How to Develop a Professional Image -- Even If You Work Virtually
In this day of technology and the dreaded recordings,
insuring that you maintain a professional image is crucial
to business success.
How you come across on the phone, through your website, on
a plane or at a networking event directly impacts how
others (read "potential clients") perceive you and your
business. Especially if you ARE your business.
Here are a few tips for maintaining a professional image in
all that you do:
1. Dress for success and act the part.
If you need to attend an event or may otherwise come into
contact with potential clients, you should dress for
success. This does not mean you need to wear a suit, but
you should be well-groomed and your clothes should fit you
properly. I try to dress in the Corporate equivalent of
"business casual" when going out.
This insures that I am *ready* to meet with someone should
the occasion arise -- even on a plane. :-)
On a flight to Los Angeles last year, I was jotting down
some thoughts to clients when the gentleman sitting next to
me complimented me on my diligence and said that my boss
must be pleased with my dedication. I thanked him and said
I was. We proceeded to have a great discussion and he has
since referred many leads to me.
2. Make the telephone work for you.
Whenever possible, answer your phone during business hours.
It is so rare these days to get a "live voice" that your
caller will be immediately pleased.
You should also sit upright or walk around while on the
phone in order to inject energy into your voice. Before
every conference call, I do a few jumping jacks and toe
touches to get the blood flowing again; I am much peppier
as a result.
3. Underpromise and overdeliver -- always.
There are multitudes of companies out there and it's pretty
easy for clients to change who they do business with. In
maintaining a professional image, you want to do what you
say, when you say it (or earlier!).
The old saying of "underpromise and overdeliver" has never
been more true than it is today. If you can give
added-value to your clients, do it. This holds true for any
committees you are part of, nonprofit groups you join -- in
all situations, you want to be known as someone who always
delivers.
4. Read and reread.
I read and then reread everything I send out. Whether a
quick email or a longer note, you want to be professional
in your communications. You want your clients/potential
clients to focus on your message, not on your misspelled
words or poor grammar. It *really* does make a difference.
Always remember, the first impression is often a lasting
impression and that people do business with people -- not
with faceless entities. When people think of you/your
business, you want it to be in a complimentary manner.
