Did You Hear About It?

Did You Hear About It?

The phrase "is that professional enough?" appears frequently in discussions and articles. To what extent is one's behavior professional or unprofessional, and what exactly does the term "professional" mean?

"Of, relating to, engaged in, or suitable for a profession: lawyers, doctors, and other professional people." is the real definition of "professional." As an alternative, "behaving in a professional manner"

Another excellent source for determining if a business or establishment is professional is the dictionary, which defines professional as "A skilled practitioner; an expert." In my experience, there are a lot of competent people who are not exactly polished. Despite my initial reservations, I have met numerous professionals who exude an air of self-assurance and professionalism.

Do you find it perplexing? Yes. Someone who is able to communicate with or serve their customers in a way that is suitable for them is, in my view, a professional. I remember that when working in the hospital, we were told to dress in "appropriate professional dress," but that we may be casual in the clinics. Our interpretation was that we should dress 'professionally,' meaning that we shouldn't be wearing miniskirts and tube tops, so as not to embarrass our clients.

Our outward look and our demeanor are the two most important factors in establishing a professional impression. These two subjects will be examined now.

Put on

One of the first classes I took when I began my dietetics degree dealt with fashion and hairstyles, and the memory makes me laugh to this day. The recommendation to wear spectacles for the sole purpose of projecting an air of serious studyiness sticks out in my memory.

The most important thing to consider is the impression you want to give at networking events and seminars. The way you dress and carry yourself conveys the message you wish to convey about who you are. Networking and other business events highlight the importance of treating every person you meet as a possible client or referral source.

Style isn't the only thing to think about when dressing professionally. Color, fabric, fit, and accessories are other important considerations. While keeping up with trends is a good idea, remember the message you want to convey. While short skirts, thick soles, and extra-long sleeves are all the rage at parties, would you wear something like that to a business meeting? Take note of the attire of those in attendance at the next function you go to. Next, watch how they act, how they engage with others at the event, and the words they choose to use.

A marketing seminar was something I went to a few months back. What we now call "business casual" was the norm for most of us. All but one woman sported sweatpants. She failed to project an air of authority and seemed completely out of place. Also, nobody really made an effort to strike up a conversation with her.

Is it mandatory that we constantly keep our jackets on? In some cases, yes. But there are six times when a jacket is a good choice for any woman, says Professional Imagine Consultant (http://www.professionalimagedress.com/). A few examples are;

1. At the initial client meeting.

During a presentation, for example.

3. During gatherings.

In the course of an interview (or while being interrogated).

5. If your workplace welcomes walk-in clients.

6. When you stand before the judge.

Supplementary components

I don't want to come out as one of those teachers who constantly harped on the need of hair, makeup, perfume, and jewelry in projecting an image of professionalism, but I will say this: these accessories greatly impact first impressions. Everything need to be understated and a nice match for our outfit, skin tone, and figure. No one should be able to look at your dyed hair and think, "How did you get that color?" or feel the need to run away from you due to your overpowering scent. Never let the color of your lips or nails spark a discussion. Each of these should enhance your overall appearance in a subtle way. Being trendy and on-trend is important, but not to the exclusion of all else that is fitting for the occasion.

Professional conduct

How you carry yourself and engage with people is equally crucial as how you look. If you want to project an air of authority and trustworthiness through your clothing, your behavior should mirror it. Every expert that reads this post is clearly knowledgeable in their field, I am certain of it. But the deciding factor will be your delivery. A staggering 70% of other people's impressions of you are based on your professional image and presence.

Tell me more about proper business protocol. A key component of good manners is projecting an air of seriousness that begs to be taken seriously. Being yourself with other people and making them feel the same way is key. Being confident, or at least giving the impression that you are, is what this is all about.

Being kind and polite to people is an important part of business etiquette. The finer points include things like being on time, answering calls, addressing people properly, introducing yourself, avoiding disruptions, acting appropriately (formally or informally), making small conversation to reassure a new customer, or not making any small talk at all.

Maintaining order and consistency in your billing and services will keep clients impressed with your professionalism. Is there an invoice somewhere? Is it standard practice to contact new customers to remind them of their initial appointment? When calling when you are unavailable, can prospective customers leave a message? Did I ask if you respond calls quickly? When you see that person, no matter where you are, can you give them your full attention? Regardless of the setting, these are all crucial components in projecting an image of professionalism to current and potential prospects.

Gather business cards from people and jot down notes on their backs to help you remember details about them when you're networking. Looking at the back of their card might help you remember something from your talk with them in case they contact you to request your services. A new client and recommendations could be on the horizon thanks to that single action. Make sure you follow through on any promises you make to people you meet at these types of events. There is no such thing as bad behavior if one simply treats others the way they deserve to be treated.

What really matters in making clients feel like they're dealing with a professional is the message you want to send through your interactions, appearance, and the service you offer. Whether you're in a gym, a yoga studio, a coffee shop, or even a client's or your own house, you can present yourself as very credible, dependable, serious, and professional. You and that initial impression are more important than the setting when it comes to making a good impression. Your clients will never forget the specifics of your first visit's attire, but they will always remember the steps you took to assist them in reaching their objectives.

No way!

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