you’re updating your email signature or card or other marketing materials, consider adding a couple of bullet points highlighting the benefits of doing business with you. You don’t just sell a product or service, you’re good at it, and for a reason.

Stand out from the crowd. You’re unique. Show them how unique. Just don’t lie or embellish too much