Sample Traits of a Professional:

1) Knowledgeable about their specific area of expertise
2) Possesses exceptional verbal and written communication skills
3) Effective listener maintaining eye contact
4) Dressed in appropriate manner for each type of encounter
5) Genuinely interested in building win-win relationships

Telephone Etiquette:

1) Treats every caller with respect
2) Speaks clearly, at a moderate pace and is concise
3) Listens attentively to what the caller is saying without interrupting
4) Uses the caller's name whenever possible, especially at the end of the conversation when thanking them for calling
5) Wraps up the call with a "call to action" summary

E-Mail Etiquette:

1) Reads the e-mail from a reader's perspective before sending it to avoid errors and tone miscommunication
2) Uses proper sentence structure – not text message format
3) Answers all questions in one e-mail if possible
4) Uses short sentences filled with meaningful words
5) Personalizes each e-mail

Dress for Success:

1) Limits physical distractions such as jewelry
2) Uses fragrances sparsely or avoids totally
3) Wears solid colours with subtle matching accessories
4) Trims nails and keeps hair away from eyes
5) Wears scuff-free comfortable shoes

Introduction Styles:

1) Uses enticing words to summarize their type of business
2) Forms a mental picture when someone introduces themselves in order to recall their name
3) Asks the person what type of people they are looking to meet and makes an effort to introduce them to people they know matching that description
4) Uses the standard handshake unless they notice another style being practiced
5) Looks the person in the eye when they are being introduced to them and acknowledges them appropriately (e.g. smile)

Professionals are authentic, honest, reliable, credible and utilize the highest standard of ethics when conducting themselves in both a business and personal environment.

How would you rate yourself as a professional?Do others view you as someone they want to get to know and conduct business with?Rate yourself and your business on a regular basis to avoid complacency and the formation of bad habits that are hard to break.

Copyright Class Act Connections 2011.All rights reserved.Joyce Hansen works with entrepreneurs to customize branding programs for themselves and their businesses and can be reached at 905-278-0952 or joyceh@classactconnections.com