The Importance of Professionalism

Professionalism is a must for most professions, however it is especially essential in public relations. A PR professional deals with a multitude of people on a day-to-day basis whether it be something as formal as a client meeting or as informal as a greeting someone on an elevator. You never know when you may meet someone who can become an important connection therefore being polite and professional to everyone you come in contact with is key.

Here are some tips on how to boost your professionalism:

1. Keep your personal life separate from your professional life

This is a very hard thing to do, especially when you have personal relationships with people within your profession. Try to always keep it professional when there is work to get done.

2. Try to keep gossiping or ranting about others to a minimum.

This pertains to gossiping or expressing your opinions about others through social media platforms. People always find out when you are talking about them whether good or bad. 

3. Always mind your manners.

Remember your please and thank-yous in every situation you are in. 

How do you maintain your professionalism? Let us know!

Always Mind Your Manners

One of my biggest pet peeves in the professional world is when I see people around my age who don’t use proper manners in a business setting. We all learned what good manners are from our parents and school teachers, however business etiquette is a lot more than the “please and thank you” of your peanut-butter-and-jelly days.

Business manners are certainly not a popular topic covered by today’s media outlets but that doesn’t make them any less important. Manners express a sense of respect and courtesy no matter what setting you are in. They are genderless and simple. Manners may even determine if you get the job or not.

Here are some tips to refresh your business etiquette skills:

Shaking Hands: Always look the person in the eye and make sure your handshake is not too firm or not too soft. Be confident.

Holding the Door: Rule of thumb – the first person at the door should hold it open.

Introductions: Introduce a lower-ranking person to a higher-ranking person. Always apologize if you forget someone’s name.

Telephone Calls/Emails: Return calls immediately and reply to emails within one business day. This shows respect.

Texting: No matter what the situation it is ALWAYS rude and inconsiderate to text during a meeting or conversation.

Business Hours: Everyone needs time away from office life. Unless you have a dire emergency, contact people during the hours of nine to five PM only.

Co-Workers: You spend a lot of time with them; why not get to know them?

Private Conversations: Keep them private, plain and simple.

Please & Thank You: No matter how old you are, these words should always be a part of your every day vocabulary.

What are other manners you live by in your professional life? Let us know!