Quite a bit of business is simply about image. Along with image goes consistency, meaning whether or not the business lives up to its image. Consistency is where professionalism comes in. Professionalism isn’t a dry craft, it’s a lively craft of being consistent with what your customers have come to expect from you. Therefore professionalism does not necessarily mean suits and ties. It could simply mean wearing clothing which is appropriate for the venue.
Image
“How I am perceived affects who does business with me.”
Image can be deceiving, but in business that is pretty much unacceptable. If a business crafts a brand that shows it in a certain light, then it is expected to live up to that image. For instance the Hilton Hotel brand was marred by Paris. However, Paris’ marring was perfectly professional for her brand. What I mean is Paris is a expected to be basically a slut, that’s her brand, rich playboy bunny. The Hilton’s image is luxury, not smuttiness. Therefore, Paris’ image is completely unprofessional for the Hilton brand.
Consistency
“Do it the same every time.”
One of the reasons that franchises exist is consistency. I am sure what I am going to get if a visit a Pizza Hut here in Calgary, or one in Starkville, MS or Urbana, IL. Generally, greasy pizza that is often not pleasant to eat — but that’s a personal opinion. Many people love Pizza Hut’s consistency and that’s why it’s a major franchise in the United States and Canada. Therefore a major element of professionalism is consistency. Being inconsistent makes people weary, and lose trust in you. Paris Hilton never lets her fans down and neither should you.
Commitment
“My word is my bond.”
If you say you’re going to do something, you better do it. That’s just good manners, no one likes an untrustworthy person, and no one tolerates an untrustworthy business. Enough said!
Service
“Ultimately, it is about service rather than sacrifice”
Service is by far one of the most important aspects of business. People these days are tired and stressed, they need people to brighten their day, listen to what they have to say, and act on it. The customer may not always be right, but if they insist on being right, then you may have to swallow your pride and treat them as if they were right. Everyone messes up some time, how you deal with the mess is service. Being professional, not being a professional, means at times putting away your expertise and giving the customer exactly what they feel paying you for. It’s a win-win for everyone invovled.
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