How to Project Professionalism

In today’s world, you are unlikely to get far without an air of professionalism. It is the look and feel of confidence and the ability to get the job done well. It's important in the work world, even if you work from home, to project a professional attitude. Employers want to feel that their employees can handle the job. They want to feel comfortable knowing that their employees will put forth their best foot when meeting with a client, even if it's over the phone or in a memo. In the world of telecommuting and freelancing from home how can you do this? The rules are a bit different since you're working from home, but you can master the techniques just as easily as you would if working outside of the home.

Projecting a professional physical image isn't going to be as much in the forefront with work from home employees, although it may come into play sometimes. If you have to go to meeting occasionally with your boss or co-workers or a client, you absolutely must make certain you are dressed professionally. This means different things depending on what you do for a living. Regardless, make sure you look put together, neat and styled appropriately. If you are a legal assistant, this may mean wearing a business suit to a meeting or the office, even if you work in your pajamas at home. If you are a freelance artist, you might look silly in a business suit to meet a client, but you still need to look professional. This is part of projecting confidence. Whether we like it or not, we need to appear to fit in to the professional expectations that are common for our job. Other ways to look professional physically are to always stand and sit straight, but stay relaxed. Shake hands firmly and make eye contact.

In a work from home situation, your words, either spoken or written, and your tone of voice will mean a great deal. If you never meet face to face with clients or employers, clear, clean words, whether spoken or written are essential. Good grammar and spelling are equally important. In speaking with someone, don't interrupt and don't be forceful, arrogant or flippant. Know how to hold a pleasant, businesslike conversation. Say what you mean and be succinct. If you need time to come up with an answer to a question, simply say, "I need time to consider that. I can give you an answer later today." Don't be vague. Your "voice" in emails and memos should be the same. Succinct and to the point, using good grammar and punctuation. If you are unsure of spelling or grammar, run the memo or email through your spell checker.

Here's a good trick for speaking on the phone. Smile when you answer the phone and when you say your good byes. It will show up on the other end - no kidding, and you will sound not only professional, but also happy to be speaking with the person on the other end (whether you are or not). When offered a compliment on your work, say "Thank you." Do not put yourself down ever in any way. If you make a mistake, own up to it, offer to fix it and let it go.

These are the basic rules for looking and sounding professional. Keep these in mind in your daily interactions - you'll be glad you did.

Posted:Thursday, November 01, 2007