Just because someone's been in business for a while doesn't necessarily make him or her a professional. He could just be someone who's been in business for a long time....period.
So what makes a pro, if not longevity? Here are six signs. See if they apply to anyone you know. These are the type of colleagues (and clients) you want in your database and your life.
A Pro returns phone calls (and answer e-mails)
He's not above picking up the phone or responding to an e-mail. Could be he remembers when he was starting out and how it felt to be treated like someone who wasn't worth a phone call.
Or maybe he knows that what goes around comes around. Trite? Maybe. But very often true. Whatever the reason, it takes only a few minutes to make a call. Even if you just call to say, "thanks, appreciate your call, but I already have a great accountant."
A Pro doesn't talk down to others.
He knows that the stranger sitting on the other side of the table may have some information he could use. Or may know some people who could use his services. Or could become a terrific business resource...or maybe a good friend. Whatever it is, a pro generally has enough confidence to treat others with respect and kindness.
A Pro listens.
Some people are always talking. You've met them. They're so busy talking about themselves (and their latest achievement) that they don't hear what anyone else has to say.
Not a sign of a pro. A pro is smart enough to know he doesn't know everything. There's always something new to be learned. If you're too busy talking, you'll miss it. See #2.
A Pro is always eager to learn something new.
He's savvy enough to know there're always new methods of doing something -- better ways of managing his business, faster processes, money-saving methods, etc. And he's aware of how important it is to stay current...not only about what's going on within his own industry, but in others around him. A pro knows it's not just about his own immediate world.
A Pro values relationships.
He's aware that you never know when you'll need a friend...a job...a loan...some support....some business contacts. A pro nurtures relationships, not because he uses people but because he values them.
A Pro knows it's not all about work.
Ten years ago, it might have been....in fact, it probably was. More recently, the dotcom boom (and bust) saw people working days on end....sleeping at work, working weekends, all chasing after the golden stock option....the buyout.
Things have changed. Maybe it started with 9/11 and the realization that life is fragile. Whatever the catalyst, take a look at some of the people you've met within the past year who've suddenly decided to "opt out" of their careers. They're the ones taking jobs for less money in return for shorter or less stressful work weeks. Maybe they're opting for flex-time or telecommuting or extended child or elder care leave. Whatever it is, they're making time for the rest of their lives. And most of them are pros.
Because a pro knows that family, friends, and outside interests are part of a well - rounded life. And he also knows that if he's spending every waking minute away from work thinking about work, he's not going to be too effective for very long.
So learn from the pros. They've made mistakes that you don't have to. Find a mentor, read some biographies of successful business people, start a discussion group with some colleagues. Wouldn't you rather be a pro than just someone who's had a job for a long time?
Rickey Gold & Associates is a small, hands-on marketing communication firm that works closely with clients to identify, reach, entice and sell to their target markets.
