PROCUREMENT FRAUD
March 11, 2023
ETIQUETTE IN MEETINGS
March 13, 2023
OFFICE ETIQUETTE – PROFESSIONAL IMAGE
Being thought of as a professional in your field takes a lot more than doing your work well. Even if you are good at what you do, you may find it difficult to reach the type of success you strive for unless you are also considered to be professional by others. The following are points to remember when you are creating your own professional image:
ü Always show respect for senior management and be loyal to them. They lay down the company rules and set the tone of the workplace and the relationships within it. They also uphold the image of the company.
ü Show respect for your colleagues generally. You will quickly earn theirs’ if you do.
ü Do not make people wait. Be on time for meetings and appointments. If you are going to be late, contact the person and inform them.
ü Dress according to your company’s requirements. If the company has no dress code policy, dress in the same manner as senior management.
There are many different factors that go into creating a professional and well-respected image. While each individual factor can help increase your success, together these elements can create a professional and sought-after image your clients and potential clients will appreciate.
Quality of Work
It’s obvious that in order to be considered a professional by clients and peers, you need to work hard and be good at what you do. You may consider this to be the foundation for your entire image. Factors that you should focus on as part of your professional image:
Responsiveness and customer service
The level of importance you place on your clients is an important element of creating a
professional persona. Some facets of responsiveness and customer service may include:
- Being willing to go the extra mile to make your clients happy
- Responding to e-mail and phone messages promptly
- Following up with clients after a project to ask for their feedback
- Being willing to make recommendations and off er solutions to problems
Accountability
Holding yourself accountable can be challenging at times, but if you do it successfully,
you will gain the respect of others. This means that although you should take credit and
celebrate successes, you also need to face your role in any failures and shortcomings,
without excuses.
Overall presentation
Essentially, your presentation is responsible for making a solid fi rst impression and getting potential clients moved to the next level. This can be your web site, marketing materials, proposals and project plans, portfolio, voicemail message, e-mail signature, your look and voice when you meet with clients, and any element that puts you in front of your prospects.
Communication and listening ability
The way you communicate, verbally and in written form, tells a lot about who you are and how you work. Being clear, concise, respectful and responsive is vital for success. And don’t forget about the importance of listening to your clients and taking the time to hear and understand what they are saying.
Social networking personas
While your profiles on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram on your blog and other networking sites also play a role in your overall presentation, they deserve individual attention. What you say in those forums may feel informal and relaxed, but keep in mind that these outlets can work against you if you’re not being consistently professional and genuine.
Reputation
Although sometimes we’d all like to ignore what others think of us, your reputation can go a long way in supporting (or hurting) your professional image. That’s why it’s so important to treat others with respect and honesty, even if you would never consider working or collaborating with them.
